The Utility Room

Mary Nitschke

Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.

  1. 6d ago

    30 - Count the Pennies or Lose the Dollars

    Discover how decades of multifamily experience and a focus on sustainability intersect, as Scott Wilkerson https://www.linkedin.com/in/dswnc/ sits down with Mary Nitschke and shares practical approaches for integrating environmental initiatives with financial returns in multifamily housing. This episode explores the surprising co-benefits of energy efficiency, strategic utility management, and industry advocacy to boost property value and resident satisfaction.In this episode:Sustainability as an asset management strategyUtility management best practicesWater and energy conservation techniquesLegal and regulatory challenges in utility billingInnovative use of blower door testing for fire safety and efficiencyBuilding a database of sustainability best practicesChapters00:00 Introduction to Scott Wilkerson and his expertise01:54 How sustainability influences asset value and investment04:06 The evolution of energy efficiency testing and its benefits06:05 Unintended benefits of blower door testing: fire safety and insulation07:54 Cost savings and resident benefits from energy efficiency10:00 Managing utility costs and communicating value to investors12:01 Legal battles for utility submetering and billing laws14:06 The importance of water conservation and direct metering16:00 Common utility management mistakes and how to avoid them19:57 Building a database of sustainability best practices24:01 Key best practices for utility management and conservation26:04 The impact of utility management on bottom-line performanceThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  2. Jul 28

    29 - From Back-of-House to Bottom Line: Rethinking Trash

    Jana Alfiero https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-alfiero/ joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ to explore the critical importance of waste management in multifamily communities and how strategic waste programs can improve resident satisfaction and impact the bottom line.In this episode:Impact of waste management on property NOIOperational challenges and hidden costs in trash disposalDesign and development considerations for waste enclosuresResident perception and trash area visibilityProactive vs reactive waste management strategiesImpact of waste programs on workman's compensation costsChapters00:00 Introduction to Jana Alfiero and Waste Wiz Consulting00:31 Jana's journey from waste operator to consultant01:01 The impact of waste management on NOI and operational costs02:47 Transitioning from operational to consulting insights04:37 Misconceptions about waste management in multifamily05:04 The importance of proper waste management programs from development to operation06:12 The cost of poor waste management on resident perception and leasing07:25 Design considerations for waste enclosures during renovations08:49 Operational challenges with waste during renovations and overflow10:19 Hidden costs in waste programs and service engagement12:10 How waste management affects resident experience and property value13:40 Strategies for sustainable waste practices and overflow prevention16:30 Immediate actions for operators to improve waste programs18:21 The importance of proactive waste management and future planningThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  3. Jul 21

    28 - BPS is a National Movement Happening on a Very Localized Level

    Ryan Holmes https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-holmes-350a141a/ , CEO of GreenT Climate Software, shares insights on how regulation is transforming the multifamily real estate industry, the opportunities it presents, and how technology can help navigate these changes.Ryan and Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ discuss the the positive signal regulation sends about industry direction, including investor expectations, and the financial impact of regulation on ROI, purchase prices, and operational efficiency. Ryan shares tools and solutions to manage data quality and regulatory adherence.In this episode:Impact of building performance standards on real estateHow regulation drives operational efficiency and valueThe role of technology and data in complianceIndustry evolution and local vs federal regulationOpportunities in climate tech for multifamilyChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction04:08 Ryan Holmes' Origin Story and Industry Need07:18 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Climate Tech Company09:26 Changes in Industry Approach to Building Performance Standards11:00 Industry Movement from Experimental to National Adoption13:10 Regulation as a Signal for Industry Trends15:20 Financial Impact of Regulation on ROI and Payback Periods18:22 Operational Changes and Cost Savings in Multifamily19:20 The Evolving Role of Sustainability in Multifamily Operations22:55 Closing Remarks and Future OutlookThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  4. Jul 14

    27 - Your Apartment Community Is Becoming a Gas Station

    *Content Warning: non-graphic mention of gun violenceJames Stewart https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-stewart-55b35462/ shares his journey from multifamily operations to leading EV charging initiatives, highlighting innovative strategies for retrofitting properties, leveraging grants, and marketing EV amenities to residents. Discover how future-proofing infrastructure and understanding resident needs can drive revenue and enhance property value.In this episode:- James Stewart's career journey from maintenance to EV leadership- Life-changing incident that led to a career path transition- Strategies for retrofitting existing properties with EV chargers- Leveraging grants and rebates to reduce infrastructure costs- Marketing EV amenities to attract and retain residents- Future-proofing electrical infrastructure for scalability- The importance of resident experience in EV adoption- Revenue models for EV charging in multifamily communities- Challenges and lessons learned from EV deploymentChapters00:00 James Stewart's Journey: From Porter to VP05:18 Content Warning: non-graphic mention of gun violence08:13 Transitioning to EV Charging: A New Challenge11:13 Learning the EV Landscape: From Bronco to Tesla12:08 The Realities of EV Charging: A Personal Experience15:16 The Business Case for EV Charging18:17 Marketing EV Charging: A Necessity for Properties24:12 Future-Proofing and Expanding EV InfrastructureThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  5. Jul 7

    26 - The Carrot vs Stick of Renewable Adoption

    Logan Carter https://www.linkedin.com/in/logancarter/, Co-Founder of Ivy Energy, joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ on The Utility Room to share insights into the complexities of deploying solar in multifamily settings, the role of regulation, and future industry trends. Whether you're a property owner, developer, or sustainability enthusiast, discover actionable insights to navigate and thrive in the evolving solar landscape.Key Topics:Logan's background and personal motivation driven by nature and teamwork, symbolized by his spirit animal, the wolfThe core challenges of solar adoption in multifamily housing, especially the split incentive issueHow on-site renewable deployment and VNEM (Virtual Net Energy Metering) operate, including market and utility considerationsThe impact of regulation—both as a carrot and a stick—on solar adoption and industry growthDebunking common solar misconceptions, such as impacts on vegetation and bird safetyThe future of solar: from rising utility rates and microgrids to energy storage and policy fights in CaliforniaThe importance of incentives, like the ITC (Investment Tax Credit), and the growing role of battery storageEmerging trends: stabilizing costs with energy storage, time-of-use rates, and virtual power plantsChapters00:00 Introduction to Logan Carter and Ivy Energy04:50 Challenges in Solar for Multifamily Housing06:33 Understanding VNEM and Its Role in Solar09:13 The Impact of Regulation on Solar Adoption12:22 Debunking Myths Surrounding Solar Energy15:24 Future Trends in Solar Energy18:18 The Role of Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants21:16 Conclusion and How to Connect with LoganThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  6. Jun 30

    25 - Real Estate Has an Energy Problem It Doesn’t Understand Yet

    Mary Nitschke hosts Evan Caron https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanc1/ and Philip Krim https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-krim/ to explore the transformative landscape of energy, utilities, and the future of the electron economy. They discuss innovations in energy infrastructure, the role of real estate in energy transition, and the visionary projects shaping a sustainable future.In this episode:- Energy transition and infrastructure- Role of real estate in energy innovation- Montauk's venture studio and investment strategy- Challenges in energy supply chain and permitting- Vision for multi-generational energy platformsChapters00:00 Superhero Origins: A Journey into Energy09:09 The Electron Economy: Transforming Energy14:43 Real Estate's Resistance to Change20:00 Innovating Through the Venture Studio22:11 Legacy and Impact: Building a Sustainable FutureThis episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  7. Jun 23

    24 - No Building Is An Island

    In this engaging interview, Breana Wheeler, https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanawheeler/, Director of Operations at BREEAM-USA, shares her journey from a young sustainability enthusiast to a leader in building science and green certifications. Discover how her work with BRE and BREEAM is transforming the real estate industry through science-backed sustainability standards, innovative technologies, and community resilience strategies.In this episode:- Breana Wheeler’s origin story and her early environmental activism- The evolution of building certifications from marketing tools to trust-and-verify frameworks- The scope of BREEAM’s standards across the entire building lifecycle: new, in use, and renovation- The importance of performance measurement and verification in sustainable buildings- How certifications influence asset value, tenant trust, and community resilience- Innovations in data center technologies that can be applied to broader building applications- The critical role of resilience and community collaboration in adapting to climate change- The promising future driven by science, technology, and holistic sustainability approachesChapters00:00 Breana's Origin Story and Passion for Sustainability09:02 The Popularity of Sustainability in Real Estate15:03 Understanding BREEAM Certification20:57 The Business Case for Sustainability Certification26:55 Innovations in Sustainability and Resilience31:08 The Future of Sustainability in CommunitiesThis episode is brought to you by PlugOp.When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

  8. Jun 16

    23 - Stop Talking About Rent. Start Talking About Survival.

    Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ joins industry leader Bob Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobsimpson42/ to talk about impact principles in multifamily housing, the importance of affordability, and innovative water and energy management strategies. They explore how industry standards, technology, and behavioral insights can create sustainable, affordable communities while maximizing investor returns.Key Topics:-Impact principles in multifamily housing-Industry standards for impact investing-Water and energy management strategies-Affordability and sustainability in housingChapters00:00 Introduction to the Multifamily Impact Council05:43 Defining Impact in Multifamily Housing08:59 The Importance of Affordability12:01 Utility Costs and Their Impact on Affordability14:54 Addressing Water Consumption and Leaks17:44 Behavioral Economics in Utility Management20:52 Conclusion and Future ConversationsThis episode is brought to you by Energy CX. Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

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About

Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Nitschke
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mary Nitschke
  • Show Website
    The Utility Room

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