BUILDINGS Podcast

The demand for green leases is growing fast—and not just because it’s good PR. Cities across the country are tightening energy codes and requiring emissions tracking. Here’s how to stay on top of these requirements as a property professional.

Behind the scenes in your facility, poor power quality may be quietly degrading your equipment, inflating your energy costs, and creating future headaches for you—and you may not see it coming until there’s a breakdown or safety risk. Denis Kouroussis, electrical engineer and power system innovator, joins the Buildings Podcast to explore how dirty power affects systems—and what you can do about it.

We know what happens when indoor air quality is poor—but how can we overcome this challenge in existing buildings? Check out these five ideas for better IAQ performance.

Facility management is facing major challenges—and opportunities—as 2025 winds down. IFMA President and CEO Michael V. Geary, who took the reins at IFMA earlier this year, joins us to discuss his first year at the organization, plus tips on carving out FM career paths and predictions for the industry.

Are your tenants and their employees prepared for emergencies? Integrated systems, clear communication, and strong leadership will ensure the answer is yes.

Anyone who’s been involved in a construction or major renovation project recently knows that timelines aren’t particularly stable—but new ways of working can help improve the process, as well as increase efficiency and collaboration. Douglas Lacy, senior vice president for WSP, joins the Buildings Podcast to walk us through the new construction models.

Reevaluating your parking strategy could be the strategic growth lever your property needs. It’s a valuable amenity that can increase your cash flow if you leverage it correctly.

Building owners and developers frequently run into the same types of challenges on their projects—and better software choices can help ease that friction. Adam Stark, founder of Jet.Build, offers advice on how to centralize workflows and action steps for managing projects better.

Could a financial services branch be the tenant you’ve been waiting for? Discover the advantages of hosting on-site banks or credit unions and learn how they can set your property apart.

ASHRAE Guideline 36, covering high-performance HVAC, and Standard 55, governing thermal comfort in buildings, are transforming the way we operate buildings. Tyler Haak, VP of Sustainability and Service for Schneider Electric, discusses major requirements and what facility professionals can do today to fine-tune operations.

Missed out on IFMA’s World Workplace 2025—or just want to revisit what you learned? Check out the top five things we took away from the show!

Two new initiatives from the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) are poised to help building owners, managers, and other building stakeholders specify lighting that will stand the test of time. Stuart Berjansky, DLC’s technical director, joins the Buildings Podcast to walk us through these initiatives.

Simple fluorescent-to-LED upgrades can make life easier for facilities managers at colleges and universities—especially as more states ban the sale of fluorescent lamps.

Why should you invest in better indoor air quality or thermal comfort? Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, senior VP of research for the International WELL Building Institute, shares what building owners and facility managers need to know about investing in occupant wellness—plus takeaways from a new report.

LEED v5’s new requirements have important implications for all stakeholders in the building process, including building owners and facilities managers. Here’s what you need to know.

What is bridge financing and how can it help fund upgrades to your building? Bayport Funding CEO Marcia Kaufman joins the Buildings Podcast to walk us through your funding options.

The stakes are too high for a reactive approach to pest control in your building. Here's how integrated pest management (IPM) can make a difference in preventing pest issues and saving time, money, and headaches.

Emergencies aren’t always headline-grabbing events—they could be a power outage, a leaking pipe, or a deer loose in your parking garage. Cushman & Wakefield’s Matt Faupel offers tips and resources on emergency preparedness.

Heat waves are causing more than just high utility bills—they’re stressing the grid and challenging the system our buildings depend on. Here’s how automated demand response can help.

Hybrid work models have been around for a while, but they exploded in use when COVID-19 came on the scene—and some organizations are still struggling. Noah Reding, vice president and general manager of workplaces for Accruent, shares how data can help workplaces adjust to hybrid work.

Disability affects everyone. Buildings that are accessible to people with disabilities help everyone participate safely in public life. Learn how improving accessibility helps attract tenants and increase building value.

When LEED was introduced, it changed the way we think about sustainable buildings. The new version is pushing strategies that directly cut emissions. Here’s what you need to know about LEED v5 and its emphasis on electrification.

There’s always room for growth, whether your vacancy rates are high or low. But growth can’t always come from rent increases. Explore these 5 ways to attract new tenants and get more use out of existing spaces.

What are the biggest technology trends impacting facilities today—and where is tech going in the next decade? Lessen’s Carson Berish joins the Buildings Podcast to offer technology takeaways and practical ways to use AI in operations.

Does your waste disposal and diversion program need to improve? Better practices around waste, recycling, and composting can help you operate your facility more sustainably.

As the 2025 BOMA International Conference & Expo draws near, BUILDINGS sat down with incoming chair Luci Smith to discuss what leadership looks like, the best advice she’s ever received in commercial real estate, and what’s next for the industry.

Company culture isn’t created by accident. Offices that embrace workplace character and create a cohesive experience will increase belonging, performance, and trust.

Struggling with acoustics issues? Pods may not be the right solution. Here’s why—and what you can do about it, featuring tips from Modwall founder Dan Sullivan.

Will your fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems work when you need them to? These five NFPA standards are important for facility professionals to know.

What is an HVLS fan and where do you need one? Cory Peterson of LED Lighting Supply explains how high-volume, low-speed fans work and what you need to know about specifying them.

Lighting makes up a small fraction of the energy used by a data center, but it has an important impact on efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Optimize data center lighting with these seven tips.

What can emerging professionals in CRE expect from the field? BOMA International’s March 2025 Emerging Professional of the Month, Kate Deady-Havekost, walks us through her property management challenges and successes.

Reduce workplace accidents, improve safety awareness, and comply with regulations by providing training to your staff. These five tips lay out the basics you need to know to keep workers safe.

Commercial real estate owners are experiencing a moment of truth with energy procurement. Energy rate hikes are in the double digits in some areas. Learn what’s causing this—and what we can do about the problem.

Need to pick a roll-off dumpster for your next construction or renovation project? Make sure you’re reserving the right one with these tips.

Some buildings already have smart lighting controls installed, but others are at the beginning of their control journey. Sean Grasby and Greg Hermanowycz of Wesco discuss action steps you can do today to get ready for smart controls—or get your money’s worth out of the ones you already have.

How long has it been since your facilities were last inspected? If it’s been a while, you might be due for a facility condition assessment to look at the conditions of all your building systems. Here’s what to expect.

What do facility managers need to know about microgrids, and what can they start doing today to prepare? Kirk Edelman of SolMicroGrid joins us to discuss potential pitfalls and how microgrids increase resilience.

Cybercriminals may be lurking in your HVAC system or elevator controls, looking to exploit vulnerabilities in your building systems. Here’s what you can do about it.

How does North America compare when it comes to building connectivity, mobile performance, and other productivity-enabling building features? John Meko of WiredScore discusses the findings of WiredScore’s new report.

Dealing with a grub infestation? There are a few options out there. Learn what you can do about lawn grubs in this ICYMI episode of the Buildings Podcast.

Changes in BMS technology, including the edge-to-cloud concept, are changing the way we manage buildings. Eugene Mazo of Atrius, part of the Intelligent Spaces Group at Acuity Brands, joins us to discuss futureproofing buildings.

Buildings can be deadly to birds---but they don’t have to be. We dispel five of the biggest myths about bird-friendly design in this ICYMI episode of the Buildings Podcast.

What can building owners and managers do today to protect their occupants and assets? Bill Sako of Telgian explains 2025’s top security threats and action steps to put into place today.

What is Passive House and how can it increase building resilience? Trey Farmer of Austin-based Forge Craft discusses key standards and tips for certification. 

We all know continued training is important for all kinds of trades and professions, but it’s hard to find the time—not to mention the funding. Dan Clapper, head of learner and business outcomes at Interplay Learning, joins the Buildings Podcast to discuss how to prioritize education in 2025.

Buildings generate a huge amount of data. What do we do with it all? Stefan Schwab, CEO of Enlighted, joins the Buildings Podcast to discuss how to tap into data streams more effectively.

The electrical grid is seeing more demand than ever before, thanks to the growth of industries like data storage and a boom in electrification and electric vehicle adoption. Karina Hershberg of PAE Engineers joins us to explore the changing industry landscape.

Facility management and the skilled trades can sometimes present obstacles for women, but they can also be lucrative careers. This episode of the Buildings Podcast offers tips for women looking to climb the ranks in facilities.

You don’t have to wait until you have a major system failure to upgrade HVAC equipment. Bring decision-makers at your organization up to speed with this wide-ranging HVAC discussion.

Integrating new multifamily housing developments into an existing neighborhood takes care and thoughtful strategies. Rob Clocker, partner at Hacin, offers tips and real-world examples on this episode of the Buildings Podcast.

Cyber threats seem to multiply by the day, and the threat landscape looks different than it did a few years ago. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your facility—and its occupants—safe.

Reducing your building’s greenhouse gas emissions has to include your HVAC system—typically one of the biggest contributors. Here’s what you need to know about sustainable HVAC solutions.

Wet insulation isn’t just impacting your energy consumption—it can contribute to corrosion within the roof and even affect your warranty. These are your options if your insulation gets wet.

Electric vehicle adoption is growing, and with it, demand for charging infrastructure is also increasing. Learn what’s keeping building owners from putting in EV chargers—and what to think about if you want to offer charging. 

The built environment has an undeniable social impact. How can we make sure our buildings contribute positively?

Adaptability and inclusivity are often a struggle for public spaces, especially those built years ago. Check out these accessibility strategies you can use today—and what it means to create a space that’s inclusive for everyone.

Electrostatic discharge flooring (ESD)—also known as static control flooring—cuts down on static that can damage sensitive medical equipment. Here’s what to know about buying it.

Manuel Moreno, president of PJMB Commercial, Inc., will soon take the reins as BOMA International’s 2024-2025 chair. Hear his career advice for commercial real estate professionals, plus what you can expect from the 2024 BOMA International Conference & Expo.

Boston’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance, or BERDO, requires building owners to report and reduce carbon emissions. Here’s what building owners and managers need to know about it—even if they’re not in Boston.

We all know daylighting is beneficial to building occupants, but it can also come with glare, hot spots and poor thermal performance. What can we do? Dr. Doug Milburn, founder and chairman of Advanced Glazings Ltd, explains how to create access to quality natural light while controlling solar heat gain.

How does the fan experience affect the way Ervin Architecture approaches venue design? Learn the keys to creating large venues like the Maine Savings Amphitheater.

Energy demands are growing with the push toward electrification. What are the barriers to addressing these demands, and how can building owners and managers overcome them? Justin Carron, Eaton’s director of buildings and campuses, joins BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to discuss trends shaping the future of building energy systems and the skills facility management teams need to possess as more building processes electrify.

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Henry H. Chamberlain, the president and COO of BOMA International and BOMI, is retiring at the end of 2024 after 39 years as a staff member of BOMA International—including nearly 23 years leading the organization. He’ll be succeeded by Mary Lue Peck, currently BOMA International and BOMI’s senior vice president. Henry and Mary Lue join BUILDINGS editor-in-chief Janelle Penny to discuss how the commercial real estate industry has evolved—and what we can look forward to in its future.

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Water can do incredible damage—and quickly. Here’s what you can do to mitigate weather-related damage, plus tips on working with remediation professionals after the fact.

It’s time for spring thunderstorms. What can you do to shore up your properties? Join Chuck Miccolis of the Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety on the Buildings Podcast for resilience tips.

Are you getting your needs met with the vendors you partner with? Check out these tips for better vendor relationships.

Learn how Women in Fenestration—a network launched by the National Fenestration Rating Council—is helping the building industry cultivate a more inclusive culture and a stronger future.

Woodlawn Friend Health Center is a beacon for wellness in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood—but it started its lifecycle as a beauty wholesaler and supply store.

About 61 million Americans live with a disability of some kind, including 20.6 million with ambulatory disabilities. Is your building accessible to them?

Is your facility still relying on the old period product dispensers that charge a quarter? That could be a problem in a growing number of locations.

Is the culture at your company healthy? Learn how to nurture a strong culture at your organization.

Babcock Ranch, Florida, is a cutting-edge, sustainable town that makes extensive use of solar power, battery storage and integrated technology.

Structural round timber utilizes trees in their natural form for structural applications like columns, beams and trusses. Amelia Swan Baxter of WholeTrees Structures explains how you can use it in projects.

Many legacy student housing facilities don’t match the realities of today’s students—or their needs. Here's how Aurora University and Fisk University both created on-campus housing for diverse student bodies with strategies to create a sense of belonging.

The popularity of electric vehicles is accelerating rapidly, but there are some risks associated with having EVs and charging infrastructure on your property. Bobby Levin, president and chairman of Globe Midwest Adjusters International, discusses what building owners and facilities teams need to know about these risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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