Waste is one of the biggest blind spots in multifamily, and it may be costing owners far more than they realize. Shamir Hyman https://www.linkedin.com/in/shamirhyman/, CEO and founder of WasteXAI, explains why the industry has been stuck in a black box for decades and how verified, container-level data could change everything.
Host, Mary Nitschke, and Shamir unpack the hidden operations behind trash service, recycling contamination, missed pickups, compliance headaches, and the labor drain created when teams have to hunt for answers with no hard evidence. Shamir shares why waste should be treated as a resident experience asset, not just a pass-through expense, and why the future of property operations depends on turning this overlooked function into something measurable.
In this episode:
The evolution of waste management
The role of verified operational data
How WasteXAI's technology works on-site
The impact of data transparency on costs and operations
Future trends in waste management and industry transformation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to WasteXAI and Industry Challenges
03:20 Shamir Hyman's Origin Story and Industry Motivation
09:30 Why Most Waste Operations Are in the Dark
14:08 The One Thing Most Owners Don't Know About Waste
18:56 The Black Box of the Waste Industry
23:23 How WasteXAI Measures and Verifies Waste Events
27:07 The Operational History and Data of Waste Management
28:56 The Future of Waste Management in Five Years
This episode is brought to you by PlugOp.
When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.
If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.
To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ sits down with Jessica Long https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-long-3666692a/, who brings nearly 20 years of experience across commercial real estate, public REITs, and asset management, to unpack how sustainability evolved from tenant-driven energy conversations into a portfolio-level strategy tied to value, governance, and investor expectations.
From the early days of LEED adoption to leading sustainability at NAREIT, Jessica traces the industry’s transformation and explains why the real story is not whether REITs care about sustainability, but how they turn it into measurable business performance.
In this episode:
The evolution of sustainability in real estate over 20 years
The role of NAREIT in industry advocacy and education
Jessica Long's career path from private to public REITs
The impact of sustainability on operational expenses and capital markets
Sector-specific sustainability practices and reporting trends
The shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability disclosures
The integration of financial metrics with sustainability data
Future trends in AI and data analysis for ESG performance
The importance of holistic CapEx planning for sustainability
The influence of tenant and investor demands on sustainability strategies
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jessica Long and the importance of sustainability in real estate
02:29 Jessica Long's career journey in real estate and sustainability
07:53 Overview of NAREIT and its role in the industry
11:34 2026 Industry Sustainability Report highlights and sector insights
15:03 The economic value of sustainability in real estate
21:26 Future trends in sustainability reporting and data analysis
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Waste is the last thing most property teams want to tackle, but it may be the fastest path to better resident experience, lower operating costs, and real sustainability impact.
Cass McFadden, Vice President of Sustainability at Cortland https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassmcfadden/ , shares how Cortland turned a messy, overlooked utility into an award-winning program that industry peers can’t ignore.
Mary Nitschke congratulates Cortland on their UMA Sustainability and Innovation Award win, and Cass breaks down what it took to build a credible waste strategy from the ground up. The conversation reveals how smart partnerships, better data, and a willingness to test can turn trash into measurable operational wins.
In this episode:
Waste diversion programs and their impact
Industry recognition and awards in sustainability
Partnerships with local vendors for recycling
Data and metrics in waste management
Community engagement and signage in recycling
Glass recycling and closed-loop systems
Operational cost savings through waste reduction
Proactive waste stream management strategies
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cass McFadden and Cortland's sustainability efforts
01:50 Cass shares the significance of industry awards in sustainability
04:04 Overview of Cortland as a multifamily real estate firm
06:57 How waste management programs were developed and implemented
09:04 The importance of data and real-time metrics in waste diversion
11:57 Focus on glass recycling and its benefits
14:57 Closed-loop recycling with Coca-Cola containers
17:00 Resident engagement and signage strategies for waste sorting
19:54 Next steps and future plans for waste and diversion at Cortland
This episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.
Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.
We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.
The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.
Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Tiffany Mittal https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanymittal/ and Mary Nitschke dive into water usage in multifamily. They discuss the RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) program, and the challenges of utility management and billing in multifamily.
Tiffany shares her experience from a small owner-operator to creating Utility Ranger, a software that empowers small multifamily owners to manage utility billing efficiently, and what led her to creating the software.
In this episode:
Tiffany Mittal's journey from owner-operator to software innovator
The market gap for small multifamily utility management
Benefits of utility billback programs for property owners and residents
Strategies for communicating utility programs to residents
Compliance considerations in utility billing
The role of transparency and education in conservation
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and welcome to Tiffany Mittal
00:28 How Utility Ranger started and the problem it solved
01:43 The value of utility billing for property owners
02:43 Helping smaller owners get the same advantages
03:25 Why utility billing matters
05:06 The difference between submetering and RUBS
07:31 Transparency drives conservation
08:04 The hotel example and water usage
09:33 Changing resident behavior
10:38 How to communicate a billback program
11:38 Why it helps to explain the program upfront
12:31 Real example: residents reduced costs by 50%
13:16 Empathy improves resident buy-in
14:13 Resident education and conservation
15:13 The story of the neighbor leaving the shower on
16:52 The biggest mistake when rolling out billback
17:54 Risks of handling resident notice incorrectly
18:41 Why lease terms matter
19:11 Closing and goodbye
This episode is brought to you by PlugOp.
When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.
If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.
To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

In this episode, Thomas Stanchak https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-stanchak/ from Stoneweg shares insights on integrating sustainability into real estate, focusing on solar projects, data reporting, and strategic investment in renewable energy. Discover how practical experience and disciplined approaches can drive long-term value and environmental impact.
Thomas Stanchak is Head of Sustainability and Innovation in the U.S. for Stoneweg, a global alternative investment group focused on real assets, where he works to improve how buildings perform and operate. His work combines practical sustainability strategies with new approaches to drive efficiency, long-term value, and better resident experiences. He connects big-picture strategy with real-world execution.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thomas Stanchak and Stoneweg
02:40 Thomas's journey into real estate sustainability
08:12 Stoneweg's first solar projects in 2024
12:19 Evaluating renewable energy project viability
15:23 Performance and technical issues in solar projects
17:25 GRESB sustainability benchmark and scores
22:18 Authenticity and value creation in ESG reporting
23:09 Closing thoughts and future discussions
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Mary Nitschke brings Michael Beckerman https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-beckerman/, CEO of CREtech, in to discuss the evolving landscape of sustainability in real estate, the impact of AI, and the upcoming CREtech conference. They explore how external market forces are driving energy efficiency, decarbonization, and innovation in the built environment.
Michael Beckerman is a leader in the commercial real estate technology and sustainability sectors. He entered the sectors in 2012 after a 25-year career in commercial real estate media relations, in which he started and built Beckerman Public Relations into one of the largest firms in the country before eventually selling the agency.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
02:23 Industry shift towards sustainability and decarbonization
04:36 The economic opportunity in decarbonization
06:23 Revisiting sustainability as ROI and asset improvement
09:00 The role of AI in real estate and climate action
12:57 AI as a tool for efficiency and decarbonization
14:23 The importance of operational action on climate
16:39 Power, energy, and sustainability in real estate
20:56 Industry trends and the future of energy in CRE
21:19 What to expect at CREtech Conference 2026
This episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.
Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.
We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.
The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.
Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Faith Davis https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithannedavis/ and Zack Schmitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schmitz/ announce their new, innovative partnership between Exelon and Public Grid, focusing on how technology and strategic investments can drive energy affordability, efficiency, and climate impact. They explore the role of community programs, customer-facing technologies, and the future of energy management for renters and utilities.
In this episode:
Exelon's role as a major utility and investor in climate tech
The creation and purpose of the 2C2I Climate Change Investment Initiative
Partnership between Exelon and Public Grid to enhance energy programs
How demand response and customer-facing tech reduce costs and carbon
Impact of technology on renter participation and energy affordability
Evaluation criteria for early-stage climate startups
The importance of impact and scalability in investments
Future goals for impact measurement and program expansion
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests Faith Davis and Zack Schmitz
02:13 Faith and Zack share their backgrounds and expertise
04:59 What is Exelon and the purpose of the 2C2I initiative
08:00 Public Grid's investment and partnership with Exelon
09:52 Public Grid's mission to help consumers save on utility bills
11:54 The role of demand response and grid programs
13:18 Criteria for evaluating early-stage climate startups
15:33 The importance of affordability and customer technology
17:33 Impact of programs on low-income and renter communities
21:27 Explaining demand response for a young audience
23:25 Why customer-facing technology matters in energy management
25:30 Goals for the partnership in the next year
26:19 Measuring impact and success in energy programs
27:10 Closing remarks and future outlook
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Discover how decades of multifamily experience and a focus on sustainability intersect, as Scott Wilkerson https://www.linkedin.com/in/dswnc/ sits down with Mary Nitschke and shares practical approaches for integrating environmental initiatives with financial returns in multifamily housing.
This episode explores the surprising co-benefits of energy efficiency, strategic utility management, and industry advocacy to boost property value and resident satisfaction.
In this episode:
Sustainability as an asset management strategy
Utility management best practices
Water and energy conservation techniques
Legal and regulatory challenges in utility billing
Innovative use of blower door testing for fire safety and efficiency
Building a database of sustainability best practices
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scott Wilkerson and his expertise
01:54 How sustainability influences asset value and investment
04:06 The evolution of energy efficiency testing and its benefits
06:05 Unintended benefits of blower door testing: fire safety and insulation
07:54 Cost savings and resident benefits from energy efficiency
10:00 Managing utility costs and communicating value to investors
12:01 Legal battles for utility submetering and billing laws
14:06 The importance of water conservation and direct metering
16:00 Common utility management mistakes and how to avoid them
19:57 Building a database of sustainability best practices
24:01 Key best practices for utility management and conservation
26:04 The impact of utility management on bottom-line performance
This episode is brought to you by PlugOp.
When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.
If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.
To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Jana Alfiero https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-alfiero/ joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ to explore the critical importance of waste management in multifamily communities and how strategic waste programs can improve resident satisfaction and impact the bottom line.
In this episode:
Impact of waste management on property NOI
Operational challenges and hidden costs in trash disposal
Design and development considerations for waste enclosures
Resident perception and trash area visibility
Proactive vs reactive waste management strategies
Impact of waste programs on workman's compensation costs
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jana Alfiero and Waste Wiz Consulting
00:31 Jana's journey from waste operator to consultant
01:01 The impact of waste management on NOI and operational costs
02:47 Transitioning from operational to consulting insights
04:37 Misconceptions about waste management in multifamily
05:04 The importance of proper waste management programs from development to operation
06:12 The cost of poor waste management on resident perception and leasing
07:25 Design considerations for waste enclosures during renovations
08:49 Operational challenges with waste during renovations and overflow
10:19 Hidden costs in waste programs and service engagement
12:10 How waste management affects resident experience and property value
13:40 Strategies for sustainable waste practices and overflow prevention
16:30 Immediate actions for operators to improve waste programs
18:21 The importance of proactive waste management and future planning
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

Ryan Holmes https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-holmes-350a141a/ , CEO of GreenT Climate Software, shares insights on how regulation is transforming the multifamily real estate industry, the opportunities it presents, and how technology can help navigate these changes.
Ryan and Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ discuss the the positive signal regulation sends about industry direction, including investor expectations, and the financial impact of regulation on ROI, purchase prices, and operational efficiency. Ryan shares tools and solutions to manage data quality and regulatory adherence.
In this episode:
Impact of building performance standards on real estate
How regulation drives operational efficiency and value
The role of technology and data in compliance
Industry evolution and local vs federal regulation
Opportunities in climate tech for multifamily
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
04:08 Ryan Holmes' Origin Story and Industry Need
07:18 Challenges and Rewards of Starting a Climate Tech Company
09:26 Changes in Industry Approach to Building Performance Standards
11:00 Industry Movement from Experimental to National Adoption
13:10 Regulation as a Signal for Industry Trends
15:20 Financial Impact of Regulation on ROI and Payback Periods
18:22 Operational Changes and Cost Savings in Multifamily
19:20 The Evolving Role of Sustainability in Multifamily Operations
22:55 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!