The Utility Room

Mary Nitschke
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    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!

    33 min

  2. 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!

    29 min

  3. Jun 9

    22 - The Three Forces Driving Real Estate’s Transformation

    Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ joins industry leader and MIT researcher, Steve Weikal https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-weikal/ to discuss the transformative trends in real estate, focusing on technology, climate impacts, and innovative repurposing of existing buildings, especially in multifamily.In this episode:- The role of MIT’s real estate transformation lab in advancing industry solutions- How climate change impacts real estate, particularly in hurricane-prone areas- The concept of "built environment transition" and trends like AI, electrification, and remote work- Opportunities in repurposing office buildings into residential spaces using new tools and data- How shorter lease models and flexible living are transforming multifamily dynamics- The potential of existing infrastructure for sustainable redevelopment- The analogy of real estate evolution from segregated uses to integrated "plates"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Transformation05:21 The Impact of Climate Change on Real Estate08:28 Built Environment Transition and Technology11:23 Changing Dynamics in Multifamily Housing14:18 Repurposing Existing Real Estate17:26 The Future of Urban Living20:28 Conclusion and ReflectionsThis 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!

    28 min

  4. Jun 2

    21 - The First Thing to Look at When You Take Over a Property

    Explore how utility management and sustainability practices can significantly enhance property value and operational efficiency in multifamily housing. With insights from seasoned industry professional Mark Copeland https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-copeland-993a591a9/, and The Utility Room host, Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/, this episode brings practical strategies and future trends shaping the industry.This episode is brought to you by PlugOp https://www.linkedin.com/company/plugop/. EV charging in multifamily doesn't have to be complicated. PlugOp is the expert, so you don't have to be.As an end-to-end partner for multifamily portfolio owners and operators, PlugOp helps you launch charging programs that actually work. Starting with the planning phase, they provide the in-house research that powers their proprietary portfolio-wide intelligence reports, which determines exactly where chargers need to go and how many you truly need, all based on actual demand, local regulation, and available insights.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-sponsorshipIn this episode:- How utility management and conservation efforts impact NOI and property valuation- The evolution of energy and water efficiency in Texas and across the US- Practical retrofits, including solar lighting and water leak detection- The role of data analysis in identifying utility challenges and opportunities- The importance of proactive regulatory compliance and leveraging financial incentives- Insights into multi-use conversions, such as hotels to multifamily, with energy-saving upgrades- Future trends in utility management driven by renewable energy and smart systemsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:54 Mark Copeland's Career Journey in Multifamily04:01 The Evolution of Utility Management in Texas06:54 Retrofitting Properties for Energy and Water Savings09:35 Identifying Low-Hanging Fruits in Utility Data12:44 The Role of Utility Management Advisory Group17:39 Future Trends in Utility Management and Conservation21:35 Converting Hotel Rooms to Multifamily with Retrofits23:23 Closing Remarks and Industry Outlook🔔 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!

    27 min

  5. May 26

    20 - Whole-Building Data Shouldn’t Be Like Las Vegas: What Happens In-Unit Shouldn’t Stay In-Unit

    Discover how AvalonBay is leveraging utility data and sustainability initiatives to enhance building performance, resident satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Join us as Marta Schantz https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-schantz/ shares insights on data-driven decisions, challenges, and innovative strategies in the evolving landscape of multifamily real estate.This 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-awarenessKey Topics- The importance of holistic utility data collection for building performance and NOI- How resident energy consumption data influences sustainability and resident satisfaction- Challenges with utility data access, validation, and analysis (split incentives, data lag)- The role of infrastructure like Green Button and online benchmarking tools- Practical applications: resident campaigns, smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances- The shift towards performance-based metrics in sustainability and investment decisionsTimestamps00:41 - The urgent need for property managers to keep pace with energy market volatility0:52 - How EnergyCX saves clients 15-20% on energy costs through smarter data use1:23 - Protecting energy portfolios against volatility1:29 - Introducing Marta Schantz and her role in sustainability at AvalonBay2:39 - Marta’s background in green building and her journey into real estate3:28 - Overview of AvalonBay’s size, markets, and vertical integration4:16 - The benefit of owning and managing full lifecycle of properties5:04 - The advantage of a vertically integrated approach for sustainability strategies5:43 - The analogy of industry “Las Vegas approach” to apartment energy use6:13 - The value and approach toward resident utility data6:25 - Moving from avoiding to running toward resident data7:20 - How resident data impacts Net Operating Income (NOI) and financial value8:11 - Resident data’s role in resident retention, affordability, and satisfaction9:13 - Increasing resident concern over utility costs amidst rising energy prices9:59 - The growing importance of sustainability features in tenant preferences10:18 - Regulatory compliance and benchmarking with utility data11:22 - Challenges of accessing and analyzing unit-level utility data11:56 - The industry’s “slow dance” with utility providers and data sharing hurdles14:24 - Difficulties in interpreting raw utility data and validation issues15:13 - The importance of quality control procedures in data analysis16:00 - Infrastructure like Green Button making utility data more accessible16:44 - AvalonBay’s use of utility data in asset management and strategic decisions17:45 - The significance of whole-building data for effective operations and investments19:45 - Operational insights from performance data, such as resident education and smart devices21:33 - Future outlook: a shift towards performance-based metrics and improved energy performance standards🔔 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!

    24 min

  6. May 19

    19 - Every Sustainability Report is a Precious Snowflake of Goodness

    Exploring Sustainability and Innovation in Real Estate with Chris Pyke https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispyke/. Discover how data-driven strategies, sector-specific metrics, and global leadership are transforming the way we approach sustainability in real estate. Join Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ as she interviews Chris Pyke, a leading environmental scientist and Chief Innovation Officer at GRESB, to uncover insights on energy efficiency, performance measurement, and the future of green building standards.Main Topics- The value and challenges of utility visibility in multifamily housing- GRESB’s standards: evolving metrics for real estate sustainability- The road to performance and measurement-based benchmarks- Sector-specific adaptations: tailored metrics for multifamily and other asset classes- Understanding and navigating the complexities of net zeroGlobal leadership and innovative practices in sustainability from Canada and Australia- How institutional investor strategies drive real estate decarbonizationThis 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=theutilityroomTimestamps:00:41 - The importance of utility visibility in multifamily buildings01:20 - Introduction to Chris Pyke, sustainability expert and innovation leader03:08 - Chris’s origin story and passion for environmental science and real estate04:15 - How land use decisions influence urban growth and sustainability05:07 - Chris’s experience with real estate operations and building management06:15 - The leverage of capital markets and investor-driven change in sustainability07:41 - GRESB's role in standardizing sustainability metrics globally09:17 - The purpose of GRESB’s ratings and the language of sustainability scores10:17 - The risk of traditional sustainability reports and the shift toward performance metrics13:21 - Updating GRESB standards to emphasize real-world performance starting 202715:00 - Sector-specific metrics: tailoring standards for multifamily and other asset types16:30 - Limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach in real estate measurement17:54 - Developing sector-specific engagement, especially for multifamily housing20:07 - The concept of net zero: energy efficiency, decarbonization, and practical definitions21:26 - Advantages of low-volatility, domestically sourced renewable energy23:06 - The challenges and evolving landscape of net zero terminology and risks24:48 - Global leadership in sustainability: Canadian and Australian strategies26:26 - The influence of Canadian pension funds and Australian developers on sustainable practices27:49 - Closing thoughts and opportunities for further engagement in 🔔 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!

    29 min

  7. May 13

    18 - If You Do It Right, They Don’t Want to Leave

    In this insightful interview, Cory Miller https://www.linkedin.com/in/corymillert/, CEO of PlugOp https://www.linkedin.com/company/plugop/, shares expert insights on EV charging in multifamily communities. Discover how strategic planning, real-time diagnostics, and human-centered support are transforming the industry and enhancing resident experiences. Key Topics:- EV charging demand forecasting and demand accuracy- Infrastructure costs and regulation impacts in EV deployment- Practical steps for developers to optimize energy use and reduce costs- Resident experience and support in EV charging- Energy management strategies and remote diagnostics- Upgrading existing EV infrastructure for modern needs- How in-house support enhances resident relationships- The emotional impact of personalized interactions with residents Chapters00:00 Introduction to Electric Vehicle Charging Innovations02:47 Cory's Vision for EV Charging Solutions02:55 Cory Miller's Journey into EV Charging19:08 EV Charging Regulations and New Construction23:20 Energy Management Practices for Cost Savings23:50 The Importance of Human Connection in Support Services25:21 Building Relationships with Prospective Residents25:28 Navigating AI in Customer Support26:38 Advancements in EV Charging Technology27:38 Enhancing Human Interaction through Technology This episode is brought to you by PlugOp https://www.linkedin.com/company/plugop/. EV charging in multifamily doesn't have to be complicated. PlugOp is the expert, so you don't have to be.As an end-to-end partner for multifamily portfolio owners and operators, PlugOp helps you launch charging programs that actually work. Starting with the planning phase, they provide the in-house research that powers their proprietary portfolio-wide intelligence reports, which determines exactly where chargers need to go and how many you truly need, all based on actual demand, local regulation, and available insights. 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! #Multifamily #sustainability #EVCharging #GreenEnergy #ElectricVehicles

    29 min

  8. May 5

    17 - From Due Diligence to Disposition: Modeling the Building Lifecycle

    In this episode, Christopher Naismith https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophernaismith/and Mary Nitschke explore how energy markets are evolving, the importance of practical sustainability strategies, and how AI is transforming building performance modeling. He emphasizes that decarbonization is less about reaction and more about proactive capital planning. Buildings are like living organisms—each component has a 20-year life cycle, meaning regular modernization is essential. You can't simply retrofit in the moment; you must anticipate future technology shifts and code changes.Join us for insights on future-proofing multifamily assets and leveraging government incentives for financial gains.This 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-awarenessChapters00:00 The Origin of Audette and Market Insights04:44 Understanding ESG: Challenges and Opportunities06:37 Decarbonization vs. Energy Efficiency: Key Distinctions09:31 Proactive Strategies for Future-Proofing Assets12:36 Leveraging Demand Response for Financial Benefits15:38 The Role of AI in Decarbonization Efforts🔔 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!#UtilityRoom #UtilityInsights #Multifamily #ESG #sustainability #decarbonization #energyefficiency

    22 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mary Nitschke
  • Show Website
    The Utility Room

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