Not Complicated - Just Green: Recent Episodes

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Final episodes of series don't get better than this! We draw the curtains with a captivating conversation with Carl Seville, a luminary in sustainability. This green-builder-turned-expert-consultant is charting an impressive path in the construction industry, challenging norms and making substantial contributions to green building practices with his brainchild, SK Collaborative. Wish you knew how to construct a greener building without breaking the bank? Be inspired as Carl shares the experience of his award-winning home.

Get a clearer perspective on how better building standards can mitigate the environmental repercussions of the building industry. We also dwell on the concept of how a shift towards sustainable development can have a two-pronged effect - a healthier planet and an economically viable bottom line. So, let's wrap up this series with a bang, and get ready to change the world, one green building at a time.

www.skcollaborative.com
www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blog/green-building-curmudgeon
www.southface.org
www.sawhorse.net/videos

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we welcome Morgan Villar, founder of the nonprofit, Dignity Homes, to discuss Christianity's complex relationship with capitalism, and how it can be wielded as a force for positive change. Can her ministry truly reverse the damages of industrialization and transition towards a more sustainable future? We contemplate the power of consumer education in sparking a shift towards sustainable building practices and the rise of "quiet luxury" in the industry. We highlight Dignity Homes innovative initiative to create tangible change by breaking the cycle of poverty through comprehensive programming.
www.dignityhomes.co

https://tcg.engineer/

https://www.lordaecksargent.com/

https://infinityfunds.com/

https://www.schoppman.com/

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www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Could we transform the way we inhabit our planet by reimagining the built world around us? We're thrilled to be joined by Gene Kansas and Ted Bradford who shed light on the untapped potential within preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse. We delve into the critical difference between mere building ownership and strategic real estate investment. Gene and Ted opine on the importance of viewing existing buildings as precious resources and how adaptive redevelopment is crucial for the sustainability of our cities, economies, and neighborhoods.

We also discuss the importance of community engagement and communication in successful project execution. By clearly understanding building systems and the importance of collaboration within the construction industry, we are empowered to challenge the status quo, question the disposable nature of the American building, and collectively strive to make our built world more sustainable. Enjoy!

genekansas.com
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we welcome Daniel Hall, from Architects Builders Collaborative, sharing his insights into the vital improvements needed in building standards and the creation of affordable, green, and low carbon footprint multi-family developments. Could the construction industry be on the brink of a monumental shift, one that not only changes traditional building methods but also empowers citizens and communities in an unprecedented way?

The sobering reality is that green design and sustainability are no longer a luxury but a dire necessity, especially in affordable housing. Daniel reflects on a few unique and highly successful projects. We confront the elitism in green building, discuss the impact of low carbon materials, and dissect the game-changing impact of panelized prefab construction on the green building industry. Moreover, we delve into improved building standards and their role in reducing carbon footprints, efficient construction techniques, and the relevance of proper air tightness and insulation. Enjoy!

www.tabc.ca
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Jillian Japka, the Development Manager at Third & Urban. She is a seasoned professional with a strong focus on mixed-use, multi-family, value-add, and emerging markets. Her expertise spans underwriting, entitlement, design development, and construction management. Furthermore, Jillian's passion for minimalist design is evident in her portfolio of over 300 published articles on minimalissimo.com. Her unique blend of architectural insight and development acumen has been pivotal in shaping noteworthy projects like Star Metals, which garnered significant attention for its transformative impact on West Midtown Atlanta.

In this discussion, we pull back the veil on community development to explore the potential of sustainable initiatives. We delve into the intricate process of aligning the diverse voices within design and construction teams to craft masterpieces. Additionally, Jillian graciously shares insights on her journey as a new mother and the promising prospects for women in the industry. Enjoy this insightful conversation!

www.jillianjapka.com
www.thirdandurban.com
www.minimalissimo.com
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we welcome Ryan Bowersox, founder and CEO of Bowersox Innovation Group, with over 20 years of success creating and managing businesses. Ryan and his team have a wealth of experience in real estate development and sustainable best practices, with projects that test the limits and push against boundaries for eco-positive housing.

Sustainable housing is just the tip of the iceberg for Ryan, as he's jumped head first into the Carbon Credit Marketplace with the same combination of leadership and open-mindedness, pushing the industry toward collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Enjoy!

www.bowersoxgroup.com
www.planethyve.com
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we're joined by Jessika Nelson-Woynicz, whose prolific career as an architect and developer has earned her awards and recognition across the southeast. She grew her expertise in Placemaking while working for large, national multifamily and mixed use developers.

We delve into the versatility of how innovative projects are addressing housing needs, emphasizing the importance of unique, community-centric housing options beyond traditional models. Jessika shares her journey from architecture to real estate development, underlining the significance of understanding end-users and employing a variety of experiences and skills to contribute to successful placemaking. Enjoy!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessika-nelson-woynicz
www.pridebydesign.org
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today we're joined by Booker T Washington, a visionary and strategic property developer with deep roots in his southwest Atlanta community, and an expertise in technology. His micro home pocket community is the first of its kind to be developed by an African American, the first in the US to feature modern aesthetics, and the largest community of micro housing in Georgia.

Booker is building something different, providing new options for homeownership, but more than that, South Park Cottages represent the development of neighborhood community and the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and the outdoors. They're also a move towards stabilizing a community and an economy that suffers the result of temporary rental housing and disconnected citizens.

We discuss innovative solutions, empowering initiatives, and the potential impact of advancing homeownership. Enjoy!

https://southparkcottages.com
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we’re joined by John Moores who was the Mixed-Use Studio Director for Nelson Worldwide, has held several positions within the AIA from Chair of Young Architects Forum to Secretary of AIA Atlanta, and was more recently involved in the Urban Land Institute Center for Leadership, and is currently on the Creative Development Council.

John founded the firm Lupo Group, a third party real estate consulting practice exclusively engaged by Jamestown, LP, a global real estate investment and management firm, for the development of Buckhead Village, providing a multitude of services that help make developments the best they can be. Enjoy!

www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
https://lupo-usa.com/
John.Moores@jamestownlp.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Today, we are joined by Desmond Johnson, one of very few people who has the unique opportunity to participate as an architect, and as a developer, and he was appointed to Atlanta’s Urban Design Commission, where he’s assumed the role of chair and continues to guide the shifting landscape of America’s fourth largest city.

He advocates for much-needed diversity in the profession, dismantling systemic barriers and leveraging his platform to reshape the built environment and the profession to reflect the perspectives of black and brown people.

We discuss the potential synergy we can achieve through community collaboration, and the future that is possible when we all work together. Enjoy!

www.middlestreetpartners.com
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Kristine’s strength is her breadth of experience in all facets of development. She's developed numerous multifamily and mixed-use projects throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, including over 6,500 apartments. A graduate of the Rollins College Hamilton Holt program, Kristine is VP of Development for Bridge Investment Group and has started her own development and consulting company with a focus on multifamily, build-to-rent, and townhome communities throughout the sunbelt region. She’s also a member of the leadership team in the Atlanta chapter of Contractors Closers and Connections. Listening, and learning how to best connect and communicate with a team of many disciplines has been the key to her successful collaborations.

www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com

kristine.hernandez@bridgeig.com

www.bridgeig.com

www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.

To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visit www.creativeinterface.design

Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com. To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.design.Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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Yvonne and Randall Dragon, founders of The Dragon Group, discuss their mission to revolutionize the construction industry by infusing sustainability and diversity. They emphasize the need to expose underrepresented communities, particularly black and brown youth, to careers in architecture and sustainable entrepreneurship. They hope to close the diversity gap in the industry in the hopes that more community-oriented, environmentally friendly projects can be developed. They're counting on the younger generation's natural interest in sustainability to speed up positive changes in the industry. Enjoy!
www.notcomplicatedjustgreen.com
www.thedragongrp.com
www.russellcenter.org/
www.creativeinterface.design

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visitwww.creativeinterface.designFind helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an instalment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out www.creativeinterface.design. Welcome my friends. It is so exciting to introduce you today to Corbet Lunsford, an Atlanta based high performance wizard, the author of the book, home Performance Diagnostics, and an advocate for homeowners and contractors Everywhere. A musician and performer at Heart.

Corbett host a video series along with his wife, grace. Which offers some perspective and some statistics about building performance so it can be easily understood and used by professionals and consumers alike. In 2009, Corbett started teaching professionals through his building performance workshop.

He's hosted over 500 YouTube videos and 80 interviews for the Building Performance Podcast. In 2016, grace and Corbett Design and built the world's highest performance tiny house on wheels, the tiny lab, and toured the US before settling down in Atlanta, Georgia. Along the way, they created a first TV series about home performance called Home Diagnosis, which airs on public TV across the us.

He's a passionate advocate for education and empowerment, having recorded some of the most entertaining videos you can find about the science of your home. But before you rush off to look up his vast library on YouTube, please enjoy. Ah, there's so much to talk about. There is, and, and, and I think that I have become more and more mech focused.

I'm now just like, like we went on Matt Risinger channel the other day. Mm-hmm. And his audience is completely, uh, based on the trolls who, who post the cums, it seems like we're like not even in their university anymore. Uh, we're so like down the weird path of science of poems. Hmm. So I think that even just within testing, physics, chemistry, microbiology of residential construction, and.

Renovation. Uh, there's just so much to talk about. Yeah. And, and you could, you know, your show, I'm sure it encompasses all kinds of different people we're architects and engineers and Right. Um, environmental, you know, researchers, things like that. So it's, there's, there's just with, with the amount we don't know is staggering.

Absolutely. And, and that seems to be the theme, uh, most of the time is that people just don't know what they don't know. So let's start off by asking why this effort, why this mission is so important on, uh, old buildings, uh, with latent potential to be better buildings or, or new construction and, and building it right the first time.

it seems easier to just build to the minimum standard, and most people do. So why do you take this path? Well, I found out about this. I quit being a musician. And didn't know what the over wanted me to do and kind of just sway the care. Okay. So, um, somebody said you should, you know, I've been trying to find somebody who I can come into the house and tell me all the, the wide scope of things that I could do to make this place better all at once.

And I don't wanna call it installation guy, H V C guy and the window guy. Um, 'cause I know also they wanted, they wanna sell me stuff and so I thought, no, that's actually not a bad idea. I looked into it and then I kind of got into this through the. The doorway of energy efficiency. Most people who come into this field came in through that door or through the sustainability door, which is even more mushy and a winged mm-hmm.

To try to define, which is again, what you're talking about, right? Yeah, exactly. And so, but once you're in this space, this space is not actually governed by energy efficiency or sustainability. Um, what really I'm trying to do is I get pod when people do stuff,

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www.creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm your host James, and I'm very excited to share with you the second in a three-part series, and this one is pretty inspirational. I'm gonna introduce you to Duncan Ward. He's the founder and c e O of Classroom of Hope, a purpose-driven organization providing access to life-changing education for children in developing countries.

They build sustainable schools that are safe and secure in some of the most rural communities of Rwanda, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Indonesia. In nine years, they have developed 84 schools serving over 24,000 students. In June, 2021, they built the World's first Block School and Apex First Block Home using Block Solutions technology and recycled plastic.

They have a pipeline to build 200 block schools and 4,000 block homes for recycled plastic waste in Indonesia while creating a new circular economy. Duncan has made it his life's mission to end global education crisis by fighting plastic pollution and the climate crisis. This is one of three episodes dedicated to Block Solution.

Please stay tuned and listen to part one and part three of this series. Enjoy. I started the charity called Classroom of Hope because I wanted to give a bit more back to people and to planet. Uh, because of my corporate life, I was pretty much, uh, living quite selfishly to be honest. And I started Classroom of Hope and our purpose was to provide access to education, to children in developing countries.

Um, and how we we're doing that is we're partnering with local NGOs to implement, uh, school building programs, uh, in rural communities that. As well as, uh, disaster zones for what led me to, uh, block solutions was, um, in 2018, we had the, uh, the major earthquakes that happened in Loock in Indonesia, Indonesia being on the ring of fire, which is very high risk to, uh, earthquakes and disasters.

And it was significant. 500 people died, 90,000 homes were destroyed. Over a thousand schools were destroyed, and we were part of the, uh, the first responding, uh, emergency response in search and rescue food and water. Originally and then eventually getting kids into temporary pop-up schools so that we can get kids feeling safe and secure in an earthquake resistant, uh, five-year temporary structure.

It was, uh, quite shocking to see, uh, the disaster and what happened to that, those communities on that island. And I had some meetings with the government of Indonesia and the governor of Lombok and tb. And, uh, we needed to come up with a permanent solution that was gonna provide a safe and secure space for students to thrive and to learn.

And if there was a future earthquake, that they were earthquake resistant. So myself and a few consultants, we, uh, we got together and started scouring the globe. For what are the best technologies out there that we can build earthquake resistant classrooms that, uh, but out of recycled plastic, you know, plastic is such a major issue and Indonesia being the second largest polluter in the globe.

So when we, um, didn't realize. Yeah. Yeah, that's right. So Indonesia's second, largest first, China third I believe is, uh, either Philippines or Vietnam. So how do we take that plastic waste and convert it into value stream for communities? So we came across a couple of organizations in the globe that were doing great work and uh, creating plastic bricks.

And then we came across, uh, block Solutions and I was introduced to the C e o and, uh, and the founder, uh, Marcus, who invented the technology. And, uh, we agreed to bring, uh, blocks

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an instalment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www.creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. This is James and I'm very excited today to speak with Jimmy Mitchell from Skanska Construction Company, one of the largest construction and development companies in the us, serving a broad range of clients in transportation, power, industrial water, wastewater, healthcare, education, sports, data centers, government.

Aviation and commercial. Their purpose is to build what matters. Offering transformative low carbon solutions, partnering with organizations to share knowledge and develop an innovative net. Zero solutions for the built environment. Have a goal of reaching net zero construction across all projects by 2045.

Please enjoy. I was a student at Georgia Tech, that's when I moved to Atlanta. Okay. Had quite a few friends in civil engineering at me. What we do in civil engineering is, is because of people we build bridges or tunnels or buildings because of the needs of the community. So that ended up being kind of why I went into the industry.

By the time I graduated, I dedicated my career to bringing progress in sustainability in the construction industry. I had a mentor, uh, Gina Abrams, who actually steered me into the direction of construction. And when I took that internship, I did a co-op in transportation design. Uh, but then I did a final internship in with scans construction manager.

It went really well, and then I just, I felt a bunch of energy while working here. So you came to CancerCARE right outta school? Yeah. I took a summer internship my final year at Georgia Tech with a co-op that was five years, fell in love. What we did, one of the things that caught my attention was a code of conduct.

So can you explain what the code of conduct is, just in the simplest of terms. I think generally it has a lot to do with our brand. One thing I would say about the brand that I like is being headquartered out of, uh, Stockholm, Sweden. There is a lot of sustainability initiatives that feel like originate there and come out of there.

And so, um, in terms of the, the, the, the code of conduct, you, it's just, I think it's important that we present ourselves well and we present our values well. Being here for 18 years, there's been a couple of times where we've communicated conduct in a deeper dive. So the, the code of conduct is, at least with your timeline, seem to coincide with this, uh, declaration of a focus on sustainable construction as a main area of focus for the company.

Yeah, well, so what I, what I kinda like to think of is, you know, we're publicly traded and we're a values-based company. And so I think the way we conduct ourselves in, uh, that brand is super important. From that standpoint, it's this consensus of doing good in the industry, uh, building for our communities, building what really matters.

Uh, as opposed to say, you know, another maybe mom and pop type organization where even though quite often they're values based, there is still the say of one individual would be. So for example, you know, 19 years, it would've definitely been a time when individuals would've said, Jimmy, this sustainability stuff you're doing is garbage.

Stop it, you know, you're gonna ruin my bonus or something. Hmm. At, at Skanska, if that happened, it would, you know, that conduct would, would've not been favored and ultimately it, it, um, would've been positive for, for me, you know? Right. For, for the, the folks who were doing, being more sustainable. So, you know, when I was fighting those sustainable fights, the another, essentially the, um, the culture of the

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This is not complicated, just green. Welcome to another podcast episode of Common Sense for Construction, bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface, redefining the impact of great design one client at a time. Check us out at www.creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends.

In this episode I'm joined by Terry Miller, a licensed architect who also serves his community as a city councilman, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, board of director for Cultural Arts Council, Community Character Coalition Board, and the Atlanta Regional Commission's Livable City Committee. The real reason that this episode is such a pleasure to share with you is because long ago when I was starting my career, Terry was one of the first people to give me a chance. We still remain close friends and enjoy hanging out together. Please enjoy.

You know, I grew up in a small town and density is a bad word. Means you're going to overcrowd things and take away my peace and quiet. And that's not what I want in my small town. But then I was, I had a conversation in Atlanta this morning. You know, I don't know if we want to talk about density. You're going to start pushing some buttons you don't really need to push. Red flags go off when certain people hear certain words. You know, density is one of them. And it depends on where you are and when you are. In this community, as an example, I mean, just the word planning was a dirty word 20 years ago.

But planning, that's communism. We don't do things like that around here. And now realizing, now the very people who complained about the notion of planning are the ones who are complaining, well, why didn't we plan for all this growth that's happening? Well, that's number one, it's the free markets. You generally tend to support that, which we all generally tend to support. But the free market comes with risks. And part of that risk is that we have a lot of laissez-faire capitalism that goes on so that people will tend to develop and build whatever is to the maximum benefit of them,

but not necessarily to the maximum benefit of the community. Sometimes those interests align, but oftentimes they don't. And so that's part of planning, is to find ways of making somebody's private interests align with the public interest. And sometimes that involves concepts that are a little scary to some people. Density is a good example. When you design in a dense way, you're creating a community where buildings and infrastructure is tighter and closer together,

which makes it more walkable, which means you don't have to rely on your car, you don't have to rely on fossil fuels. There's tremendous convenience that comes with that. But at the same time, if you don't like the concept, okay, maybe that's not the thing for you. However, if you're a private developer, density actually is good on multiple levels because it allows you to maximize the potential of your property. So if you have a one acre site, let's say, and you've got 50 foot setback on that,

well then that limits the amount of land that you can actually build on to generate rent. But if you have zero setbacks on the property, you can build right up to the edge of the property. Now you've got more square footage you can rent out or make a profit on. So there is that double edged sword that you may not like that density as a concept, but as a building owner or property owner

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www.creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm excited to introduce you today to a Green Builder, content creator and home improvement specialist. Matt Hoots, the president of Sawhorse Construction. Over the last 40 years, sawhorse has become one of Atlanta's premier residential modeling firms known for their innovation, professionalism, and energy efficient building practices, winning more than 100 national and regional awards.

It's easy to find Matt's content on YouTube with great series like Green MythBusters, fresh Air Fridays, and lots of great videos on everything from understanding installation to selecting better kitchen appliances. As an Atlanta Green influencer, Matt is a passionate advocate for the positive impacts of better construction on people's lives.

Why is this mission important to you when it really seems easier to just. Build cheaper buildings and there's a demand for that. Well, if you have a warranty and as a licensed contractor, it's actually that easier to build cheaper buildings because of a liability factor. So if you just look at it from that point of view, whenever we've not gone towards a green certification or had that third party verification or some other overarching principle on our project, we've had problems long term.

So, you know, case in point when you're looking at. Just the building envelope or moisture mitigation, you know, those are things that all contractors are afraid of and worried about long-term. So with sustainability, you're able to take care of those with a good drainage plane, uh, type, building envelope, and also humidity control.

If you don't control these things, then you've got issues. So, so for selfishly, just from that point of view, sustainability saves us money because I don't have to worry about upset clients. Down the line whenever we cut corners, I won't even say cut corners. Whenever we allow our clients to make bad decisions on the project, from our experience, we know that they should be making one decision.

And if they're not willing to make that decision, sometimes we just have to pass in the projects. We know this can be long term ramification, you know, we'll let them pick out like a cheap countertop or cabinets that they, they know we're gonna change out in 20 years. We try to emphasize the things like these, these things are gonna be in place for 50 years.

A hundred years make that right decision now. Otherwise it's embedded into the, the fabric of the building for a long time when telling it's torn down. What are some of the products you're talking about when you say it's gonna be there for 50 years? Just rattle off a list of some of those items. One thing that, like, one of my frustrations is with the industry, well, let's just pick on the luxury construction industry.

I don't see, I can consider a luxury house. Again, there's, there's different levels of, of, of construction, but on that side, I'll see how you can be cheap on the H V A C, be cheap on the windows, not have good insulation, air ceilings, like if you're spending so much money on the house. Why don't you want to have the premium of everything else?

So if you have a, you know, Bentley in the driveway, if it's you have a youo and mechanical room, like what is the point? Like you and, and I really think that like every time I offer my clients, like, these are your different options that you have. Um, they usually go for the one that, you know, makes most, they never go for the cheapest option.

'cause again, I don't say you can't do that. We'd highly recommend against

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This is not complicated, just green. And it's time for an installment of Common Sense for Better Construction. We're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors. Making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface. design Welcome friends. Today we're speaking with Aaron Luque, founder and CEO of EnviroSpark, a leading company for electric vehicle charging equipment and solutions, specializing in design and installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark has over 5, 000 charging outlets installed and contractor licensing from coast to coast.

Please enjoy. You know, up until very recently, it was still kind of iffy as to whether or not electric cars would really take over. EV was not the clear winner, you know, eight years ago, when we looked into them, we saw all the benefits that came along with electric vehicle adoption. And if that ever happened on a mass scale, we got really excited with, you know, the prospect of helping, helping be involved in that in some way, or contributing to that in a lot of the background research that we did.

Uh, which was more limited at the time. So there were two main, main things that basically we founded our mission on, and that's still our mission today. The first one was awareness. That's not as big of a challenge for us today. Like a lot of people actually are aware that there are electric cars out there.

They know a lot of the cool benefits associated with ownership to, even if people did know the benefits of electric vehicles and, and owning one, there was still a hesitation. to purchase one. And if you had the means and everything else, the hesitation was just, well, you know, I don't want to get stuck somewhere.

I want to be able to travel. I want to be able to visit my family. We found kind of a problem that we could solve. And then, you know, how do we build a business case around solving that problem while also accelerating EV adoption and supporting our mission, though, we decided to focus on. Promoting electric vehicle adoption through infrastructure development, making charging more accessible to more people, um, because that seemed to be the main barrier.

After the awareness side, I think there's still a lot of education that can be done on the awareness piece. I mean, people, you know, for, for a little while there was this perception that, you know, electric cars are only for, you know, hippies or rich people or whatever. And I think there's actually something for everyone.

And so it may be worth just going through. Kind of a couple of those benefits that some people may not still be aware of. Some are more obvious than others. But when you think about it, you can really see why this resonates with a lot of different people. Certainly there's the environmental piece, which was really compelling to me because when we were doing our background research, it was like we were looking at the fact that there is a very real statistical correlation between air quality in our urban centers and respiratory illness and death.

We also realized that every time you can swap a combustion vehicle for an electric car, you're taking those CO2 emissions, you know, which are pretty concentrated in our big cities and can remove that from that urban center and spread it out. And that's a really exciting thing for us, even if you're not bought into the whole environmental aspect of it.

You know, economically there, there were actually a lot of really good reasons to still consider going electric car, especially now it's an easier case, even with the way gas prices are. Uh, for the gas was outrageously priced. It was still, there were still savings. There was a definite benefit there. I think there's a huge convenience to being able to just wake up w

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This is not complicated, just green and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm your host James. And I'm very excited to introduce Patrick Chopin, one of the founders of Co Tools. For me, this episode represents just the perfect blend of building science nerdiness with down to earth, straight talk and good common sense.

It's also an example of how smarter design can create not only a longer lasting building with a lower carbon footprint that uses less energy and is more enjoyable to spend your time in, but also smarter tools can make buildings easier to design in less time that costs less to build. So the website to check it out is Cove Tools.

They're helping architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, even publicly traded corporations. They use digital automation and cost optimization of a building. Its systems and the materials used to build it. They focus on data-driven workflows and analytics, which makes it easier than ever to take sustainability concerns into account and making choices about your buildings with easy to use tools that provide quick metrics and graphic representations of the real information that can drive client discussions and design decision making in the brief time since Covid tool began.

The buildings that have been designed using cove tools has offset 33.7 million tons of c O two. Many professionals use Cove tool from early stage energy analysis to compliance level carbon studies all the way through its lifecycle. Please enjoy. Uh, I went to Southern Polytechnique, which is now Kennesaw State for architecture.

Then, um, I went to Purdue for a while for mechanical engineering and done both things, and then got my master's in high performance buildings at Georgia Tech. That's kind of a building simulation focus degree. Makes sense. Mm-hmm. Did you start this company right outta school or what did you do? I, yeah, I'm graduate.

Once I graduated, I knew, I've always wanted to look at the intersection between. Buildings and technology and how it all come together. So I ended up joining, uh, Perkins and Will, which is one of the largest architecture firms in the world. Yeah. And on their research lab, um, was Dr. John Ker. Um mm-hmm. He recently passed.

But I guess on that team, one, one of the things that's really interesting is we were looking at how to integrate, you know, practice driven research into the. Architecture workflow. So it's what got me started working with that. And then once I've worked there for a little bit, Sandy Fuji, who's my co-founder here at K Tool, she and I quit and started a consulting practice.

From that consulting practice. We started automating it until eventually people were like, we'd like to buy that thing that you've made. I was a bunch of scripts that we had hacked together, so I was like, well, can't really buy a bunch of scripts. But my brother, uh, Daniel Chopin, who, who's our c t o for co tool.

I convinced him to quit his high paying job and Okay. And that's how we started Co tool. In the simplest of terms, what is co tool? Yeah. Co tool is a web-based application. It's a kind of a suite that connects together all your different architects, engineers around different things like energy, daylight, carbon.

Glare, all those different pieces. And then we bring in people like prime manufacturers or products. But it's basically we're building what I call the billing information network, trying to create, uh, a complete data model of a building where all the different inputs are known as our ultimate aim. And why is that so important?

Well, the biggest reason is obviously, uh,&

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This is not complicated, just green. And it's time for an installment of Common Sense for Better Construction. We're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors. Making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www.creativeinterface.design Welcome friends, I'm James your host and today I'm speaking with Sarah King with Kilroy Realty, a real estate investment trust or REIT. Kilroy partners with world class architects, designers, and artists who share their passion for inspiring tenants and communities to create and manage over 15 million square feet in a portfolio of commercial office space, multi family properties, and life science facilities.

They are committed to providing sustainable communities that protect and maintain the health and well being of residents and visitors. Please enjoy. So I read that you are the first REIT to achieve carbon neutral operations in carbon neutrality. Calbright has a long standing commitment to sustainability and for the last two years we achieved carbon neutral operations through energy efficiency, onsite renewables, offsite renewables.

We need to press early steps today about just sitting six megawatts of solar installed in all of our sites, 13 of our buildings. On site solar doesn't make sense at every building, parking garage, the ideally even like to have the top level shaded, you know, a solar canopy will be, I'm proud of. How Calgary hence proactively sought out these opportunities to install solar in me, install it.

So it's behind the meter. So the energy that generated its use, I'm saying that reducing the overall electricity road that the building's demanding, it ends up being a very good financial platform and a benefit to our tenants and people like to see solar. And so. I think that the more we can see that, I think that there are some kinds of misconceptions that you need to be like in California or Florida for it to really make sense.

But I think even in a lot of other markets, even if you have so many cloudy days every year, uh, solar is really a great tool in our whole life. I was recently in Chicago and got to go up the viewing level of the formerly Sears Tower, now Willis Tower. And of course you look down and you see lots of really cool rooftop amenities, top gardens and rooftop restaurants.

But then I was struck by the vast number of empty rooftops. There's such an opportunity to make such a huge impact. It wouldn't create any change in the appearance of that building. It wouldn't require any change in the function of the way that that building operates or is used. Warehouses, shopping centers, they're perfectly suited.

They take up such a huge amount of real estate. The number of rooftop amenities outnumbered the rooftop. Yeah. And I think, you know, in those dense downtown ball building environments. You know, the, the level of effort to put some solar on top, it's going to just like some very small amount. There is some really cool work going on to integrate solar and building inside.

So I know we're excited about that. It's a future thing that I hope that we'll explore where, you know, the leasing on the exterior of the building, they also have solar built into it. So that didn't say anything. And then it's exciting to, it's like flying to different cities, look out the window and yeah, it does feel like this.

A ton of additional and unturned stones, lots of opportunities to do that. For sure. Yeah. And then thinking and getting excited about what's next for the next 10 years, which I see as a really critical decade, it's for sustainability, real estate. So from that energy use. That we use to heat and cool and cover those buildings.

And then kind of a more inverted topic. It's the embodied carbon of energy. So see the materials that we use to construct new buil

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. Creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm your host James, and I'm very excited to introduce you to Chris Luer Giddens, an architect custom builder, H V A C, system designer and building science expert involved in designing and building a variety of projects from high performance, tiny homes to off-grid homesteads, to historic deep retrofits, to passive house homes, even hot yoga studios, through his wife Jody's design firm, LG Square.

They work locally, nationally, and internationally with clients looking for comfort, beauty, and durability. They handle architecture, construction, interior design, building, science consulting, and a comprehensive approach to creating buildings. Chris often provides his insight through webinars, conferences, and his blog, YouTube, and social media.

He's asked to share his expertise and experience with other architects, builders, and industry pros, and also equipment, product and material manufacturers. And researchers to help with improvements in technology, installation methods, labor costs, and improved performance. But what I like the most about him is he is just down to earth with straight talk and common sense.

Please enjoy. Communication is a big part of get, of getting the execution done so well. We are trying to convey our ideas, our design, into something that tradespeople can take and produce. What we have in our heads, what our clients have invested in. You know, they said, Hey, we want this high performance building enclosure.

They won through. A certain HVAC system, or they want a certain look to the house and our job is to translate all their, you know what, what they've communicated to us, the clients into something real as an architect. That used to, you know, when we were just doing architecture that stopped at the drawing and then as a.

As a builder, I wanted to be able to take what we were trying to communicate on paper and, and have it with me as a tool. Mm-hmm. To show my subcontractors. Mm-hmm. Or if I'm a consultant, I want to be able to show another builder, say, Hey, this is what I'm thinking. All of it is part of that communication and it's all very important to get every connection and show that clearly so that if I.

Stuck away from the project for, you know, for lunch or, you know, go for a co, you know, work on something else. I'm not there. They have something as a reference. So these. The three D models that are really detailed drawings that we do are for that, for ourselves and for, you know, for the traits for the people to see what we're, what we're thinking and not have to guess, not have to come up with it on their own because we're the ones that were hired to come up with that.

So the, the way that you build a high performance and longstanding buildings that what made you want to pursue that I'm this chic or alternative? You could probably take a lot of other directions. Were you trying to solve problems that you've run into? What? What was the stimulus? Back in 2010, I was, I had been working for a hospitality firm, you know, we were designing high-end restaurants and the economy finally caught up to, to Atlanta.

I was looking for work and I found a company that's doing building science training. I. HVAC design and was in that building science world. I've always loved building, I've always understood. I mean, architecture and construction was just intuitive. And so I was learning about this building science, um, over the years, and then there was this opportunity to be a part of it, to be in that world.

I'd never done HVAC design. B

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm very excited to let y'all listen in on a conversation with Jimmy Mitchell and Jay Bassett. Two members of the advisory board for Lifecycle Building Center, a nonprofit organization that offers a wide variety of reclaimed building materials that would otherwise be headed for the landfill.

There's an exciting opportunity for you, the listener, to become involved and take action. Please enjoy. I'm, I'm a board member of Lifecycle Building Center. I work for skaska. We're a construction company and just always loved to try to engage and promote the reuse economy and salvaging materials on construction project.

Yeah, so I'm a advisory board member with Lifecycle Building Center, and my background has been 15 to 20 years and what we call and has evolved to be now called the Circular Economy. So the idea is how do we look at materials and materials in the economy and keep them. The economy not only for environmental benefits, but also as part of the economic wellbeing that it could provide particularly for the communities that, um, that, uh, for example, lifecycle Building Center serves, which is they're building capacity within those communities around secondary materials that also yield both from social and economic benefits.

So that's kind of my interest with this and, and, uh, really excited to be here and be part of the conversation. Tell me about the event and its purpose and why you felt that this was the, something that was necessary. Lifecycle has, uh, the last event was in 2019 and due to Covid, uh, haven't had a celebration annual event, uh, since then.

And so we're super excited to, to do one again. What's unique about this is it's gonna be at the Candida building at Georgia Tech. We, uh, achieved a full certification of the Living Building Challenge. Lifecycle Building Center was a nonprofit partner who helped them accomplish that. Because there are 28 materials that have been salvaged.

These are materials that are on the way to the landfill that incorporated with you Gap. Jay, how about you want to talk about some of the workforce development objectives? The other part of, again, as we talk about lifecycle building centers is what we call a community asset that serves communities. As we look at the Candida building and we look at the eco commons, which is the green infrastructure that supports the Candida building and its performance, and those reuse of materials is.

Part of what we're interested is how do we take those kind of principles out and work within the communities that we're working with to make those accessible to them to do. And how we're doing that is through, we have a grant through the U S E P A to bring together community organizations on a workforce development model.

And the idea is if we want to have more. Secondary materials coming through the center, right, and help drive that as both an organizational output as well as its sustainability in its business plan. We need to have a supply of materials that come through, and one of the impediments to making sure we have enough materials to come through and even policy is to have a ready trained workforce of people that understand both how to build for disassembly as well as disassembling buildings and materials.

To bring viable materials back in to the center that then can become materials that are accessible and can be given and accessible to the communities that's serving. And we want those folks that are developing those skills to come from the same communities that are gonna benefit the rece

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www dot creative interface design. Welcome friends. I'm your host James, and I'm very excited to present the third and final part of the series featuring the people that are making block solutions, a revolutionary reality in the build world, operating in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable way.

Now, if you haven't already listened to part one and part two of this conversation on construction blocks made of recycled plastics, that's okay. We encourage you to check out those episodes and enjoy learning how this building product was created and how it's being used to build around the world in places that were previously thought to be out of reach.

In today's episode, I'm very excited to introduce you to Dr. Les Snead, a longtime activist for equality within the construction industry, and an excellent example of how the built world can make a positive impact on people and communities. With his charming southern draw and humble charisma, he has a knack for building connections with powerful allies, which has allowed him to make a very big difference in his hometown and across the globe from creating jobs to providing affordable homes, to bringing infrastructure to countries where the internet had never been available before.

Today, he is spearheading efforts to bring new building methods and products to the US that will make a huge difference for our climate economy environment and the stability of the most vulnerable citizens. Now make sure to listen to the other two parts of this series and please enjoy Les share with me your background and your experiences as a builder.

I come from North Carolina, real terrible place. You know, mom, eight kids, single parent dirt road, grew up poor. I. Working three jobs. So as I began my career back in 79, I, I saw where I could make an impact in the trade that I learned in construction first year outta high school. Um, got a contract and.

Framing and, uh, demoable petition was a new product had just come to the United States and, uh, I was one of the first African Americans that, uh, learned the product so well. The gentleman that owned the company, c e o and founder brought me in at 17. 18 as a subcontractor, working people in my community, helping to make more money at that moment.

At that time, it was $2 an hour back in the seventies telling my age. But yeah, it was, uh, he started me at four 50 an hour, and everyone I hired and trained up under me and worked for me. When I started subcontracting, they was making five, six an hour. So it made an impact on people lives. So I saw what the difference of.

Employment would do in training someone to make an, an individual's life. And that was when you were a teenager. Teenager. And so what was the evolution from there? Where were the next steps, the experiences that you had to get you to where you are today? Well, I, I began to do, um, commercial, drywall and malls, hospital, restaurants, banks throughout the state of North Carolina.

I lived in a little town close to Fort Bragg, North Carolina in June. I began to do some research to see what the federal government and federal contracts, the difference that it made. And I started a, a federal contracting company back, uh, 1982 off one of the first minority disadvantaged contractors in the United States.

Hmm. And with the Davis Bay Act, uh, working with the US Department of Labor now studying. $10 an hour, I can give him 15, $2

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This is not complicated, just green. And it's time for an installment of Common Sense for Better Construction. We're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors. Making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface.design Welcome friends. Today, we sat down with Joe Thomas, owner of Elemental Green Homes. They focus on home renovations and bringing older houses up to and beyond current building standards. Joe is a passionate advocate for better building practices, and he's lived in the Atlanta area most of his life.

He's certified by the building performance Institute as an earth craft builder, and as a building analyst. He serves on the board of directors for Life Cycle Building Center, a non profit organization that makes the environmental impact by up cycling building materials of all types that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Joe's renovation projects save immense resources and costs by preserving the embodied energy of existing buildings, but more than that, Joe's work makes a big impact on the people and the neighborhood where his projects are built. You can check them out at ElementalGreenHomes. com. Please enjoy. Uh, carpenter and then a builder.

Uh, so did that growing up. What age do you start? Must have been like seven or eight years old. Um, when, uh, when I started swinging the hammer with my dad. All along the way, I've always been interested in some version of sustainability. I think I decided, I decided, well, you know, what I need to do is get into solar.

I need to, you know, I need to get into solar energy. Like solar panels? Yeah, I'm selling, installing. So, uh, so I started doing some training at Southwest, um, and, uh, I got a BPI certification building performance institute for building analysts and, uh, got into the whole business. Uh, so, um, worked in, uh, home performance business for a while, and that was doing, uh, energy assessments on homes back in, uh, back in those days.

Uh, we would follow a protocol of, uh, home performance with Energy Start. Uh, which had been put together by Foodland Energy and, uh, in, uh, cooperation with, uh, Joe Dower, who was providing rebates, started a company alongside a design build called the Newell Design Build. We started with a sister company called Renewal Systems Solutions doing pump performance.

Um, that ran through the Recovery Act funds, provided a whole lot of money for doing energy efficiency improvements. And so the business just went through the roof during that, during that period. That was, there were rebates for a couple of programs and then there were also tax credits. Business was booming.

And, uh, then after that things slowed down, uh, Ruby, I was, had been interested all along in doing some green building. She had, uh, been connected to South Face, knew about, uh, Earth craft. And in fact, the design build front that I was working alongside did a couple of Earth craft projects as well. Um, but I wanted to do a little bit more, so I got my.

Contractor license became an Earth craft Builder, certified as an Earth craft Builder and, uh, went and bought a house and did an Earth craft Renovation. So that really was kind of my, uh, my model for quite some time was that I would buy a house, uh, do an Earth craft Renovation and resell. Um, this is not a flip.

Right. So often you hear, uh, people buying a house and renovating it and all they're really doing is a coat of paint and new countertops. Yeah, a lot of the investors, um, that's what they're doing and, you know, it's entirely about a buck, which, yeah, there's nothing wrong with that. I, you know, dumb as it may sound, that's not my primary reason for doing it.

It's a big opportunity, Mister. It really is, and single family is the, uh, is, is the area where, um

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface.design. Welcome friends. I'm your host James, and I'm very excited today to introduce what I anticipate will be a brand new product to most of you. I'm speaking with Marcus Silverberg, the founder of Block Solutions. A company specialized in affordable and sustainable housing solutions focused on creating opportunities for people that are in need for new beginnings through creating jobs and reliable housing in a sustainable way through locally owned and operated factories.

Their aim is to slow climate change block by block. This is the first of three episodes dedicated to block solutions, so make sure you also listen to part two and part three, please enjoy. I'm a civil engineer by training and I always hate that the old fashioned way to build houses of what there, you could always see where there are lacks education on how to build and, uh, it could be improved so much more.

And that's, that's actually one of the reasons why, uh, Been always in away, very, very much aware of the things that we could improve and make things more sustainable and environmentally friendly. So is that awareness come from your professional training or was there something more to your background that always leaned you towards trying to make a sort of an impact?

Well, well, in a way, actually, I, I've always been very interested trying to make things, things more sustainable because the thing is, For example, having that Sosa produce, that could be, let's say, having a big impact on a, a global level also. But, but the thing is, it's really when you see, when you live in the northern countries like Finland, Where you can see that during my lifestyle, I've seen a big difference within, let's say for example, the winters that we have in T, right?

The summers are getting much, much hotter that we have over there, but there's no snow anymore. When I used to be a kid, we have, let's say, uh, three feet of snow. Uh huh uh, in the, in the backyard. Now it's hardly, hardly we can get any snow over there where we live. Wow. That means that there is a significant change in climate, honestly said.

I think that our generation, I'm, I'm 50 now. I think we, we spoiled a thing. We are. So now we, we need to get something back. To those future generations. Of course, this is just one of the million ways to do that. But, uh, actually that's what I want to do. I would like to lead this planet the better than than when I came, than when, when my kids are actually growing up.

I wouldn't really like to make a change, greatest gift that we can give to our children. Is we in the world better than we found it? Yeah. That's not gonna happen unfortunately. Yeah. Now, uh, where we're already past that part, but I think that there is still something. Actually, the covid has actually shown that when you go to China and, uh, nobody's doing anything, let's say that, uh, that industries, they can see the clear sky and the water are clearing up.

Uh, actually there are deer walking down the pathways in, in big cities and so on. That's actually quite, quite fun to see. Mm-hmm. That there is a whole, it is just a humans who need to start thinking differently. Talk to me about the way that, that, uh, mindset led you to this product, its inception and how it came to be.

Yeah. Actually, the first thing was for, for the product was that, uh, I was working for the piping industry before. Mm-hmm. I was invited by United Nations to join a seminar in Geneva where they wanted to have actually a solutions for crisis management. There was an earthquake in Haiti in 2

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This is not complicated, just green, and it's time for an installment of common sense. For better construction, we're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creative interface. design. Welcome friends. I'm excited to introduce all of you today to Gene Kansas Preservationist cultural developer who specializes in commercial real estate, host of Sidewalk radio and founder of Constellation, an innovative workplace combining passion, purpose, and professional pursuit.

He's a native of New Orleans and a lover of Atlanta, a writer at heart, an entrepreneur by trade, and operating through the medium of the built environment to identify craft and share stories that add value to the community. Please enjoy what really made me want to have you. Is your work in some very special old buildings to bring them up to a modern performance standard and to give them new life.

It seems like it would be easier for many developers going in the other direction, just knock it down and build something new. Why did that matter to you? Well, first of all, thank you for having me on the show. Absolutely. It's, uh, Topic that's not only near and dear to my heart, it's also an important one.

I have a philosophy that if you're on the planet, you're in real estate. Yes, I happen to do it as a career, but we're all sharing the earth. It's important to be aware of and I believe, considerate of our neighbors. Be thoughtful to understand where we come from, and a nice way to accomplish. Those things is through the preservation of buildings.

Because if you have visual reminder or a visual Q two history, then you're gonna have a better chance of being connected to it. I mean, think for a second, just a wild example. What if we went. Tore down the Statue of Liberty, would that potentially change the way that people identify with the country?

Likely, yeah. That, and not just like tear down the Statue of Liberty, but then erase it from every book, the internet and everything. The Statue of Liberty doesn't exist anymore. Imagine that. Would, would we have the same identity? Maybe, maybe not. It's the number one symbol of, you know, this ideal that we, I think.

Many of us hope to and wish to uphold. It's a reminder of lessons. So then if you go back down to like a micro level, and right now we're in Sweet Auburn, so birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King, in fact, his birth home is like six blocks away from here. Yeah. and this entire district, which is known as.

Sweet Auburn was in 1976, designated a historic landmark district. Since that time, 47% of the buildings in this district have been lost, erased, and they're not like the Statue of Liberty. You know, they're not necessarily known the world over, but they should be because we're in this incredibly, historically significant neighborhood, maybe one of the top in the world, likely So.

If you're visiting this as a student, as a family that's bringing your kids, as someone who lives in Atlanta and you're not seeing almost half of this neighborhood, you're also missing half of the history. And the history was built by people who built, you know, the neighborhood and the neighborhood gave birth to the civil rights movement.

And so you're missing this opportunity to connect with. Where we all came from and who came together to the benefit of us all. That's the importance of preservation. And preservation is just a subset of sustainability. Can you share with us some of the examples of things that you've seen that were successes or some of the, some of the positive impacts that you've been able to see from your efforts and from efforts like yours?

Yeah. In the seventies, there was this effort to save

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This is not complicated, just green. And it's time for an installment of Common Sense for Better Construction. We're bridging the information gap to help you reach a brighter future in the built world. Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors. Making sustainable construction practically impactful.

Check us out at www. creativeinterface. design Welcome, friends. I'm excited to introduce you today to Amelia Godfrey, who serves as the Earthcraft Program Manager at South Face Institute, where she's been serving a multitude of roles since 2009. For more than 40 years, South Face Institute, a non profit organization, has been a leader in the research, design, and implementation of a regenerative economy.

One that gives back more than it uses. South Face works in collaboration with a network of partner non profits, businesses, government agencies, universities, and technical experts. Their mission is to promote sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities through education, research, advocacy, and technical assistance.

Please enjoy. In 2009, you know, that's when Georgia updated its energy code. And, which is this really exciting thing to think about. Updating energy codes, but it was, it was very exciting. And Southeast was part of this, this conversation about let's improve the entire energy code, Georgia, and put things into our code, like test every home to see if it's how airtight it is and test every duct work to make sure that it's airtight and have someone come in and make sure that installation is installed properly, not just.

Meet the minimum code of, you have to have R13, but actually someone come in and make sure it was installed properly. We've come a long way since then, both as a state, but also as a region. There was resistance to that. You know, there's always resistance to something that's new or resistance to, uh, people thinking that you're coming in to make something harder for them or tell them how to run their business or do their jobs.

But just sheer persistence and time and it just didn't ever go away and now we have, we still have challenges in our codes, but every house is air tested, air leakage tested with a blower door. Being able to start a career at an organization like South Face where you're around people that are just passionate about energy efficiency and green building and sustainability and learning this stuff, how to do it the right way first.

And then going out into the real world and seeing how houses are actually built and talking to, to people that may not be as familiar with this. It was really fun to start out that way, because I actually started... In our weatherization program, which is a federally funded program that provides energy efficiency upgrades in low income housing.

We were training people, we were training the state contractors on here's how to prioritize improvements to homes and here's how to then, here's how to air seal in the attic, here's how to air seal duct work, here's how to insulate properly. I got to see a lot of houses that were not built well. It's very eye opening when you see.

Well, this is how some it was built 20 years ago. Here's how it has aged. How can we make sure that we don't do that to a house that's built tomorrow? Right. That is definitely been a lesson that's stuck with me. Since joining the organization back then, back in 2010. Where were the, the most common places where you ran into that resistance or where you found more of a pushback?

What were the more usual misconceptions or misunderstandings about what you were trying to accomplish? I think a lot of it is that consumers don't really, you don't know what you don't know. Mm. And... People don't know that they, you know, you kind of, I think when you buy a home or when you hire someone to do work on your house, you kind of expect that they're going to do it right the first time.

And I thin

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*Show Notes: Common Sense for Better Construction - Historic Preservation and Sustainability*

*Introduction:*

• Welcome to another episode of "Common Sense for Better Construction".

• Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors and focuses on sustainable construction.

• The episode explores the intersection of historic preservation and sustainability.

*Guest Introduction:*

• Introduce Ben Sutton, an expert in historic preservation and sustainability.

• Ben works with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and focuses on preserving and revitalizing historic resources.

*Historic Preservation's Evolution:*

• The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation focuses on preserving Georgia's diverse historic resources.

• Historic preservation's role in revitalizing communities and appreciating cultural heritage.

• The expanding understanding of historic preservation, embracing diversity and sustainability.

*Tension between Sustainability and Preservation:*

• Initial tension between green building advocates and historic preservationists.

• Perception that old buildings are leaky and not conducive to sustainability.

• Recognition of the value of reusing existing structures to enhance sustainability.

*Balancing Preservation and Sustainability:*

• The challenge of balancing architectural preservation with sustainability improvements.

• Importance of addressing building performance issues while preserving character-defining features.

• Encouraging compromise and best practices to achieve both preservation and sustainability.

*Importance of Upgrades and Preservation:*

• The significance of addressing energy efficiency in historic buildings.

• Misconceptions that draftiness and inefficiency are part of historic charm.

• Acknowledging the need for sustainability upgrades to keep historic buildings relevant.

*Georgia Trust's Initiatives:*

• The Georgia Trust's 50-year history and evolving focus on preservation and sustainability.

• Introduction of the Georgia Trust Green Program to promote sustainability in historic homes.

• Educating homeowners on making incremental improvements for better building performance.

*Empowering Homeowners:*

• The empowerment of homeowners through sustainable preservation efforts.

• Encouraging homeowners to prioritize attic insulation, draft reduction, and efficient lighting.

• Creating a customized checklist to help homeowners make impactful changes.

*Overcoming Challenges:*

• Challenges in finding qualified tradespeople for specialized historic preservation work.

• The importance of preserving dying trades and maintaining the knowledge of craftsmanship.

• Economic benefits of investing in labor-intensive rehabilitation projects.

*Preservation and Urban vs. Rural Divide:*

• Contrast between urban preservation efforts and rural preservation needs.

• Urban preservation often involves stopping the destruction, while rural focuses on promoting opportunities.

• The importance of finding qualified contractors in both settings.

*Future of Historic Preservation:*

• The potential for rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings in urban areas.

• The value of preservation in creating sustainable, affordable, and culturally rich communities.

• Preservation's positive impact on education, community identity, and cultural continuity.

*Conclusion:*

• Highlighting successful preservation projects in Atlanta.

• The ongoing challenges and opportunities in preserving historic bu

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Ganesh Nayak is a registered architect of twenty+ years with considerable expertise in sustainability, coordinating LEED certification at federal buildings, US military bases, and campuses which include over thirty buildings in a single project. Originally from India, Ganesh earned multiple degrees in Architecture in the US and overseas, and a certificate in Construction Quality Control Management for Contractors issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  His consultancy offers the required expertise and experience to deliver sustainable design solutions to the green building design community, local governments, campuses and organizations. He’s also involved in USGBC’s GreenBuild, and offers presentations and publications on sustainability. Enjoy!

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Chris Laumer-Giddens is an architect, custom builder, HVAC system designer, and building science expert, involved in designing and building a variety of projects from high- performance tiny houses, to off-grid homesteads, to historic deep-energy retrofit, to Passive House homes, even hot yoga studios through his wife, Jodi’s design firm LG squared, Inc. with a comprehensive approach to creating buildings. Chris provides insight through webinars, conferences, his blog, YouTube, and social media. He’s asked to share his expertise with other architects, builders, industry pros, manufacturers of equipment, products, and materials, and researchers to improve in technology, installation methods, labor costs, and performance.

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Patrick Chopson is one of the founders of cove.tools, and they’re helping architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, and publicly traded corporations. They use  digital automation and cost optimization of a building, its systems, and the materials used to build it. With easy-to-use tools that provide quick metrics and graphic representations of the real information that can drive client discussions and design decision-making, from the early-stage energy analysis to compliance level carbon studies, all the way through a building’s lifecycle. Please enjoy!

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Dr Les Snead is a long-time activist for equality within the construction industry, and an excellent example of how the built-world can make a positive impact on people and communities. With his charming southern drawl and humble charisma, he has a knack for building connections with powerful allies, which has allowed him to make a big difference in his home town and across the globe, from creating jobs, to providing affordable homes, to bringing infrastructure to countries where the internet had never been available before. Today, he spear-heads efforts to bring new building methods and products to the US that will make a huge impact for our climate, economy, environment, and the stability of our most vulnerable citizens. Make sure to listen to the other 2 parts of this series, and enjoy!

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Duncan Ward is the founder and CEO of Classroom of Hope, an organization that builds sustainable schools that are safe and secure in some of the most rural communities of Rwanda, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia. They have developed 84 schools serving over 24,000 students.  In June 2021 they built the world's first Block school and APAC's first Block Home using Block Solutions technology and recycled plastic, and have a pipeline to build 200 Block schools and 4,000 Block homes from recycled plastic waste in Indonesia while creating a new circular economy. This is one of three episodes dedicated to Block Solutions, so please be sure to listen to part one and part three. Enjoy!

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Markus Silfverberg is the founder of Block Solutions, a company specialized in affordable and sustainable housing that focuses on creating opportunities for people that are in need of new beginnings. Through new jobs and reliable housing, they offer prosperity in a sustainable way through locally owned and operated factories. The company DNA is based on the Sustainable Development Goals, and focusing on business with impact, with an aim to slow climate change, Block by Block. This is the first of three episodes dedicated to Block Solutions, so please stay tuned and listen to part two and part three. Enjoy!

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Sarah King is with Kilroy Realty,  a real estate investment trust, or REIT. Kilroy partners with world-class architects, designers, and artists who share their passion for inspiring tenants and communities, to create over 15 million square feet in a portfolio of commercial office space, multi-family properties, and life science facilities. They are committed to providing sustainable communities that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors. Enjoy!

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Ben is an expert in historic preservation and its role in creating a more sustainable future with The Georgia Trust since 2014, becoming Director of Preservation in 2018. 
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and continued use. Enjoy!

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Jimmy Mitchell is a project manager at Skanska Construction company, one of the largest construction and development companies in the U.S., serving a broad range of clients in transportation, power, industrial, water and wastewater, healthcare, education, sports, data centers, government, aviation and commercial. Skanska's purpose is to build what matters, offering transformative low-carbon solutions, partnering with organizations to share knowledge, and to develop and innovate net-zero solutions for the built environment, with a goal of reaching net-zero construction across all projects by 2045.

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Today we’re speaking with Aaron Luque, founder and CEO of EnviroSpark, a leading company for electric vehicle charging solutions, specializing in the design and installation of EV charging stations. Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark have over 5,000 charging outlets installed and contractor licensing from coast to coast.

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Listen in on a conversation with Jimmy Mitchell and Jay Bassett, two members of the advisory board for the lifecycle building center, a non-profit organization that offers a wide variety of reclaimed building materials that would otherwise be headed for the landfill. There’s an exciting opportunity for you, the listener, to become involved in an upcoming event, and take action in your community.

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Joe Thomas is the owner of Elemental Green Homes, with a focus on home renovations and bringing older houses up to and beyond current building standards, and he’s lived in the Atlanta area most of his life. He’s certified by the Building Performance Institute as an EarthCraft Builder and as a Building Analyst, and serves on the board of directors for Lifecycle Building Center. Enjoy!

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Terry is a licensed architect and he serves his community as a member of city council, chairman of the downtown development authority,  board of directors for cultural arts council, community character coalition, and the Atlanta regional commission's livable city committee. 

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A panel of experts on the green rooftop deck of Southface Institute in Atlanta discuss the advantages of going green in the south and the sustainable success stories they've been a part of.
James Pirch - Host - Founder Creative Interface Architecture

Amelia Godfrey - EarthCraft Program Director @ Southface Institute

Christopher Matos-Rogers - Founder of Matos-Rogers Realty

Jimmy Mitchell - Project Manager @ Skanska Construction

Chris Laumer-Giddens - Architect and Builder @ LG Squared

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Gene Kansas,  a preservationist of historical buildings, and cultural developer who specializes in commercial real estate.

He's the founder and CEO of Gene Kansas Commercial Real Estate, host of Sidewalk radio, and founder of Constellations, an innovative workplace combining passion, purpose, and professional pursuit, among many other remarkable endeavors.

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Corbett Lunsford, an Atlanta-based home performance expert, the author of the book Home Performance Diagnostics, and inventor of the #TinyLab, the world's highest performance tiny house, and toured the US before settling down in Atlanta, Georgia.

Corbett teaches professionals through his Building Performance Workshop, he’s hosted over 500 YouTube videos and 80 interviews for the Building Performance Podcast.

They created the first TV series about home performance, called Home Diagnosis, which airs on public TV across the U.S.

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EarthCraft Program Manager @ Southface Institute

For more than 40 years, Southface Institute, a nonprofit organization, has been a leader in the research, design and implementation of a regenerative economy, one that gives back more than it uses.

Southface works in collaboration with a network of partner nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, universities and technical experts.

Mission: promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance.

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Ben is an expert in historic preservation and its role in creating a more sustainable future with The Georgia Trust since 2014, becoming Director of Preservation in 2018. 
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and continued use

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Matt Hoots, the president of Sawhorse construction,  one of Atlanta’s premier residential remodeling firms. Known for their innovation, professionalism, and energy-efficient building practices,

Winning  more than 100 national & regional awards.

It’s easy to find Matt’s content on Youtube with great series like the green myth busters, fresh air fridays, and lots of great videos on everything from understanding insulation, to selecting better kitchen appliances.

As an atlanta green influencer, Matt is a passionate advocate for the positive impacts of better construction on peoples’ lives.

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Chris is the founder of the first real estate group in Georgia to specialize in sustainable properties. 
In 2018, he helped create and lead an all-new sustainability committee at the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, and recently won an award from the Ga REALTORS Association for his work to promote sustainability.