In this inspiring episode of Clear Haze Exchange, architectural designer and influencer Michael De Luca joins us to share his creative journey into the world of architecture. From his early passion for design to his commitment to sustainability and community impact, Michael offers a thoughtful look into the evolving role of environmental design in shaping urban development.

We dive into the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, the importance of communication in architectural projects, and how social media can be a tool for public education and advocacy. Michael also reflects on the challenges of balancing creativity with practical constraints, the value of real-world experience, and his vision for empathetic design in public spaces.

Whether you're an aspiring architect, a design enthusiast, or someone curious about the intersection of creativity and sustainability, this episode offers rich insights into the future of architecture.

Chapters Include:

• Introduction to Architecture and Design Passion
• Environmental Design and Sustainability
• Career Inspiration and Community Impact
• Becoming an Architectural Influencer
• Building Performance and R-Values
• Creativity vs. Constraints
• Social Media in Architecture
• Entrepreneurship and Urban Development
• Empathy and Purpose in Design

Episode 9 of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood reflects on the insightful conversations held in Season One. 

Starting with Mohamed “Mo” El-Sayed, he and Marcus discuss the importance of effective communication in the field of energy engineering. Mo explains why clear communication is as vital as technical expertise.

Another standout guest, Mahesh Ramanujam, current CEO of the Global Network for Zero, shared his vision for leveraging technology as a tool to achieve net-zero goals. He emphasized the importance of intentional, inclusive, and accessible technology in the climate space. 

Marcus Hazelwood also spoke with Chad Edwards, an architect, who shared how architecture can shape behavior and community. He emphasizes that buildings should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful.

Marcus also recorded with his wife, Stephanie Hazelwood, and their time studying and working at Harvard, as well as curating sustainable lifestyles in Massachusetts.

Alan Scott's insights on regenerative design challenged listeners to think beyond merely reducing harm to creating positive impacts. By articulating a compelling vision for sustainability, stakeholders can align their efforts and work collaboratively toward common goals.

Yolanda Owens shared insights on food waste and sustainability, illustrating how her upbringing on a family farm shaped her understanding of food production. 

Creativity and sustainability are discussed when Marcus spoke with Bertie Stephens, CEO of Clean Planet Group, and author of Ellie Ment and the Material Matter, a young adult book that celebrates the magic of science.

As an energy engineer, Marcus uses tools like IES's energy modeling software across all phases: from initial design and construction to ongoing operations. When he spoke with Matthew Duffy, VP of IESVE Sales, they discussed how energy modeling is one of the most significant advantages of energy modeling.

If you have additional guests or topics you would like to discuss, send your ideas to [email protected]. This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Energy modeling is a crucial tool for decarbonizing the built environment, from analyzing energy consumption to informing design decisions. In Episode 8 of Clear Haze Exchange, Matthew Hazelwood welcomes Matthew Duffy, Vice President of IESVE Sales North America East at IES Ltd., to the podcast.

With over 15 years of experience in sustainability and energy efficiency consulting, Marcus emphasizes the importance of utilizing tools like IES's energy modeling software, from design conception through to construction and operations. Matthew shares how understanding these three elements enables energy modeling to predict a building's energy consumption and inform design decisions that minimize its carbon footprint.

This includes analyzing various factors such as:

• Building Geometry: The layout and dimensions of the building, including walls, windows, and spaces.
• Materials: The types of materials used in construction, which affect insulation and energy efficiency.
• Occupant Behavior: The thermal energy generated by people and equipment within the building.

One of the most significant advantages of energy modeling is its capacity to inform design decisions early in the project lifecycle. Matthew pointed out that, by incorporating energy modeling and using tools like IESVE, designers can conduct parametric analyses to evaluate different design scenarios, such as various HVAC systems or facade options, to determine which configurations minimize energy consumption and carbon footprint. 

In summary, energy modeling is an indispensable tool for decarbonizing the built environment. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of energy modeling will only grow, making it essential for architects, engineers, and sustainability professionals to embrace this powerful tool.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Clean Planet Group is on a mission to turn the tide on plastic waste—with a mix of creativity, innovation, and bold action!  In Episode 7 of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood welcomes Bertie Stephens, the CEO and board member of Clean Planet Group. Whether it’s sparking young minds through storytelling, transforming unrecyclable plastics into clean energy, or developing futuristic fuels for flight, each division plays a unique role in reimagining our planet’s future. Together, these efforts are paving the way for a cleaner world—one story, one solution, and one piece of plastic at a time.

Clean Planet Foundation: This division allows the Board to take calculated risks and support initiatives that do not require a financial return. The return on investment is far greater from future generations! 

As a film director and children’s book author, Bertie appreciates how storytelling can be used to educate, combat plastic waste, and promote sustainability. By engaging younger generations through relatable narratives in chapter books and comics, the Clean Planet Foundation can inspire a new wave of advocates and simplify some of the complex environmental challenges we face. 

Clean Planet Energy: By converting unrecyclable plastics back into oil, Clean Planet Group promotes a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded. The company’s efforts align with the growing demand for sustainable practices among consumers and businesses alike, as more organizations seek to meet sustainability targets and reduce their environmental impact.

Clean Planet Technology: By focusing on research and development, efforts are being made to advance the technology needed for converting plastic waste into aviation fuel. The implications of utilizing plastic waste as aviation fuel extend beyond environmental benefits. By adopting sustainable aviation fuel derived from plastic waste, these organizations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint associated with air travel, thus contributing to broader climate goals.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

In Episode 6 of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood is joined by guest Yolanda Owens, Executive Director of Local Matters, who emphasizes that sustainability involves understanding how to utilize the resources we currently have to ensure a viable world for the next generation. 

As a Buckeye from Columbus, Ohio, Yolanda brings her unique perspective on sustainability practices to this discussion about the importance of understanding our consumption habits and their broader implications for energy efficiency and environmental health. 
 

Yolanda defines sustainability as "the responsible use of resources to ensure a viable world for future generations" and explains how everyone should challenge our judgments about the haves and have-nots when it comes to food access. Yolanda's definition of sustainability encompasses social and economic dimensions as well. She points out that sustainability has often been "greenwashed," leading to misconceptions about its true meaning. For her, it involves collaborating with growers who prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that agricultural land remains productive and healthy for years to come.

At the heart of sustainability lies the principle of wise resource utilization, including considering the inputs used in food production, such as water, soil, and energy. Yolanda discusses the importance of addressing what happens to food that doesn't reach consumers, often ending up in landfills instead of being repurposed or becoming compost. Initiatives like food rescue programs, which Local Matters has implemented, aim to redirect surplus food to those in need rather than allowing it to go to waste. By rescuing food and redistributing it, organizations can help alleviate food insecurity and take actionable steps toward fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits both people and the planet.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Alan Scott, the Director of Sustainability at Intertek. With a dynamic career as a registered architect and project manager in various architectural firms, Alan shares insights into his career evolution from the creative side of architecture to a managerial role focused on sustainability and building science solutions. 

In Episode 5 of Clear Haze Exchange, Alan emphasizes that this integration is essential for several reasons:

1. Financial Implications: Building owners are increasingly subject to regulations that require them to disclose their natural hazard and climate-related risks. Understanding these risks can help mitigate potential economic losses associated with property damage or business disruptions caused by natural disasters.
2. Long-Term Viability: By identifying vulnerabilities early, project teams can design buildings that are not only energy-efficient but also resilient to future climate conditions. This foresight can lead to significant cost savings over the building's lifecycle, as it reduces the likelihood of extensive repairs or retrofitting after a disaster.
3. Enhanced Client Relationships: Engaging clients in discussions about resilience can help them appreciate the value of investing in these assessments. It allows architects and developers to frame the conversation around the broader benefits of resilience, including social aspects such as occupant safety and well-being.
4. Holistic Design Approach: Integrating resilience assessments encourages a more comprehensive design process. It fosters collaboration among various technical experts, ensuring that all aspects of a project, such as energy efficiency, occupant health, and safety, are considered with potential hazards.

As Alan reflects on his transition into consulting 25 years ago, he emphasizes that he remains a creative problem solver, blending design vision with technical expertise where there is a need for his subject matter expertise.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Marcus Hazelwood invites his wife, Stephanie Hazelwood, to the Clear Haze Exchange podcast, and a unique turn of events occurs: Marcus gets interviewed instead of being the interviewee. The couple discusses the evolution of his career, the risks they’ve taken, and the insights gained through their shared experiences. Stephanie brings a fresh perspective, asking behind-the-scenes questions about Marcus, highlighting his expertise and personal growth in the energy and sustainability industry.

Marcus attended Eastland Career Center in high school and completed a design drafting course. This experience ignited his interest in architecture and mechanical design and introduced him to the design and engineering world. 

However, after working at an engineering firm, Marcus was introduced to mechanical design and the building industry, including early green building design concepts. This exposure laid the groundwork for his future sustainability and energy efficiency endeavors. Years after marriage, the couple decided to move to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Marcus and Stephanie embraced sustainable lifestyles, where everything they ate, purchased, and used in their homes was reviewed through sustainability.

Episode 4 of Clear Haze Exchange emphasizes the journey into sustainability as being so much larger than a career choice. At Harvard, Marcus and Stephanie immersed themselves in a culture prioritizing sustainability. He worked on various projects, including LEED certification and building commissioning, which ensured that buildings operated as intended. His experiences at Harvard expanded his understanding of sustainability beyond just a career; it became a lifestyle he and his wife, Stephanie, embraced together.

In conclusion, the podcast episode illustrates that personal lifestyle choices and an awareness of sustainability can significantly enhance professional effectiveness and passion in the field. By viewing sustainability as a way of life rather than just a job, individuals can profoundly impact their careers and inspire others to embrace sustainable practices. This holistic approach fosters a culture of sustainability that benefits both personal and professional realms, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Architects have a key role in a project's construction or regenerative support. Chad Edwards, a principal at Emersion DESIGN, joins the Clear Haze Exchange podcast to discuss the value of collaborative design in creating highly sustainable and cost-effective buildings.

Sustainable design has traditionally focused on meeting specific standards and certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). However, host Marcus Hazelwood and Chad discuss why Emersion DESIGN’s emphasis shifts from merely achieving these sustainability standards to adopting an integrative design approach.

Integrative design occurs when architects, engineers, clients, and contractors collaborate in the design process. Chad encourages this collaboration early in the process so the team can share insights and expertise that lead to innovative solutions by bringing everyone to the table. This approach contrasts with the traditional method, where architects design a building and then hand it off to engineers, often leading to inefficiencies.

Regenerative design transcends sustainability by aiming to heal and restore the environment rather than simply minimizing harm. It focuses on creating net-positive buildings, meaning they generate more energy than they consume and actively contribute to the local ecosystem. For instance, Chad mentions the District 3 police station in Cincinnati, Ohio, which became the world's first LEED Platinum and net-zero energy police station. 

As the industry moves towards more regenerative practices, integrative design principles will be essential in overcoming challenges and achieving a sustainable future. Additionally, by identifying what is most important to the client, the design team can tailor their approach and recommend appropriate certifications that align with the client's goals. 

This client-centered approach ensures that the client understands the value of the collaborative process and regenerative practices, that the final design meets sustainability standards, and resonates with the client's vision and mission.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Mahesh Ramanujam, co-founder, President, and CEO of the Global Network for Zero (GNFZ), joins the Clear Haze Exchange podcast to discuss how technology can be either an enabler or a differentiator. Mahesh begins by explaining how the evolution of technology has led to significant advancements in energy efficiency, automation, and data management, which he has experienced in his life and career, having worked with organizations like IBM and Lenovo. 

As the CEO of GNFZ, Mahesh doesn’t have a typical day, but he emphasizes that a significant portion of his day is spent speaking, networking, and interacting with people at conferences. Marcus and Mahesh met at the Rebuild Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mahesh remembered Marcus and the two spent a lot of time discussing decarbonization and sustainable lifestyles. As the President and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), Mahesh understands the impact of these programs on a larger scale and is an important advocate of sustainability and decarbonization.

Decarbonization, as defined by Mahesh, is the process of reducing and ultimately eliminating greenhouse gas emissions across various assets, including buildings and businesses. He argues that achieving decarbonization should not be overly complicated, and he co-founded GNFZ to remove much of the confusion and challenges about decarbonization. 

In Episode 2 of Clear Haze Exchange, Mahesh Ramanujam points out that: 

1. There is often a lack of clear communication about decarbonization, 
2. Businesses don’t appreciate the long-term profitability, and
3. Alignment with decarbonization goals will benefit the environment and drive business success.

Ultimately, Marcus and Mahesh discuss how a lack of integration and interoperability is impacting the sustainability movement. Although green building programs and sustainability initiatives exist, many operate in silos. To overcome these challenges, Mahesh calls for a collaborative approach where data is shared openly, and different sustainability programs recognize and complement each other. 

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

Marcus Hazelwood invites Mo El-Sayed to discuss leadership, effective communication, and retro-commissioning. Mo’s experiences in energy engineering and leading EA Energy Solutions are potent reminders that retro-commissioning and effective communication remain a key strategy in the quest for energy-efficient buildings as sustainable practices continue to grow. Episode 1 of Clear Haze Exchange begins with Marcus and Mo explaining how Marcus received his employment offer letter, working together at EA Energy Solutions, and the evolving energy modeling field. Marcus' journey into energy modeling and sustainability began after joining Mo's team in 2010. 

Energy modeling is a troubleshooting tool. It enables professionals to test various design scenarios and operational strategies to determine the most effective ways to enhance energy efficiency. In Episode 1 of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus and Mo emphasize that energy modeling is based on facts rather than guesses. By utilizing energy models, clients can visualize the impact of different design choices on energy consumption, allowing them to make better decisions that align with sustainability goals.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the importance of continuous improvement, whether competing with oneself or guiding and inspiring individuals to realize their potential. Engineering leaders must actively engage with their teams, encourage open communication, and provide opportunities for professional development.

Retro-commissioning is a service offered by EA Energy Solutions that optimizes existing building systems. This process involves troubleshooting and fine-tuning various building systems—such as heating, cooling, lighting, and control systems—to ensure they operate as efficiently as possible. Retro-commissioning's importance lies in its ability to maintain and improve the energy efficiency of current infrastructure, which is essential for fostering sustainability.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.