Description:

We talk a lot about sustainability at a large scale; this typically includes large building projects or grid-level issues, like energy affordability and access to renewables. But how about the small-scale? What type of sustainability initiatives are people passionate about in their everyday lives?

To answer this question, Robb assembled a group of sustainability professionals from Steven Winter Associates and asked them to share some best practices for living a more sustainable lifestyle. Each guest responds with one topic they are passionate about and explains how they turned a common challenge into a sustainable solution.

Here’s the breakdown of topics by guest:

• Maureen Mahle – Eliminating combustion and going all-electric [0:03:25]
• Andrea Foss – Water conservation in toilets [0:24:15]
• Robb Aldrich – Walkability and proximity to transit [0:41:10]
• Gayathri Vijayakumar – Duct sealing  [0:59:00]

Episode Guests 

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Robb Aldrich (Host)

Principle Mechanical Engineer

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Maureen Mahle

Managing Director, Residential Building Services

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Andrea Foss

Sustainability Director

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Gayathri Vijayakumar

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Episode Resources

Robb

SWA Blog – Electric Cars: Are They Better for Your Pocket and the Climate Right NOW?

Factsheet – EPA: Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Gayathri

Article – More info on Aeroseal and how to find a local contractor to get a quote:

• Aeroseal – Leak Sealing for Clean Air, Comfort, Energy Savings

Maureen:

Video – Samantha Bee’s take on cooking with gas (with RMI):

• Here’s Why Your Gas Stove is Killing You [YouTube]

Images – Before and after photos of Maureen’s transition to an all-electric home:

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Vintage Chambers Gas Range, Model 61C

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Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

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Combustion-free Induction Range and Faux Fireplace

Episode Sponsor:

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“The P3 Higher Education Summit examines campus infrastructure challenges faced by colleges and universities nationwide, and how new approaches to procurement, risk, planning, and asset management are helping campus planners and facility managers deliver critical projects nationwide.

Join over 600 college and university representatives, developers, and design-build professionals for two days of project delivery discussions and networking. Check out P3HigherEducation.com to learn more and to register. Opportunities for sponsorship are still available.

Register with code SWINTER for $100 off your registration!

We Want to Hear From You!

Send your feedback and questions to podcast@swinter.com

About Buildings and Beyond

Buildings and Beyond is a production of Steven Winter Associates. We provide energy, green building, and accessibility consulting services to improve the built environment. For more information, visit www.swinter.com.

Hosts

Robb Aldrich | Kelly Westby

Production Team

Heather Breslin | Alex Mirabile | Dylan Martello

Transcript coming soon!