Summary:

In this episode, we dive into the world of sustainable architecture and passive house design, focusing on net zero adoption, the importance of retrofitting existing buildings, and the role of policy in advancing high-performance standards across Illinois. Join us as Tom Bassett-Dilley, owner at architecture firm TBDA, shares insights from his extensive experience in this areas, emphasizing the importance of climate-specific standards for net zero certifications such as Phius, practical retrofit strategies, and the future of materials and policy.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• Evolution and adoption of Phius standards in passive house design

• The importance and process of deep energy retrofits for decarbonization

• Strategies for retrofit projects that balance historic preservation and energy performance

• Key low-cost, high-impact steps for energy efficiency in buildings

• Role of policy, local government initiatives, and community engagement in sustainable development

• The significance of material choices and embodied carbon reduction

• Future outlook on natural building materials and holistic design approaches

Links for Listeners:

• Carroll Community Center Case Study: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/net-zero-building-case-study-carroll-community-center

• Illinois Clean Building Commitment: https://www.illinoisgreenalliance.org/Commitment

• Evanston Retrofit Tour Recap: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7447991748028575744/

Summary:

In this conversation, Manny Flores, president and CEO of SomerCor, discusses how SBA 504 loans can serve as a critical tool in financing energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades in small business facilities. He also highlights the role of grants and economic development funds in supporting building upgrades and neighborhood sustainability. Manny addresses the barriers small and medium-sized building owners face in accessing capital for energy efficiency upgrades and emphasizes the need for collaboration among lenders, policymakers, and nonprofits. He also shares insights from his experience as a Chicago alderman and the importance of storytelling in promoting successful sustainability projects.

Key Takeaways:

• SBA 504 loans provide favorable financing for small businesses.

• Energy efficiency upgrades can lead to significant cost savings.

• Grants like the City of Chicago’s Small Business Improvement Fund support local businesses.

• Access to reliable information is crucial for small business owners in starting green building projects.

• Collaboration among public, private, and non-profit sectors is essential for sustainability efforts.

• Local leaders should focus on promoting successful sustainability stories.

• Illinois has a strong foundation for clean energy innovation.

• Small businesses drive economic growth and innovation.

• Consumer protection is important in the sustainability space.

• Investing in energy efficiency is a smart business decision.

Links for Listeners:

• Learn about SomerCor: https://somercor.com/

• Short video: Learn about City of Chicago Small Business Improvement Fund and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ijzhBRxs0

• Short video: Learn about the SomerCor SBA 504 Green Loan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZoD0Xwco1w

Summary:

In this conversation, Beth Holaday, Senior Sales Manager at Verde Energy Efficiency Experts, joined the Pod to explore the intersection of sustainability and business. She shares the journey that she takes building owners and facility managers on when starting their energy efficiency journey, starting with the lowest-hanging fruit—LED lighting and controls—that often have the quickest payback period, before moving on to larger investments. Beth also dives into how advanced rooftop controls can enhance HVAC efficiency and extend the life of your equipment.

This episode demystifies energy efficiency strategies and explains how to leverage incentives and advanced controls for smarter building management.

Key Takeaways:

• Beth's background in environmental science shapes her approach to energy efficiency.

• Measuring energy usage is crucial for identifying improvement areas.

• LED lighting offers immediate financial and environmental benefits.

• Payback periods for energy efficiency projects should ideally be under three years.

• Quality of LED products can significantly impact long-term savings.

• Advanced rooftop controls can enhance HVAC efficiency and extend equipment life.

• Secondary windows provide a cost-effective solution for older buildings.

• Heat pumps represent a significant advancement in energy efficiency technology.

• Building owners need to be open to change for effective energy management.

• Understanding the financial incentives available can drive energy efficiency upgrades.

Learn more about Verde Energy Efficiency Experts here. Check out the ComEd Business Energy Analyzer here. Reach out to Beth Holaday via email: beth@verde.expert