Shows
ReframeBuilding Upgrades That PayEp9: Building Upgrades That Pay Dr. Timothy Unruh assumes the risks and guarantees the savings. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols interviews the Executive Director of NAESCO, Dr. Timothy Unruh—a seasoned leader in the energy efficiency industry, particularly in energy savings and Performance Contracting. Tim shares insights from his decades-long career, discusses the evolution of the energy services industry, and reflects on the leadership and policy decisions that have shaped ESCO’s (Energy Service Companies) contribution to energy efficiency work across the public sector.Tune in to hear Tim rec...2025-05-1950 min
ReframeBridging The GapGreg De Temmerman is building a bridge between science and decisions on climate. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols widens the aperture to explore how global climate-focused philanthropies are making a difference and helping to clear a path toward a more sustainable future. One such organization is the Quadrature Climate Foundation which has provided over a billion dollars to help communities prepare, adapt, and respond to the impacts of climate change. You’ll meet Greg De Temmerman, Quadrature’s Deputy CEO and Chief Science Officer–with decades of science and climate research experience, he knows...2025-04-0944 min
ReframeChaos MonkeyApplying EV lessons to the built environment, with Scott Case. In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols widens the aperture by looking at the transportation sector to better understand the complex future of sustainability—and EVs provide a timely example. You’ll meet Scott Case, Cofounder and CEO of Recurrent. Scott, a former colleague of Jeff’s became an innovator of smart energy solutions well before they were a thing back in 2008. After a successful run at his first startup, Energy Savvy, Scott began to focus on what problems needed to be solved to help consu...2025-03-0653 min
ReframeThe Local ShiftKerry Meade on the importance of local leadership, especially now.Show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Kerry Meade, the Executive Director of Seattle’s leading energy efficiency trade organization, Building Potential. Hear what Kerry thinks about the implications for building owners committed to energy efficiency, smart building technology, and other clean energy investments now that a new administration has been sworn in. For building owners and stakeholders already committed to transitioning their buildings and operations to renewable energy sources, is this a moment of pause or an opportunity for acceleration? Kerry explains why now is...2025-01-3145 min
ReframeA New HurdleMaximizing energy tax incentives has a new hurdle, Josh Howes shows us how to clear it. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols explores the intersection between the designers of energy-efficient buildings and the accounting teams who process the energy tax deductions and credits. Who sits in the middle to provide a bridge between these functions and why is their role so critical? You’ll meet Josh Howes who takes us deep into the world of energy project planning, building assessment, and certification. A civil engineer by trade, Josh is the CEO and...2025-01-0941 min
ReframeDon't Get Caught Flat-FootedPerry England is your "Building Performance Ambassador."In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Perry England, VP of Building Performance at MacDonald-Miller, one of the largest mechanical contracting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Perry brings decades of experience and a passion for helping his clients evaluate and ensure their buildings operate more efficiently and comply with ever-evolving standards. Perry reveals his biggest fear for building owners along with tips for staying ahead of the policies, standards, and fines that can be assessed for buildings that fail to meet these standards. Most To Gain an...2024-12-1341 min
ReframeThe Old Playbook Is DeadBuilding ownership has a new playbook. Brad Werner breaks it down. In this episode of Reframe, show host Jeff Nichols discusses the shifting landscape and new growth strategies for commercial building owners with Brad Werner, a partner at Wipfli LLP who leads their construction and real estate practice. Hear how Brad advises his clients on strategies to adapt and grow in a fast-changing market. Should they care about sustainability? How are energy incentives related to their growth? And where does technology deliver value? Tune in for Brad’s perspective on the 3 things that building owners nee...2024-11-2638 min
ReframeBuild Green To Get GreenSteve Barnes reveals the real value of energy incentives and credits.In this episode, show host Jeff Nichols speaks with Steven Barnes, a Partner at Wipfli LLP, a top accounting firm that supports construction and real estate clients. Steve provides a straightforward primer on how energy incentives and credits can be materially significant and how they apply uniquely to commercial and not-for-profit buildings, and he explains how benefits can be allocated or used creatively to offset project costs and fund future initiatives. Find out what Steve means when he says building owners and operators m...2024-11-0742 min
ReframeToo Good To Be True?Jeff sets the stage with his guest Abby Massey. In this inaugural episode, show host Jeff Nichols sets the stage with Abby Massey who leads the energy tax incentives team at TaxTaker. As a civil engineer, Abby knows the systems and design methods for how to make buildings operate more efficiently. As an expert in energy tax incentives, Abby has helped countless building owners and operators discover new possibilities and opportunities in energy upgrades. Abby and Jeff discuss the tricky nature of energy efficiency conversations with building owners and a roadmap for capitalizing on lucrative energy tax i...2024-10-1640 min
ReframeReframe Podcast TrailerReframe is the podcast about building sustainability. Commercial and public buildings are among the biggest producers of carbon emissions. It’s a problem of massive scale. But, for building owners, engineers and contractors, solving it may actually be more of an opportunity than a challenge. That’s what the “Reframe” podcast is all about. Join host Jeff Nichols on an exploration of the forces driving sustainability in our built environment. And meet the people who are leading the charge.2024-10-0701 min