Better Buildings For Humans

In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski reconnects with Vicki Worden, CEO of the Green Building Initiative (GBI), to dive deep into their groundbreaking Journey to Net Zero program. With 2024 marking both her 10th year at GBI and one of the organization’s most impactful years, Vicki shares how their pilot program exceeded expectations—evaluating 154 buildings and delivering real, measurable reductions in site EUI and carbon emissions.

Joe and Vicki explore the complexities of utility data, the evolution of their Net Zero Calculator, and why transparency in carbon accounting is critical. They also discuss how policy is embracing net zero, how GBI supports portfolio-wide performance evaluations, and what’s next for the program. Whether you're a building owner, consultant, or sustainability pro, this conversation unpacks essential tools and insights for the path to net zero.

More About Vicki Worden

Entrepreneur, sustainability professional, and now President & CEO of the Green Building Initiative (GBI), Vicki Worden has supported a myriad of industries corporations, government agencies, and international nonprofits to advance sustainability goals while increasing return on investment. At GBI, Worden works with a 15-member Board of Directors and aninternational network of 20,000 individuals and corporations with a vision to provide sustainable, healthy, and resilient buildings for all. 

GBI provides robust yet accessible green building standards and certification programs, such as its whole building, holistic certification program called Green Globes®, and this year is celebrating having certified more than 700 million square feet of space globally. Green Globes is one of two green building certifications recognized by the U.S. and Canadian federal governments for use on government buildings, and its global recognition continues to grow as its client base includes multi-national real estate investment trusts (REITs),

corporations, and consultancies. 

Additionally, Worden spearheaded the creation of a decarbonization rating system for commercial buildings that launched in late 2023 with 170 buildings from a variety of asset classes and countries. GBI’s Green Globes Journey to ZeroTM is accessible to all building owners, providing third-party review and progress reports aimed at supporting real estate owners with their investor and government reporting on site energy and emissions reductions towards a goal of Zero certification. 

In her previous role as President of Worden Associates, Inc., Worden provided sustainability

consulting and strategic planning expertise for a diverse range of industries including solar, wind, parking, furniture, mattress, composites, wood products, and rainwater harvesting. She is a member of the U.S. Women Executives in Building and a former Chair of the National Institute of Building Sciences Consultative Council. Worden holds an MBA from Loyola University in Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & International Relations from West Chester University. She resides in Camden, Maine, USA.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiworden/ https://thegbi.org/staff/vicki-worden/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Jenna Mikus, founder of the Eudae Group, to explore the power of eudaemonic design—a transformative approach that moves beyond human-centric design to create spaces that foster true human flourishing.

Jenna shares her unconventional journey from engineering and business strategy to pioneering research in sustainable design and well-being science. She dives into how adaptive comfort theory, smart building strategies, and self-determination theory shape environments that empower occupants, improve mental and physical health, and elevate daily experiences.

From designing cancer centers and neurodivergent-friendly schools to advocating for pragmatic futurists in the design process, Jenna offers a fresh perspective on how architecture can truly support our best selves.

This episode is a must-listen for architects, designers, and anyone passionate about creating spaces that inspire and uplift. Don’t miss it!

More About Jenna Mikus

Dr Jenna Mikus is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Eudae Group, which advises clients on organizational and spatial (both physical and digital) transformational change relating to built environments curated for health and wellbeing. Her clients have included commercial office owners, operators, and tenants as well as military, government, healthcare, higher education, aged care, and more on a global scale, with particular emphasis on the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. 

As an advocate for bridging industry practice with academic theory/research, Jenna is also a Visiting Fellow with QUT's Centre for Decent Work & Industry, an Honorary Fellow with the Centre for Conscious Design, a former Health Equity and current Research Advisor for the International WELL Building Institute, and a contributor to Harvard University's Human Flourishing Program's Flourishing at Work Interest Group. 

Jenna leverages her education across engineering, architecture, and design with her depth and breadth of work experience relating to strategy, change management, and design thinking to encourage multidisciplinary cross-pollination in theory and practice and to guide the creation/curation of intelligent, sustainable, and flourishing environments for all.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennamikus/?originalSubdomain=au 

https://x.com/jennamikus 

https://research.qut.edu.au/designlab/team/jenna-mikus/ 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Art Hance, founder of Hance Construction, to explore the evolving world of metal buildings and sustainable design. With 25 years in the industry, Art shares his journey from hands-on construction to strategic leadership, offering insights into how metal buildings have transformed in efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetics.

Joe and Art discuss the role of contractors in promoting practical sustainability, the advancements in insulation and envelope design, and the often-overlooked benefits of daylighting—boosting both employee well-being and business productivity. They also dig into why metal buildings are the unsung heroes of the circular economy, given steel’s near-perfect recyclability.

If you’re an architect, builder, or just passionate about better, smarter buildings, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

More About Art Hance

With over 30 years of specialized construction industry experience, extensive construction management, industry certifications, and technical training, Art Hance has cultivated a reputation as an authority in sustainable commercial construction in the Northeast.

Based in Warren County, New Jersey, Hance Construction specializes in sustainable, creative, and energy-efficient design using Butler® pre-engineered steel building systems. The company serves the region’s government, industrial, cannabis, and commercial markets with tailored design and construction services.

An IAS AC478-accredited firm, Hance Construction has also been named a Butler Career Builder®, recognized for excellent management and metal building construction capabilities.

Widely regarded as a thought leader in the realm of sustainable construction practices, Art Hance co-authored an accredited continuing education course training architects and engineers on sustainable design for pre-engineered metal buildings.

While serving as President of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), Art advanced the formation of IAS AC478, the industry’s first accreditation program for Metal Building Assembly. Art has served on the Butler Builder Advisory Council, working with Butler on strategic initiatives, and he has been inducted into the Metal Construction Hall of Fame.

The quality of Hance Construction’s work has earned significant industry recognition and accolades. Among their marquee projects, Hance provided and constructed the Butler steel structure for the New York Giants’ indoor practice facility. The firm has been recognized as one of the nations Top Metal Builders by Metal Construction News.

Among other awards, Hance Construction’s excellence is reflected by having won the coveted MBCEA National Building of the Year award twice—in 2012 and 2015—a top honor in the industry. Art’s decades-long commitment to construction leadership and professionalism is seen in the meaningful work he and Hance Construction bring to life in the Mid-Atlantic community.

Art Hance’s pioneering design approach, construction management capabilities, and industry leadership make Hance Construction a premier choice for clients who expect only the best.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-hance-88b9923/

https://www.hanceconstruction.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HanceConstructionInc/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Gene Eidelman, co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, to explore how 3D printing is revolutionizing home construction. Gene shares his journey from real estate development to pioneering modular, 3D-printed homes made from recycled plastics, dramatically reducing costs, build time, and environmental impact.

The conversation dives into the speed and efficiency of 3D printing, the structural resilience of these homes in extreme weather, and how customizable curved designs are making unique, sustainable architecture more accessible. From backyard ADUs and affordable housing to glamping retreats and emergency shelters, Gene reveals how Azure is reshaping the future of housing.

Whether you're an architect, developer, or sustainability advocate, this episode will change the way you think about building homes. Don't miss it!

More About Gene Eidelman

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geneeidelman/ 

https://www.azureprintedhomes.com/ 

https://geneeidelmanmedia.com/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Garrett Herbst, an architect and computational design expert at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, to tackle a pressing question: Is AI disrupting architecture—or saving it?

Garrett shares his journey from designing football stadiums in his high school dream house to pioneering advanced computational techniques that are reshaping architecture. He dives deep into AI-driven design, parametric modeling, and digital fabrication, exploring how these tools are transforming efficiency, sustainability, and even aesthetics in modern buildings.

The conversation also covers regenerative design, microalgae facades, and mass timber construction, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable architecture. Whether you're an architect, engineer, or simply fascinated by the future of buildings, this episode is packed with insights.

Tune in to discover how AI and computation are redefining the built environment!

More About Garrett Herbst

Garrett Herbst is an architect, project manager, and leader in computational design and sustainable innovation at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. As a founder of Little’s Emerging Tech CoLab, he has driven the integration of AI, parametric scripting, and data analysis into architectural practice, enhancing efficiency and expanding design possibilities. Working with UNC Charlotte’s Integrated Design Research Lab and Dr. Kyoung-Hee Kim’s EcoClosure he helped develop next-generation microalgae façade systems—recognized with an Architect Magazine R+D Award and supported by multiple National Science Foundation grants. Named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s Top 100 Innovators of 2024, Garrett has played a key role in major mass timber and commercial projects, including the Truist Center Plaza, Ally Charlotte Center, and BMW’s Technical Training Facility. In addition to his professional practice, he served as an adjunct professor at UNC Charlotte, where he taught computational design and emerging technologies within the profession, mentoring the next generation of architects.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmichaelherbst/https://www.littleonline.com/leadership/garrett-herbst/ 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Dorit Aviv, architect, researcher, and founder of the Thermal Architecture Lab at the University of Pennsylvania. Dorit shares her journey from designing passive cooling systems to pioneering new ways buildings can interact with their climate through material science and thermodynamics.

The conversation explores how architecture can move beyond conventional air conditioning, using radiant cooling, adaptive materials, and full-scale prototypes to create more sustainable and comfortable spaces. Dorit explains the importance of designing for real-world conditions, from urban cooling shelters to cutting-edge research on carbon-absorbing concrete.

With a deep focus on the interplay between energy, comfort, and sustainability, Dorit’s work challenges how we think about cooling, climate resilience, and the built environment. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or just fascinated by the future of design, this episode is full of inspiration and innovation. Don’t miss it!

More About Dorit Aviv

Dorit Aviv, PhD, AIA, is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the Weitzman School of Design, specializing in sustainability and environmental performance. She is the director of the Thermal Architecture Lab, a cross-disciplinary laboratory at the intersection of thermodynamics, architecture, and material science. Her work examines synergies between renewable environmental forces and architectural materials and forms. Aviv is a licensed architect and holds a PhD in architectural technology from Princeton University. Her prototypes for passive and low-energy cooling have won major international awards, including a Holcim Award for Sustainable Design and Construction for a prototype of passive cooling in desert climate in 2021 and a Ramboll Foundation grant to investigate applications of radiant cooling for urban shelters in 2024.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorit-aviv/

https://www.instagram.com/thermal_architecture_lab/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski welcomes Marta Delgado, architect, researcher, and advocate for research-informed design. Marta shares her journey from studying environmental design at UC Berkeley to her role at the Center for Conscious Design, where she helps create healthier spaces through grassroots movements and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The discussion delves into the philosophy behind her work, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces that promote well-being in high-pressure environments. Marta explains how recharge rooms, thoughtful architecture, and restorative design can alleviate stress and improve mental resilience, offering real-world examples like a reimagined fire station.

From her views on neuroarchitecture to creating meaningful, personalized spaces, Marta provides inspiration for architects, engineers, and anyone passionate about how buildings impact lives. Whether exploring her platform, Architecture with Meaning, or leading global initiatives, Marta exemplifies how design can connect us to place and each other. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

More about Marta Delgado

Marta holds a professional degree in Architecture from the International University of Catalunya and a Master of Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She specializes in the intersection between cognitive science and the built environment, which she translates into research-informed design strategies for commercial and public spaces through her company, AWM (Architecture with Meaning).Additionally, she serves as the Head of Community Development at the Centre for Conscious Design (CCD), with the mission to foster frameworks for human and social flourishing and to support professionals in a field and industry in development. She organizes a monthly event, The Cave, where you can ask her any questions!

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-delgado-5572bb101/

https://architecturewithmeaning.com/

https://theccd.org/

https://theccd.org/event-series/the-cave/

https://theccd.org/event-series/conscious-cities-festival-2025/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with Peter Simmonds, a renowned mechanical engineer with a storied career in designing high-performance systems for some of the world’s tallest buildings. From his early days working on hospitals in the Netherlands to iconic projects like the Petronas Towers and Louis Vuitton Museum, Peter shares unparalleled insights into building physics, radiant heating and cooling, and the challenges of designing skyscrapers.

The conversation dives deep into optimizing energy efficiency, minimizing carbon footprints, and the unique hurdles of passive design for mega-tall structures. Peter also discusses the critical role of collaboration in creating innovative buildings that balance functionality, comfort, and sustainability. Whether you're an engineer, architect, or building enthusiast, this episode is brimming with expertise and inspiration. Tune in to discover how great teams build extraordinary buildings!

More About Peter Simmonds

Peter Simmonds has been involved in designing and operating tall, supertall, and mega-tall buildings worldwide for more than 30 years. He has authored or co-authored more than 60 technical papers and articles. He is the author of the ASHRAE Design Guide for Tall, Supertall, and Mega Tall Building Systems (2015), second edition (2020), and co-author of the ASHRAE/REHVA Active and Passive Beam Application Design Guide (2014) and the ASHRAE Natural Ventilation Design Guide (2020). He has one Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and another in Research and Development from Reading Technical College in England; a master’s degree from Hogere Technische School, Den Bosch, The Netherlands; and a PhD. 

Peter Simmonds is a Fellow Life Member of ASHRAE and has been awarded the following:

2006 - Fellow Award

2009 - Distinguished Service Award

2014 - Exceptional Service Award

2019 - Crosby Field Award

2020 - Regional Award of Merit

2021 - John F James International Award

Peter is semi-retired and spends his time between projects mentoring students and teaching at TU Delft and The University of Applied Sciences in Munich.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-simmonds-a812b3154/

https://petersimmonds.com/director/

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski is joined by co-host Dr. Doug Milburn, founder and chairman of Advanced Glazing, and the renowned architect Brian MacKay-Lyons, often celebrated as the "poet of place." Together, they explore the transformative power of architecture to harmonize with local landscapes while addressing universal human needs.

Brian shares his journey from a small Nova Scotia village to becoming a global architectural icon, describing how his "critical regionalist" style honors local materials, landscapes, and cultural traditions. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy of designing buildings that provide both privacy and community, integrating light, energy efficiency, and timeless architectural principles.

Highlighting a collaborative project, Doug and Brian discuss the creation of a modern, energy-efficient lakeside home in Cape Breton that merges technological innovation with a deep respect for the natural environment. The house features thoughtful designs to maximize natural light, thermal comfort, and stunning views while remaining off-grid and eco-friendly.

Brian also shares insights on upcoming projects, including the new Canadian Embassy in Australia, which integrates Indigenous values into its design. Whether you're an architect, designer, or someone passionate about the intersection of buildings and human experience, this episode offers inspiration and profound reflections on the art of place-making.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-milburn-45864b2a/?originalSubdomain=ca

https://advancedglazings.com/

https://www.protocase.com/

https://www.45drives.com/

https://www.mlsarchitects.ca/team/brian-mackay-lyons 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mackay-lyons-a8a60616/ 

https://www.instagram.com/mackaylyonssweetapple/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028549793337 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mackay-lyons-sweetapple-architects/ 

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In this episode of Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski is joined by Roger Wilkerson, Healthcare Practice Leader at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of healthcare architecture, unpacking the unique challenges and transformative possibilities in designing spaces that heal.

Roger shares insights from his rich career, including how healthcare facilities operate like "battleships," requiring intricate planning for safety, complexity, and adaptability. From the critical role of natural light in shortening patient stays and reducing pain medication needs to the surprising evidence behind art and noise reduction in healing environments, Roger explains how design profoundly impacts patients, staff, and families alike.

Whether discussing master planning for hospitals' future growth or creating spaces that serve communities with beauty and functionality, Roger highlights the power of architecture to improve lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of design, health, and human experience.

More About Roger Wilkerson

Roger Wilkerson has over 30 years of experience in management and healthcare design. He is highly skilled at business development and administration and cultivating lasting relationships with key decision-makers in the healthcare industry. Roger meets with clients to review performance and consistently finds ways to improve productivity, technology, budgeting, process optimization, and client relations. He has a proven ability to create and lead successful teams that deliver the highest expectations.

CONTACT:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-wilkerson/

https://www.littleonline.com/leadership/roger-wilkerson/ 

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