Why Embodied Energy Matters

In recognition of Veterans Day, we’re revisiting a conversation that highlights how the skills developed through military service can translate into leadership and impact in the built environment. Rod Turner, a US military veteran and experienced facility management professional, joins us to discuss energy efficiency and sustainability best practices for facility management and the important role facility professionals play in improving the performance of the buildings we use every day. Rod shares practical insights on integrating sustainability into facility operations, from improving energy and resource efficiency to  making informed operational decisions that can reduce costs, improve performance, and create more resilient facilities.Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

In recognition of World Cities Day, we’re revisiting a conversation about how the buildings and communities we design today can shape the energy future of our cities.Jonathan Kraatz, Executive Director of USGBC Texas, joins us to explore the intersection of energy and the built environment from how buildings use energy to the roles that design, technology, and policy can play in creating more efficient, resilient, and sustainable communities. Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

As extreme heat, flooding, severe storms, and other hazards increasingly impact communities, healthcare systems are facing a critical question: How can they prepare for climate risks while continuing to protect the people who depend on them? We are revisiting our conversation with Dr. Adele Houghton, President of Biositu, LLC, and Instructor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, about the Climate Resilience Toolkit and how organizations can better understand and prepare for climate-related risks. This episode explores the connection between extreme weather, public health, and community resilience and discussed practical approaches organizations can use to identify vulnerabilities, strengthen facilities and operations, and better protect communities. For more information, check out these additional links:US Climate Resilience Toolkit: https://toolkit.climate.gov/topic/health-careArchitectural Epidemiology: https://www.architecturalepidemiology.org/ Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.   Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

In recognition of World Habitat Day, we’re revisiting a conversation that reminds us that energy efficiency starts at home. Felisa Connor, President and CEO of Frazier Revitalization joins us in this throwback episode to explore the connection between affordable housing, energy efficiency, and neighborhood revitalization. Felisa shares how investments in homes and communities can improve quality of life, lower energy burden, and increase community resilience.Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more. 

In this throwback episode of Energy Crossroads, we sit down with Dean Stanberry, formerly with the U.S. General Services Administration and Global Chair of IFMA, and Rob Hamon, former Director of Energy and Sustainability at Boxer Properties, to explore how facility and energy managers can finance energy efficiency projects and maximize their value. We also discuss how industry trends are shaping the future of energy financing. Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.   Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

As the energy evolution reshapes our systems and communities, how we allocate limited resources will play a critical role in building a more sustainable and resilient future.In this episode of Energy Crossroads, we sit down with Dr. Erick C. Jones Jr., assistant professor of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington and director of the SEAR Lab, to explore the connections between energy, supply chains, transportation, and climate change. Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.   Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

In this throwback episode, Amanda Tullos, founder of GreeNexus Consulting, shares her vision for sustainable, regenerative buildings. A licensed architect who has led more than 150 LEED-certified projects spanning 15 million square feet, Amanda explores how the Living Building Challenge is driving market transformation and offers practical solutions for advancing green building practices.Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations. Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more. 

As extreme weather and natural disasters continue to test our energy systems and built environment, resilient design has never been more important.  In this throwback episode we sit down with Rives Taylor, FAIA, LEED Fellow, and Gensler’s Global Design Resilience Leader and Principal, to discuss how resilient building design, smarter energy infrastructure, and forward thinking planning can help businesses and communities withstand disruption and recover stronger than before.Subscribe to Energy Crossroads wherever you listen to podcasts and don’t miss this and other compelling conversations.  Visit HARCresearch.org or energyhub.HARCresearch.org to learn more.

In this episode, Dirk Kestner, Senior Principle and Director of Sustainable Design at Walter P Moore, discusses the importance of considering embodied energy and life cycle analysis in sustainable building design. This conversation explores how these concepts influence decision-making in construction and the future of environmental impact assessment.

Join us for a conversation with John Day about how energy efficiency, smart facility design, and operational innovation are helping Kids’ Meals expand its mission and serve more children across the Houston region.