In this episode, Gayathri sits down with Rick, an industry veteran in sustainability and leadership, to discuss the future of sustainable architecture, the role of certifications like LEED, and what gives us hope for the future. Listen in as they delve into the intricacies of prioritizing planetary and human sustainability while adapting to the ever-changing landscape.

About Our Guest:

Rick Fedrizzi has been a prominent figure in the sustainability and well-being industry for decades. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), where he has driven both growth and global adoption of the WELL Standard. A founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and former CEO of both USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), Fedrizzi played a pivotal role in making the LEED certification the world's most widely used green building rating system. With a career that spans over 25 years at UTC's Carrier Corporation and numerous advisory roles, he is an industry thought leader. His book, "Greenthink: How Profit Can Save the Planet," won an EPPY Award for Public Affairs in 2015.

Time Stamps:

00:46: Introduction to Rick and his work in sustainability

05:38: The challenges of LEED and certification systems

11:14: How LEED has evolved to become more adaptive

20:36: The role of technology in advancing sustainability

32:56: Rick's thoughts on "common sense" credits in certifications

35:06: Why the conversation around sustainability should never stop

36:08: Gayathri and Rick discuss the adaptability needed in certifications

36:33: What gives Rick hope for the future

39:11: Rick's closing thoughts on making incremental progress

Key Takeaways:

• Flexibility in Certification: Both Gayathri and Rick emphasize the importance of flexible certification standards that cater to individual needs, fostering a culture of understanding and conversation rather than rigid pass/fail metrics.
• Continuous Engagement: The certification process should be seen as a beginning, not an end, encouraging continuous engagement and learning to foster advancements in harmony with evolving technology, laws, and economics.
• Individualized Approach: Every building and case is unique, requiring a personalized approach to discussions and solutions, highlighting the significance of understanding different contexts during standard development.
• Hope and Positive Outlook: Rick shares his optimistic outlook towards the future, driven by the innocence and potential of the younger generation. He stresses the beauty of continuous efforts to improve, day by day.
• Personal Fulfillment and Growth: Apart from professional achievements, Rick points towards the joy derived from personal spaces of growth, like spending time with grandchildren and gardening, indicating the multifaceted nature of fulfillment and joy.
• Incremental Progress: The podcast echoes the sentiment of striving for a better to

🤝Liveable:

At Liveable, we curate research-backed resources, share thoughtful podcasts, and curate insightful newsletters, nurturing a community of forward-thinking professionals. Together, we're advancing the needle towards a more sustainable and socially responsible building industry.

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💌Empower More Change:

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In this episode of Changing Tomorrow, Gayathri talks to Dr. Erika Eitland, a renowned expert in the intersection of public health and building design. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of how our environments shape us, Erika delves into the transformative power of well-designed spaces on our mental and physical well-being. She breaks down the science behind creating spaces that not only look good but feel good, serving as catalysts for organizational success and individual happiness. From the psychology of color to the importance of air quality, she provides actionable insights that you can implement right away. 

About Our Guest: Dr. Erika Eitland

Dr. Erika Eitland, MPH, ScD, is the Director of the Human Experience Lab at Perkins&Will. With a focus on the public health impact of K-12 schools, affordable housing, and urban planning, Dr. Eitland is a leading voice in the field. She holds a doctorate from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She has presented her research globally and advises on national policy for the U.S. EPA.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction

[05:00] Dr. Erika Eitland's Journey

[10:00] The Role of Design in Public Health

[20:00] Case Study: The Carter School

[30:00] Proceed: A Public Health Data Tool

[40:00] Advice for Young Designers

[50:00] What Gives Dr. Eitland Hope

[53:00] Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• The Importance of Health-Centric Design: Dr. Erika Eitland emphasizes the need for designers to incorporate public health data into their projects. She suggests tools that can help.
• Championing Inclusive Spaces: Dr. Eitland discusses a case study that illustrates the power of design in catering to diverse health needs. She urges professionals to advocate for such inclusivity.
• The Value of Community Input: According to Dr. Eitland, community engagement is crucial for understanding unique health challenges. She recommends this approach for anyone involved in urban planning or policy.
• Investment in Research Pays Off: Dr. Eitland shares how initial investments in health-related research can yield long-term benefits, both socially and financially.
• The Power of Collaboration: Dr. Eitland stresses the importance of finding like-minded individuals to collaborate with, stating that no one can make a significant impact alone.
• Urgency for Action: Dr. Eitland encourages professionals to start making even small changes now, emphasizing that there's no time to waste when public health is at stake.

Podcast Article and Reading List can be found here

Connect with Dr. Erika Eitland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikasitaeitland/

Inhabit podcast:https://inhabit.perkinswil

🤝Liveable:

At Liveable, we curate research-backed resources, share thoughtful podcasts, and curate insightful newsletters, nurturing a community of forward-thinking professionals. Together, we're advancing the needle towards a more sustainable and socially responsible building industry.

• Join us on LinkedIn
• Sign Up for The Spark (our weekly newsletter)

💌Empower More Change:

Pass this episode along to someone who might find it useful—it could be the inspiration they're looking for. And remember, your ratings and reviews keep our conversation going and growing. Thank you for tuning in! 🌟🎙

Join Gayathri as she engages in conversations with today's most impactful changemakers, uncovering how they are shaping a brighter future. In each episode, these innovators candidly share their unique perspectives, hard-earned lessons, and invaluable tools for others. "Changing Tomorrow" serves as a masterclass in crafting an impactful career, offering practical tools to navigate your work in ways that create ripples of positive change for the future.

This is Changing Tomorrow. The future we want is built today.

For more information, check out our website. 

🤝Liveable:

At Liveable, we curate research-backed resources, share thoughtful podcasts, and curate insightful newsletters, nurturing a community of forward-thinking professionals. Together, we're advancing the needle towards a more sustainable and socially responsible building industry.

• Join us on LinkedIn
• Sign Up for The Spark (our weekly newsletter)

💌Empower More Change:

Pass this episode along to someone who might find it useful—it could be the inspiration they're looking for. And remember, your ratings and reviews keep our conversation going and growing. Thank you for tuning in! 🌟🎙