In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Umesh Atre, a sustainability leader with over two decades of experience across LEED, WELL, energy modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, and building performance strategy. 

Currently Sustainability Lead at Parkhill, Umesh has worked on more than 200 high-performance building projects and brings a systems-level perspective to sustainable design, occupant wellbeing, and operational success.

This conversation explores:

•  why project location and building orientation matter more than many teams realize 
•  where sustainability intent often breaks down during design and construction 
•  why lifecycle cost analysis is frequently introduced too late 
•  the role of commissioning and performance verification in protecting design intent 
•  how invisible operational systems shape occupant wellbeing 
•  why certifications alone don’t guarantee real performance 
•  and how long-term thinking must become part of project culture 

Umesh also discusses the importance of integrated design, stakeholder alignment, and designing buildings that continue performing long after the project team leaves.

A powerful conversation for architects, engineers, owners, operators, sustainability professionals, and anyone interested in the future of high-performance buildings.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with architect Vaughn Horn about the hidden systems behind mass timber design, decision-making, and performance. 

Together, we explore:

• Why mass timber is gaining traction in higher education and research environments 
• The role of life cycle analysis, embodied carbon, and long-term value 
• Structural limitations and the importance of building modules 
• Fire rating requirements and the impact of code on design feasibility 
• MEP coordination challenges and why early integration is critical 
• Supply chain realities, procurement timelines, and schedule risks 
• How architects and owners should think about tradeoffs between cost, carbon, and performance 

This conversation highlights a key theme of Season 2:
Sustainability decisions are only as strong as the systems behind them.

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, owner, or investor, this episode will challenge assumptions and provide a clearer understanding of what it actually takes to deliver high-performance, sustainable buildings.

But behind the headlines around AI, cloud growth, and billion-dollar investments, there’s a critical question that often gets overlooked:

Who is actually operating these facilities and are we prepared?

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood sits down with Tom Melton, a facilities and operations engineer with over 30 years in the trades and 15+ years in mission-critical data center environments.

Tom shares a candid, ground-level perspective on:

•  The growing shortage of skilled engineers in data centers 
•  Why understaffing creates hidden operational risk
•  The gap between training programs and real-world readiness
•  Misconceptions about data centers, power, and public impact
•  Why trades and hands-on expertise are critical to sustaining AI infrastructure 

As data centers scale from 24 MW to 300+ MW facilities, the challenge is no longer just design or capital, it’s execution, operations, and people. 

This conversation is a must-listen for:

•  Architects and design professionals 
•  Owners and developers 
•  Investors and policymakers 
•  Engineers and operators 

Because the future of AI infrastructure depends on more than innovation, it depends on the people who keep it running.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Amanda Muzzarelli, an advisor in corporate real estate and facility strategy who helps organizations uncover the hidden systems shaping workspace performance, trust, and decision-making. Amanda developed the concepts of invisible architecture and narrative architecture to explain how people, process, incentives, leadership, and communication influence what actually happens inside buildings and organizations. 

This conversation explores why workplace and sustainability strategies often fail even when the technical solution is sound, and why leaders need to look beyond dashboards, PowerPoints, and surface-level metrics if they want real change.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  What invisible architecture means inside organizations 
•  Why behavior follows structure, not just intention 
•  How narrative architecture helps leaders create buy-in 
•  Why many sustainability programs become cosmetic instead of operational 
•  Why FM should be seen as a strategic intelligence function
•  The leadership gap developing inside facilities management 
•  What gives hope for the future of FM, workplace strategy, and the built environment 

 👉 To learn more about Amanda’s work and her concept of Invisible Architecture, visit www.amandamuzzarelli.com

If you enjoy Clear Haze Exchange, please follow the show, share the episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help support growth and discoverability.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Professor Tom Welton, OBE, Emeritus Professor of Sustainable Chemistry at Imperial College London and the world’s first professor of sustainable chemistry.

Professor Welton shares how sustainable chemistry evolved as both a field and a mindset, why the gap between theory and application is often larger than people expect, and how words like green and sustainable can sometimes mislead more than they clarify.

This conversation explores the hidden systems behind sustainable science and innovation, including product development, lifecycle analysis, behavior change, research incentives, and the long road from lab discovery to real-world deployment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between green chemistry and sustainable chemistry
• Why sustainability is often best understood as a mindset
• How “green” ideas can fail under operational or financial pressure
• Why life cycle analysis matters when evaluating products and materials
• What universities get right, and wrong, about innovation
• Why sustainable technologies often take decades to scale
• What gives hope for the future of sustainability in science and education

If you enjoy Clear Haze Exchange, please follow the show, share this episode, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Those actions help grow visibility and improve discoverability across podcast platforms.

Dave breaks down the gap between sustainability intent and operational follow-through, and why the best “sustainability” strategy often starts with the basics: understanding your data, aligning teams, and treating efficiency like a long-term investment discipline.

In this episode:

• Why code compliance & certifications are often just the minimum
• The overlooked power of benchmarking energy + water
• How organizations miss incentives (and why you should check every year)
• Why software dashboards fail without data verification + ownership
• The fastest mindset shift: walk your building when it’s occupied AND unoccupied

Guest: Dave Ray
Host: Marcus Hazelwood

Subscribe to Clear Haze Exchange for Season 2 as we explore the hidden systems, blind spots, and perspectives shaping sustainable investment and facility decisions.

Season 2 of Clear Haze Exchange explores the hidden systems, decisions, and assumptions that shape building performance, workplace outcomes, and long-term value.

This season goes beyond dashboards and checklists to focus on clarity, alignment, leadership, and the invisible forces that determine whether sustainability efforts succeed or stall.

🎧 Season 2 launches March 3rd, 2026.

Julia explains why youth outreach isn’t just “future workforce development”, kids can influence decisions today at home, in schools, and in communities. She shares why the best “tool” to spark curiosity is often the building you’re already standing in, and how professionals can make youth engagement easier than they expect using simple tours, scavenger-hunt style questions, and hands-on activities.

You’ll also hear how Buildy Green highlights the people behind better buildings, engineers, architects, trades, life cycle analysts, and more, so kids can understand that sustainability is a team effort.

Key topics:

• Why youth outreach matters right now (not 20 years from now)
• Easy ways to explain buildings to kids (HVAC vents, walls, materials)
• How kids naturally understand reuse, deconstruction, and materials life cycles
• The story behind Buildy Green and the outreach tools that come with it
• Free, ready-to-use resources for professionals who want to get involved

Links / CTAs:

• Learn more + free resources: https://www.carbonzeroyouth.org/
• Follow Julia Pooler: Julia Pooler | LinkedIn

What you’ll learn:

• Why decarbonization doesn’t always cost more—and often saves over time
• The “three carbons”: operational, embodied, refrigerants (and how they map to scope 1–3)
• How to use utility bills, work orders, and simple data to find quick wins
• Where energy modeling helps owners make better decisions
• Why green leases matter for big buildings and portfolios
• Setting goals early—and holding the team to them

Guest: Kristy Walson — Principal at Branch Pattern, LEED Fellow; focuses on energy modeling, net-zero strategy, and whole-life carbon.
Host: Marcus Hazelwood, CEM — Principal at EA Energy Solutions; host of Clear Haze Exchange.

Greg shares how PlanetSafe, their plant-based alternative to traditional lab plastics, is reshaping research and healthcare through science-driven sustainability. The two discuss how innovation, transparency, and equity all play a role in making labs more sustainable — without sacrificing performance.

What you’ll learn:

• How Diversified Biotech turned sugarcane into a plant-based replacement for single-use plastics
• Why “scope 3 emissions” matter for research and healthcare facilities
• How sustainable manufacturing reduces carbon impact by up to 90 percent
• Why true sustainability also means equity for the people producing the materials
• What circularity and “sustainably scalable” design mean for the future of science

Janelle helps dermatology practices across the country get patients the right treatments faster. She shares how she built her company, how patient access works behind the scenes, and why education and empathy drive real impact.

The two talk about:

• Growing up in a family of nine and what it taught them about leadership
• How energy efficiency and patient access share common ground
• The importance of education and advocacy in both industries
• Building a business, balancing family, and keeping passion alive

Dr. Woodroof has trained thousands of Certified Energy Managers (CEMs) around the world—including Marcus himself—and shares decades of insights on how to make energy efficiency both financially rewarding and environmentally impactful.

From personal solar investments delivering 15% returns to how cities can unlock capital through performance contracting, this conversation breaks down what makes sustainability work in practice. The two explore topics like:

• Why “following the money” can accelerate decarbonization
• Common misconceptions about energy performance contracts
• How language, AI, and simplicity drive better communication in energy projects
• Lessons learned from training professionals across six continents
• Leadership, policy, and leading by example in the global race toward carbon neutrality

More Information: Profitable Green Solutions | Energy Efficiency Training

Key Quote:

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:29 Who is Alison & I2SL
01:54 Why labs are uniquely complex
10:08 What is Labs2Zero
14:14 Benchmarking: energy & emissions scores
21:52 AIM Report: automated scoping audit
32:55 Benefits for facility teams
35:55 Portfolio planning & climate goals
37:14 The I2SL community
39:45 First steps for labs
40:37 The future: analytics & commissioning

Resources
• I2SL – Labs2Zero & Lab Benchmarking Tool (LBT)
• AIM Report (via LBT)
• I2SL Conference (Dallas, Oct 20–22)

Find Kalpanas' book "Cooling Our Environment" at her website here: K. Sutaria
Link to her book on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/6NFAjGt

- Intro clip courtesy of Mite Organization

Anastasia shares her insights on developing UK’s Part O regulations to address overheating in new dwellings, the growing importance of embodied carbon and circular economy principles, and how AI is transforming design, analysis, and building performance. She also dives into challenges around refrigerants, sustainable cooling, and why collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers is key to reaching net zero targets.

Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or sustainability advocate, this conversation highlights the urgent priorities, technical innovations, and communication strategies needed to make buildings climate-resilient while inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Chapter References

1. Introduction & Anastasia’s Role at CIBSE
2. Part O Regulations: Tackling Overheating in Buildings
3. Embodied Carbon & Circular Economy in Building Services
4. Multidisciplinary Insights from Architecture to Engineering
5. AI and Data-Driven Innovation in Building Design
6. Sustainable Cooling & Existing Building Challenges
7. Professional Development and CIBSE Membership Value
8. Net Zero Standards & Certification Schemes
9. Embodied Carbon Methodology & Global Impact
10. Weather Files, Climate Data & Uncertainty in Design
11. Looking Ahead: Critical Priorities for the Next Decade
12. Closing Thoughts & Reflections

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

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 hello@clear-haze.exchange. This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

 Platforms like "Clear Haze Exchange" play a vital role in making sustainability accessible to all by breaking down complex concepts, providing practical solutions, and fostering a sense of community. As listeners engage with the podcast, they gain knowledge and become part of a more significant movement committed to making a difference. Together, we can clear the haze surrounding sustainability and work towards a more sustainable future for future generations.

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