
BUILDINGS Podcast
By Buildings Podcast
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BUILDINGS PodcastOct 02, 2023

ICYMI: Step Inside This Next-Generation Tech Lab
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.

IAQ and Schools: Problems and Potential Solutions
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?

ICYMI: Cybersecurity for Smart Buildings
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.

What Can Facilities Managers Do About HVAC Oil Fouling?
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.

ICYMI: Break Down the Walls Between Departments
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: A Solution for Interiors?
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.

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

Get Ready for EV Adoption
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?

ICYMI: All About ASHRAE 90.1-2022
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.

The TOBY Awards: American Nevada Company’s Recipe for Success
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.

ICYMI: Decarbonization Strategies to Reach Your Goals
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.

Zombie Offices: Is There a Solution?
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 Storm Impact: How to Prepare Your Property
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.

Conquer Your IAQ Issues
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.

Sustainability Part 3: Higher Education Targets Net Zero
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.

Sustainability Part 2: Demystifying Design Tools & Third-Party Certifications
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.

AHR Preview: HVAC Trends and Tech Update
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.

Cleaning for Health with ISSA
How do you know if your staff is truly cleaning for health? Learn how good cleaning practices can help mitigate disease risks and gain tips on demonstrating the business value of cleaning for health. Joining editor in chief Janelle Penny is Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. This podcast was produced in partnership with ISSA. Learn more from Rethink Clean.

Sustainability Part 1: The New Climate Reality
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.

New Opportunities for Improving the Parking Experience
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.

What’s on the Horizon for Healthcare Facilities
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 and You
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.

New Energy Efficiency Funding: What You Need to Know
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.

The Great Disruption, Resiliency and the Workplace of the Future: A Look into Gensler’s 2022 Design Forecast
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?

How to Specify Cable Railings
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.

What is GBAC STAR?
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.

Today’s Top Trends in HVAC Technology
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.

How the HFC Refrigerant Phasedown Affects You
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.

What You Need to Know About Outdoor Air Ventilation
Bringing conditioned outdoor air into a building is crucial for improving indoor air quality and helps building owners meet sustainability goals. Dedicated outdoor air handling systems, or DOAS, facilitate outdoor air ventilation by introducing fresh outside air inside.
BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny sits down with Ed Ferrier, senior engineering manager at LG Air Conditioning Technologies, to learn more about DOAS technology and the benefits of outdoor air. Learn more.
* This podcast was created in partnership with LG.

How to Rev Up Your Recycling Program
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.

EV Chargers: A Hot Tenant Amenity
Talk about sustainable tenant amenities was already circulating before COVID-19, but now that property owners are trying to draw people back to the office, the conversation is heating up again.
BUILDINGS editor in chief Janelle Penny welcomes Aaron Fisher and Hooman Shahidi of EVPassport to discuss why electric vehicle chargers are an in-demand property amenity and how they can appeal to people who otherwise might continue working from home.

Secure a Smooth Transition from Cooling to Heating
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 to Know About Buildings and IAQ
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.

Benefiting Benefield: How 3form is Helping Transform a Community
BUILDINGS and i+s have partnered with global design firm HKS and nonprofit Boaz + Ruth on a new community-based project in Richmond, Virginia—the Benefield Building.
This community center will feature retail, makers’ studios, co-living units and important connections to the surrounding area and transit.
One of the generous sponsors helping make this project a reality is 3form. Karli Slocum, vice president of marketing for 3form, joined BUILDINGS to talk about the company’s involvement in the Benefield project and how 3form’s new product line, Flek, embodies 3form’s commitment to sustainability.

Top Tips for Better Stormwater Management
How do you manage stormwater at your facility? Too many property teams fall behind on maintaining stormwater management features, which can mean a notice of violation or a steep fine. Bring your stormwater management up to speed and avoid the fines with these tips from Erin Zaske, chief development officer for AQUALIS.

Announcing the Inaugural Purpose Awards from BUILDINGS and i+s
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.

Why Are Building Codes So Important?
The recent building collapse in Surfside, Florida, underscores the importance of strong building codes that require resilient building. Dr. Anne Cope of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety joins BUILDINGS Editor in Chief Janelle Penny to explain how strong codes reduce damage from natural disasters and what building owners in less resilient states should know.

How to Take Advantage of VRF Control Solutions for Mid- to Large-Sized Commercial Buildings
Whether the goal is to preserve the architectural integrity in a retrofit or contribute points towards LEED® certification for new construction, having the right VRF control solutions with a proven track record of performance is critical. LG's Carl Barnard discusses how to make the most of this innovative technology in this episode of the BUILDINGS podcast.
*Podcast created in partnership with LG Air Conditioning Technologies.

Are You Recycling Your Thermostats?
Mercury thermostats are no longer in production, but may remain in buildings—and when those buildings upgrade to smarter HVAC systems, the old mercury thermostats must stay out of the landfill. Danielle Myers of the Thermostat Recycling Corporation explains how to recycle your building’s mercury thermostats and why it’s important.
*Podcast created in partnership with the Thermostat Recycling Corporation.

What Building Owners Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
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.

Biophilic Design in the Post-COVID Office
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.

Joining Forces to Revitalize a Local Community, Sustainably
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.

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

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

What Does 2021 Hold for the Roofing Industry?
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.

Inside WELL's New Health-Safety Rating
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.

SYLVANIA Natural Series with TruWave Technology from LEDVANCE: Product Innovations 2020
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.

Smart City by Mohawk Group: Product Innovations 2020
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 by Winco Window Company: Product Innovations 2020
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' New Biometrics Law: What It Means for Facilities
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.