Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast

In this episode, host Walt Zerbe sits down with Roy Spencer, Founder of Perma-Seal Basement Systems and Basement Defender, to discuss the critical, yet often overlooked, threat of water damage in homes. Roy shares his 46 years of experience in basement waterproofing, innovations like daily sump pump testing, and why traditional waterproofing methods often fall short. Learn how proactive systems like the Basement Defender can prevent catastrophic basement floods, costly repairs, and insurance headaches. Whether you’ve dealt with water damage before or are hoping to avoid it entirely, this conversation offers essential insights for every homeowner.

Listen on Apple Podcasts  |  Listen on Spotify

ASHB sits down with Robert Soler, Chief Scientist and Founder of BIOS Lighting, to explore the profound impact of human-centric and circadian lighting on sleep, mood, and overall well-being. With a background in NASA’s research on lighting for astronauts, Robert shares insights into how the right kind of light can boost productivity, enhance focus, and even improve mental health.

In this episode, we discuss how modern lighting has distanced us from natural light cycles, the science behind circadian rhythms, and the role of innovative lighting solutions like BIOS’ SkyView in bringing the benefits of natural daylight indoors. Learn why traditional lighting may be disrupting your sleep, what to avoid in your home and workplace, and what the future holds for intelligent lighting systems that adapt to human biology.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on why lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about optimizing health and performance.

Listen on Apple Podcasts  |  Listen on Spotify

In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, host Walt Zerbe, Senior Director of Technology and Standards at CEDIA, talks with Mason Hall, Vice President of Connected Products Fortune Brands Innovations. The two dive into the latest trends in smart home technology, focusing on smart water solutions and their role in combating water scarcity across the U.S.

Mason highlights Moen’s Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff as a key tool in preventing water damage, saving homeowners money, and providing peace of mind. The discussion also explores the impact on the insurance industry and how the Moen Smart Water Network supports sustainable home practices.

For more information, visit moen.com and be sure to check out Moen at KBIS 2025, booth N805, from February 25-27.

Additionally, for more insights from CEDIA, visit www.cedia.org, and don’t forget to listen to The CEDIA Podcast, available on any player by searching “The CEDIA Podcast.”

Listen on Apple Podcasts  |  Listen on Spotify

In this insightful episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, host Paul O’Malley, Founder of Paul O’Malley Associates, sits down with Dan Diehl, CEO of Aircuity, and Walt King, Managing Director of Thrive Buildings, to delve into their experiences in delivering decarbonization programs for critical environments. They discuss essential topics such as the importance of organizational alignment, the integration of technology in building management systems, the impact of utility rebates, and the strategic approaches to portfolio-level efficiency and sustainability. Listeners will gain valuable insights into optimizing building performance, enhancing safety, and achieving significant energy savings through innovative solutions.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, James Carlini and Darrin Mylet delve into the uncertain future of major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco as their commercial real estate markets continue to face significant challenges. With increasing vacancies and plummeting property values, the duo argues that traditional property appraisals fail to capture the full scope of liabilities that now weigh heavily on urban commercial spaces. They explore how the pandemic has irrevocably altered the landscape, with many cities facing a downward spiral, and discuss the critical need for 21st-century assessments that take into account factors like technological obsolescence, crime, and the realities of remote work. Carlini and Mylet emphasize that without these updated evaluations, cities and their commercial properties risk sinking further, while also offering insights into potential paths for revitalization.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this special co-branded episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast and the Political Shadings Podcast, the discussion centers on innovations in window and door automation. The episode features Ralph Vasami, Executive Director of the Attachments Energy Ratings Council (AERC), who discusses AERC’s role in developing energy performance ratings for window attachments, the significance of building codes, and the advancements in automated shading technology. Ralph elaborates on AERC’s recent efforts on Capitol Hill to secure funding for energy efficiency projects and highlights the importance of AERC’s new status as a 501(c)(3) public interest organization. This episode offers valuable insights into how energy-efficient window attachments contribute to sustainability and the smart home ecosystem, while also emphasizing the evolving landscape of building codes and standards. Political Shadings is a podcast discussing the intersection of business, policy, politics, green building, energy efficiency, and common sense, sponsored by Somfy.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

ASHB is pleased to present an insightful discussion featuring Alex Bazhinov, founder and president of Lumin, and Daniel Sosa, Global Strategy Manager for NEMA Smart Buildings at ABB. This conversation focuses on the future of electrification, a vital strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a sustainable energy future in the global fight against climate change.

Our experts delve into the challenges that utilities and homeowners face as increasing electrical demand puts pressure on existing infrastructure. They explore the importance of intelligent load management in optimizing resources to meet rising energy needs. The discussion concludes with an in-depth examination of smart panel technology and its potential to make home electrification more accessible and sustainable for all.

This discussion comes on the heels of a partnership between Lumin and ABB, where they collaborated to produce the ReliaHome™ Smart Panel, which is now available in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes and Buildings Podcast, ASHB is joined by Vivek Ponnada from Nozomi Networks. Vivek, a Technology Solutions Director shares his expertise on programmable logic controllers (PLCs). ASHB and Vivek dive into the world of PLCs, discussing their role in building automation, from HVAC systems to lighting control. Vivek highlights the security concerns associated with PLCs and introduces the groundbreaking “Top 20 Secure PLC Coding Practices” project. This initiative aims to enhance the security of these crucial systems using native functionality and proposing best practices for engineers. Vivek also explores the project’s future direction, including the expansion to the “Top 20 Secure PLC Environmental Practices” project. Learn about the importance of securing PLCs in building automation, the collaborative efforts driving this initiative, and how you can get involved. Visit plc-security.com for more information and to join the community. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the ASHB Smarter Homes & Buildings Podcast, host Bob Allan, VP of Sales of NAVCO Electronic Security speaks with Dwight Stewart, CEO of Streamside Solutions, and Michael Grant, Co-founder and COO of Metrikus. Dwight and Michael discuss the importance of data in digital buildings, emphasizing the need for “killer apps” that provide clear, actionable building data. They highlight the value of aggregating information from disparate systems onto a single dashboard platform. This integration and normalization of data can lead to significant energy savings and more efficient building operations, resulting in monetized actions tailored to each individual stakeholder. The conversation covers real-world examples of how data-driven approaches can automate HVAC systems, lighting, and other building functions, ultimately leading to smarter, more cost-effective buildings. Learn about the current trends in non-residential building spaces, the challenges of traditional building operations, and the potential of advanced technologies to transform how buildings are managed and utilized. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

The definition of smart building has evolved since 1981 when the term was originally coined, and it has transformed well beyond lighting and HVAC systems. In the age of artificial intelligence, the possibilities for even smarter buildings are endless. Technology advancements in hardware, software and now generative AI brings new context and capabilities that require rethinking what a smart building really is. Today, an AI-enabled smart building can incorporate the use of IoT devices for real-time data capture, sensor technology for utilization metrics, intelligent automation for accomplishing day-to-day facilities tasks, and predictive analytics to optimize performance.  AI will enable the building to leverage operational data to inform decisions and respond to the immediate and future needs of the occupants.

Dive into the world of smart buildings with industry experts Darlene Pope, President of Planon North America, Dr. Rick Huijbregts, Global Lead of Smart Cities at Stantec, and Pay Wu, President and Co-Founder of MWBE Unite. Together, our host and guests take us on a journey to discover how we should be thinking about Gen AI’s impact on legacy real estate systems, and how to harness AI and Machine Learning to inform the future of the industry. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

J. Christopher Larry joins a panel of distinguished experts as they delve into the fascinating world of fire alarm systems in smart buildings and homes. With insights from Suzanne Alfano, Rick Heffernan, Dr. Rodger W Reiswig, and Birgitte Messerschmidt, this episode explores the history, challenges, and emerging technologies shaping fire and life safety in modern buildings. From the inception of fire alarm systems to the latest advancements in AI-based detection and remote inspection technologies, the panel provides valuable perspectives on the evolution of fire safety. Discover how smart technology is revolutionizing fire prevention and response, while also addressing challenges such as cybersecurity risks and equitable access to safety measures. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

As solar continues to grow as a solution for companies, developers and homeowners to make buildings more sustainable, the industry is naturally becoming much more complex. Solar installations are not just projects but rather a crucial play in the grander team sport of transitioning to renewable energy for a greener future.

In this episode, JD Dillon, Chief Marketing Officer of global solar manufacturer Tigo Energy, engages in a conversation with Martyna Kowalczyk, owner of SolarTime USA, a solar installer in Dallas, Texas. They delve into the state of the solar industry, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration, quality, and the increasing importance of software as a solar component. The discussion covers industry trends, challenges, and the responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring a positive perception of solar energy. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Host Bob Allan from NAVCO welcomes experts Rick Bennett and Scott Wolf from Enviros and members of the Energy Management Association, as they discuss how to bridge the gap between physical assets, data analytics, and integrated systems to achieve building performance management. Whether dealing with new construction or existing facilities, aligning corporate and facility missions is key to success. Learn how this approach enhances energy efficiency, comfort, and safety while avoiding compliance issues and costly fines. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone eager to optimize a building’s performance. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Building automation, IoT, Smart Buildings, whichever path is being followed, there are some fundamentals that are frequently passed over. Often overshadowed by the capabilities and benefits of applications and technological advances, the underlying infrastructure—and how it is implemented—can be the key to the long-term success and realization of the anticipated outcomes of a new building or the update of an existing one. Speaking from the perspective of past, present and future infrastructure complexity and requirements, Matthew Bonfitto, chief executive officer of ICAS, a longstanding structured cabling, IoT, IT and telecommunications deployment and management provider, and Allen Proithis, IoT thought leader and chief executive officer of GXC, a leading provider of mesh-based private cellular networks, along with host James Brehm, CEO of James Brehm & Associates, discuss best infrastructure practices as well as offer a glimpse into planning and provisioning for the next wave of technological innovation.  Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of the Smarter Homes and Buildings podcast, ASHB is joined by industry experts Marc Petock, Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Lynxspring, and Brian Turner, CEO at Buildings IOT. Explore the crucial business drivers behind smart buildings, the impact of electrification and EV charging, and the evolving role of AI in shaping our built environment. Delve into the forces driving innovation and sustainability in smart spaces. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of smart buildings. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Dive into the world of sustainable building practices and critical environments with industry experts in this engaging and informative podcast. Join Paul O’Malley, Founder of Paul O’Malley Associates, as he sits down with Dan Diehl, CEO of Aircuity, and Walt King, Managing Director of Thrive Buildings, for an enlightening discussion on the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in building decarbonization. In this episode, our guests define critical environments, highlight the importance of maintaining optimal Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and explore the latest technologies and trends in the decarbonization of labs. Learn more about the host and guests.

Listen on Apple Podcasts