BUILDINGS Podcast

The Extended Reality Lab, or XR Lab, is a space where students can learn on a VR headset, watch a guest lecture on a video wall or broadcast their motion capture in real time.

Poor indoor air quality can affect students’ ability to learn and pay attention in school. What are the key drivers of poor IAQ in schools—and what can school facilities teams do about them?

Commercial facilities are an appealing target for cyberattacks, and every building system connected to the internet is at risk of being hacked. Learn about the precautions you can implement in our latest ICYMI podcast.

Oil fouling is a normal phenomenon that can reduce the energy efficiency of your HVAC system and cause it to work harder to deliver conditioned air. Learn what you can do to treat oil buildup.

FM, IT and security have been siloed from each other historically. Dive into our latest ICYMI podcast to discover how to work together more effectively.

Adaptive reuse has been a hallmark of sustainable design for a long time, but often, only the core and shell are reused—the rest is gutted. Learn more about the cycle of reuse and what’s making it possible to extend the lifespan of interiors.

Buildings have an outsized impact on our mental health. What does that mean for owners and managers? Learn more in our ICYMI podcast.

The Biden Administration announced a proposal that would speed up the transition to electric vehicles dramatically by imposing new pollution standards for cars and trucks. What are the implications for drivers, and what are the implications for people who own and manage commercial buildings?

The new release of ASHRAE 90.1 is here, and with it comes a host of changes to the landmark energy efficiency standard. Learn about the updates your jurisdiction may soon adopt in our ICYMI podcast.

American Nevada Company recently won its fifth consecutive local TOBY Award. Natalie Allred, vice president of property management, joins editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to talk about what it takes to win a TOBY and how listeners can position their own buildings for TOBY success.

Decarbonization is the logical next step for operating buildings sustainably. In our new In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) podcast feature, check out tips to help you start your journey.

COVID has exacerbated the phenomenon of “zombie offices”—underutilized office buildings that are sitting nearly empty. One potential solution is turning these structures into multifamily housing via adaptive reuse.

Spring storms are striking earlier this year due to the La Niña conditions. That means you need to prepare now to reduce the impact on your buildings. Join editor in chief Janelle Penny and Chuck Miccolis, managing director of commercial lines for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), for research-backed preparedness guidance that will empower you to prepare your properties before severe weather strikes.

Building occupants are concerned about the air they’re breathing, but how do you know what’s in the air? Learn about your solutions for correcting issues, from ventilation and filtration to air purifiers and more, with Sissi Liu, cofounder and CEO of Metalmark.

In this third and final episode in our three-part series on sustainable design, we hone in on the higher education market to learn how colleges and universities are meeting aggressive sustainability targets.

There is a myriad of ecolabels, third-party certification programs and green building rating systems on the market—enough to make an architect's or designer's head spin. In this episode, we sit down with a few industry experts to discuss the tools and programs that are available to help building professionals reduce their environmental footprints in the battle against climate change.

What’s on deck for HVAC in 2023? Join editor in chief Janelle Penny and Doug Bougher, director of applied sales for LG Electronics USA, to hear about 2023’s top commercial trends and learn which technologies will become more popular as the industry moves toward decarbonization and electrification.

In this first of a three-part series on sustainability, we assess where the A&D industry is in the fight against climate change and how we can accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality. In this episode, Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen sits down with Jay Valgora, principal and founder of STUDIO V, and Jonce Walker, global director of sustainability and wellness at HLW, for a lively conversation in which they shared their passion for and perspectives on how to design for the new climate reality.

Technology advancements and data analytics are making it possible to improve safety and efficiency in parking facilities to create a hassle-free parking experience. Josh Feinberg of ABM joins editor in chief Janelle Penny to explain how parking facility operators can find new ways to navigate parking challenges and capitalize on new opportunities.

The healthcare industry is in a season of rapid change. What do healthcare facility teams need to know? Join BUILDINGS editor in chief Janelle Penny and Minta Ferguson of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture to explore what healthcare facilities staffs can expect in the coming years.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 contains a major incentive for commercial building owners and managers in the form of changes to the 179D deduction. Learn about the new changes to 179D with editor in chief Janelle Penny and Chris O’Neal, a senior manager with Marcum LLP.

The Department of Energy recently published a notice of intent to provide $225 million for state and local governments to improve energy efficiency and resiliency in commercial buildings. At the same time, lawmakers in several major cities are enacting legislation to require more efficient buildings and lower carbon emissions. What do these critical developments mean for building owners and managers? Join editor in chief Janelle Penny and Nikki Mehta, director of energy and sustainability for Honeywell Building Technologies, to learn more.

In this episode of the Buildings podcast, guests Janet Pogue, principal and global workplace research leader for Gensler’s DC office and Natalie Engels, principal, work sector leader and design director in the firm’s San Jose office to talk about Gensler’s 2022 Design Forecast. In this insightful conversation, Pogue and Engels explore how "The Great Disruption" has impacted the way architects and designers are looking at space now and in what ways will it impact the office. They also answer questions about how we design for sustainability and health now, and how do we ensure the built environment is flexible enough to deal with the kind of ongoing change we’re seeing?

Need to specify a durable, corrosion-resistant solution to define perimeters, connect spaces or complement your existing design? Cable railings may be the solution for you. Join BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny and Ultra-tec marketing director Lindsey Fox to explore the benefits and opportunities of cable infill. This podcast was created in partnership with Ultra-tec.

Traveled lately? You may have seen information about hotels, convention centers or arenas pursuing GBAC STAR accreditation. Learn more about this designation and find out about an upcoming educational opportunity featuring actionable advice on keeping facilities clean. 

What’s trending in the world of HVAC? Listen in and find out! Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president of LG Electronics USA, Air Conditioning Technologies, joins BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny at the AHR Expo to chat about today’s HVAC trends. 

* This podcast was created in partnership with LG.

The manufacturing and consumption of widely used refrigerants known as hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, will be phased down over the next 15 years to reduce the refrigerants’ climate impact. How will that affect building owners and managers whose equipment relies on HFC refrigerants? Ken West, vice president and general manager of fluorine products for Honeywell, joins editor in chief Janelle Penny to discuss how the phasedown impacts existing equipment and what alternatives are on the market.

Businesses and consumers are increasingly prizing sustainability, and that demand for eco-friendly properties requires building owners to invest time in improving recycling programs. Learn how to create a robust recycling program with Jeff Roney, vice president of operations for RWS Facility Services, and BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny.

Fall is upon us, and with the change in seasons comes a transition from cooling equipment to heating equipment. Mark Orlovsky, the service, warranty and quality manager for Modine HVAC, joins editor in chief Janelle Penny to discuss the HVAC maintenance you need to do this fall and how to know your HVAC system isn’t performing as efficiently as it could.

What factors have the biggest impacts on indoor air quality in commercial buildings, and what can facilities managers do about them? BUILDINGS tackles this question and more with guest Dr. Jordan Peccia, who walks us through what causes poor IAQ, the biggest misconceptions people have about indoor air quality and red flags to watch for in commercial buildings.

In this episode, VP of Media Steven Sloan joins Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen to announce a brand new awards program: The Purpose Awards. Find out why we're launching this new program to celebrate and elevate the products, projects, designs, and spaces that contribute most to the Triple Bottom Line—People, Planet, Profit. The products and projects that not only do no harm, but best support the health and wellness of humans and the planet.

As more people receive the COVID-19 vaccine, employees are asking about returning to work—and whether a vaccine will be required to do so. Learn what building owners need to know about COVID-19 vaccination policies with employment attorney Brian Weinthal and editor-in-chief Janelle Penny.

With COVID-19 vaccines rolling out, companies are looking at the ways in which the post-COVID workplace needs to embrace health and wellness. Bob Wislow, chairman and CEO of Parkside Realty, Inc., joins editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to discuss how biophilic design can support health and wellness.

Nick Cooper, AIA, Citizen HKS, and Megan Rollins, president/CEO, Boaz & Ruth, talk about their collaboration on Benefield, a community based project that revitalizes the Highland Park corridor in Richmond, Virginia, that will become a place that anchors and supports the community’s youth, serving as a catalyst for change and hope.

Get to know Colin Rohlfing, director of sustainable development for HDR and a new member of the BUILDINGS advisory board.

Get to know Sean Ahrens, security market group leader for Affiliated Engineers and a member of the BUILDINGS advisory board.

Jennifer Ford-Smith, incoming chair of the EPDM Roofing Association, joins BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to discuss what the roofing industry will look like in 2021 and beyond.

What is the new WELL Health-Safety Rating and why are organizations like the New York Yankees earning it? 

Rachel Gutter, president of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), joins BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to explore why the new rating resonates with facilities professionals in the age of COVID-19.

Learn how you can easily deliver the benefits of natural light all while saving energy with the Natural Series of LED lighting products with innovative TruWave Technology from LEDVANCE LLC.

Mohawk Group’s Smart City carpet collection reinterprets transit maps into soft surfaces. Contributing editor Sarah Kloepple explores this sustainably created flooring system with Mark Page, Mohawk’s senior director, creative design and development.

Transira Window Solutions embeds a shade between panes of glass so that dust and germs can't stick to the shade. Editor in chief Janelle Penny explores the details with Gantt Miller IV, Winco’s sales representative for Northern California, and product specialist John Iffland.

Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) imposes new requirements on companies that collect biometric information. BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny and attorney Brian Weinthal break down what you need to know.