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Most home tours happen on move-in day, when everything's shiny and nobody's tested anything yet. This one is different — Bill Spohn and his wife built a net-zero, airtight, modular "Pretty Good House" outside Pittsburgh, and they've lived in it for six years. So what actually happened? A factory installation mistake led to a rotted subfloor and — yes — mushrooms growing under the shower. Two windows still won't seal in winter (there's blue painter's tape involved). The AC failed once from a bad install, not a bad heat pump. And yet Bill says he's more pleased with the house now than the day they moved in — quiet, comfortable, and still net-zero on an annual basis. We talk about what six years of real living reveals that a spec sheet never will: the honest tradeoffs of going airtight, why he skipped a battery backup, the well and septic saga that almost derailed the build, and what he'd actually tell someone considering this path today. Bill also runs BetterHVAC.org, a free nonprofit directory connecting homeowners with contractors who understand building science — not just HVAC in isolation. Resources mentioned: spohnhome.com — Bill's build story and blogbetterhvac.org — free contractor directorytrutechtools.com — Bill's business, home performance testing toolsBuilding Performance Institute — credentialing body for home performance contractorsSolar United Neighbors — nonprofit that runs local solar co-ops to help homeowners get better group pricingTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Bill's background and motivation 02:06 The concept of passive house 03:04 Designing for energy efficiency 04:51 Achieving airtightness 06:17 Ventilation solutions 10:29 Challenges in construction 12:53 Achieving net-zero energy 17:07 Living in the home 20:16 Tips for building energy-efficient homes

David Gottfried — often called the godfather of the green building movement — co-founded the U.S. Green Building Council in 1993 and the World Green Building Council in 1998. He's the author of four books, including his newest, Regen360, and he joins the show to talk about something more personal than LEED scorecards: what it actually took to green his own homes, and what he wishes more buyers, sellers, and flippers understood. We talk about the 1930s Craftsman kit home in Berkeley he renovated into one of the highest-scoring LEED Platinum homes in the world — the rainwater-fed toilet that ran dry mid-dinner-party, the graywater pump he had to relocate out from under the master bedroom, and the acoustics mistake that eventually pushed him to sell. We get into why that house didn't sell for the premium he expected, what he did differently in the homes that came after, and his direct response to investors who tell him going green adds "50% more" to a renovation budget. David also unpacks the equation at the center of his new book: HOPE — Health On Planet Earth — and why he believes a home that doesn't "accelerate hope" simply isn't worth as much, no matter what the flipper is asking. In this episode: The pivot from real estate developer to founder of the green building movementInside the Berkeley Craftsman renovation — the wins, the mishaps, and the acoustics regretWhy the house didn't get the resale premium he expected, and what that taught himDebunking the "50% more expensive" myth flippers use to avoid going greenWhat role certifications like LEED actually play in home valueThe HOPE equation — Health On Planet Earth — and what it means for the home you're buying or sellingHis message to the next generation inheriting what we've builtWhat's your biggest challenge with sustainable living? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more insights on green building and sustainability! #GreenBuilding #Sustainability #ClimateAction

Sustainability alone won't protect your home from Mother Nature. In this episode, Izumi Tanaka talks with Albert Slap — environmental attorney turned founder of RiskFootprint.com — about why resilience and sustainability are two sides of the same coin. Albert breaks down why FEMA flood maps miss huge amounts of real flood risk (120,000 homes flooded outside the FEMA zone during Hurricane Harvey), why he pays $5,000/year just for hurricane wind coverage on his own home, and how a $5,000 roof-to-wall tie-down saved him from a $30,000 re-roof — and actually lowered his risk. We also get into wildfire vegetation management, the 34+ natural hazards RiskFootprint evaluates property-by-property, and why "caveat emptor" due diligence should start well before you sign an agreement of sale. Whether you're buying, selling, or staying put, this episode is a reminder that a green home and a resilient home are the same goal. 🔗 Learn more: https://riskfootprint.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro: sustainability + resilience, two sides of one coin 01:20 Albert's pivot from environmental law to RiskFootprint 02:59 What "caveat emptor" really means for buyers 05:32 Why FEMA flood maps don't capture rainfall flooding 07:19 Albert's own $5,000/year hurricane wind insurance bill 12:10 The roof-to-wall tie-down that saved $25K 16:54 How RiskFootprint evaluates 34+ natural hazards by address 23:39 Who actually uses RiskFootprint: buyers, realtors, lenders 28:16 Disclosure laws: Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and beyond 29:04 Climate trends vs. day-to-day natural hazard risk 34:25 Where to find RiskFootprint.com Home Green Homes is a podcast about the people building — and buying — greener, more resilient homes. #HomeGreenHomes #GreenBuilding #ClimateResilience #RealEstate #SustainableLiving

What does it actually look like to flip a house the green way — and make the numbers work? In this episode, Izumi sits down with Mary Love, a North Carolina-based green realtor, building scientist, and project manager who has been doing eco-conscious real estate investment long before "green homes" was a mainstream term. Mary shares hard-won lessons from decades of rehabbing and renting energy-efficient properties — from wrangling reluctant HVAC contractors to educating appraisers on the value of sustainable upgrades. In this episode, you'll learn: Why insulation and air sealing are always the first priority — and how to do it without gutting the wallsHow to use blower door and duct blaster tests to document before and after performance (and use it as a marketing tool)What appraisers actually need to see to give green upgrades their proper valueHow rebates and incentives can make eco-flipping cost-competitive with standard rehabsWhy the conversation has shifted from energy savings to safety and resilience — and what that means for investorsThe "Fortified Standards" framework for disaster-resilient constructionMary's motto: "A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing"Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to think about greener rehabs, Mary's practical, no-nonsense approach will show you that eco-flipping isn't just good for the planet — it's a smart business model. 📬 Connect with Mary Love: [email protected] | lovethegreen.org

Are homes really built to last… or just built to sell? In this eye-opening episode, Izumi sits down with documentary filmmaker George Siegal, creator of Built to Last: Buyer Beware, to uncover the uncomfortable truth about how most homes are actually built—and why so many fail when disaster strikes. From hurricanes in Florida to wildfires in California, George shares heartbreaking stories of homeowners who lost everything—and the common patterns behind those losses. The biggest takeaway? Most homes are built to the minimum code, not for long-term resilience. If you’re a homeowner, buyer, investor, or real estate professional, this conversation may completely change how you look at homes. In this episode, we cover:Why “built to code” often means built to the bare minimumThe biggest mistakes homebuyers make when evaluating a propertyHow disasters reveal hidden weaknesses in our homesWhy rebuilding after a disaster can take years—not monthsThe surprising connection between resilience and sustainabilityWhat questions you must ask before buying or building a homeHow insurance, building practices, and human behavior all play a roleGeorge also shares practical tips—including how one simple correction saved him $1,000/year on insurance—and why homeowners need to take responsibility for understanding the true quality of their homes. 🎬 Watch the film: Built to Last: Buyer Beware 📄 Free resource: Essential questions to ask before buying a home Bottom line: Don’t just fall in love with the finishes—the countertops, the floors, the “wow” factor. Understand the bones of the house… because that’s what determines whether it survives.

In this episode of Home Green Homes, Izumi Tanaka talks with Nick Grimm — a father, homeowner, and sustainability professional who is gradually transforming his 1953 Los Angeles home into a healthier and more energy-efficient space. Nick didn’t begin with a master sustainability plan. Like many homeowners, his journey started with basic maintenance: replacing appliances when they broke and making upgrades when necessary. But as he learned more about sustainability, each decision became an opportunity to choose better options. So far, Nick and his family have: Replaced a gas cooktop with an induction stoveInstalled a heat pump washer/dryerUpgraded their electric panelInstalled solar panelsPurchased an EV and chargerBegun planning for heat pump HVAC and water heatingStarted thinking about drought-resilient landscaping One turning point came when Nick used an indoor air quality monitor while cooking on a gas stove — and saw pollution levels spike inside his home. With a young child experiencing asthma, it accelerated their switch to induction cooking. Nick also discusses the real barriers to electrification, including the complexity of rebates and the financial realities many homeowners face. Despite those challenges, he believes individual choices still matter. For Nick, the ability to take action — even one appliance at a time — is empowering.

If you're a homeowner wondering whether it’s time to replace gas appliances with electric alternatives — this episode is for you. In Episode 102 of Home Green Homes, Izumi chats with Akanksha Mathur, General Manager for Southern California at Elephant Energy, to discuss what it really takes to electrify your home. From heat pumps and induction cooking to rebates, incentives, and indoor air quality — we break down the electrification process step-by-step. Elephant Energy is a Certified B-Corp focused on making the switch from gas to electric simple, seamless, and climate-friendly. Akanksha shares her journey from mechanical engineer to climate advocate, and why education is the missing link in helping homeowners make confident decisions. If you live in Southern California — or anywhere thinking about clean energy upgrades — this conversation will help you understand: • What “home electrification” actually means • How heat pumps work • What incentives are available • Why indoor air quality matters • The biggest challenges homeowners face • How to make sustainable choices easier The future is electric. The question is — are you ready? 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your home cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elephant Energy 05:19 Akanksha's Journey to Elephant Energy 10:15 The Process of Electrification 15:44 Challenges in the Electrification Process 20:59 Educating Homeowners on Electrification 26:16 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations More Resources: Switch-is OnTECH Clean California

What does it really take to build homes that are beautiful, efficient, resilient, and responsible? In this special 100th episode of Home Green Homes, Izumi Tanaka welcomes Steve Glenn, founder and CEO of Plant Prefab, for an in-depth conversation that weaves together architecture, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and climate action. Steve traces his path from an early love of architecture to founding LivingHomes and later Plant Prefab—companies created to challenge the waste, inefficiency, and environmental impact of conventional construction. He explains what truly sets Plant Prefab apart: customized architectural design, a purpose-built factory capable of both panelized and modular construction, and a mission-driven commitment as a certified B Corp and public benefit corporation. The conversation also dives into Plant Prefab’s work supporting communities rebuilding after devastating Southern California wildfires, and why prefab construction can offer faster, more predictable, and often more cost-effective rebuilding solutions. Along the way, Steve addresses common misconceptions about prefab homes, shares what homeowners should prioritize when designing for climate resilience, and reflects on leadership, scaling a values-driven company, and what he hopes the future of housing can become. This episode is especially relevant for homeowners, home dwellers, architects, builders, developers, and anyone curious about how housing can be part of the climate solution. Key Takeaways / Listener HighlightsPrefab ≠ mobile homes: Plant Prefab homes are legally and structurally equivalent to site-built homes and cannot be excluded from zoning, financing, or insurance.Energy matters most: Over a home’s lifetime, operational energy use has a bigger climate impact than materials—efficiency and solar should be top priorities.Time is money: Faster, parallel construction can significantly reduce carrying costs, rent, and uncertainty—especially important in rebuild scenarios.Design and sustainability go together: High-quality architecture and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.Rebuilding after disaster is an opportunity: Prefab can help communities recover faster while building more resilient, future-ready homes.Mission-driven businesses face real challenges: Scaling sustainably takes persistence, patience, and long-term vision—but the impact compounds over time. Chapters 00:00 Personal Impact and Vision for the Future

“So when I think about a future that is solving climate, I think about raising our quality of life. I think about more inclusive cities with wonderful parks, and it's a fantastic mass transportation that's really considered a luxury good because whether you're the wealthiest person in that city or the poorest, you all want to be on the same subway or the same bus because it's simply the best way to get around and everyone enjoys these types of amenities.There are examples of that all over the world.  We try and bring those to light. And that is my vision for what the future starts to look like.” Josh Dorfman spent time in China in the 1990s, which opened his eyes to  environmental issues and the impact of rapid industrialization and consumerism. When he returned to the U.S. and went through a phase of environmental activism before deciding to focus on shifting consumption towards more sustainable products.  He started an eco-friendly furniture company called VivaVie in 2004, which led to the creation of his "Lazy Environmentalist" media brand. During the pandemic when supply chain issues made it difficult to source sustainable materials for his previous furniture company, he developed Planted - Josh's current carbon-negative building materials company.  They identified fast-growing perennial grass as a potential replacement for traditional lumber and engineered wood products.  They worked to vertically integrate the entire supply chain, from growing the grass to manufacturing the building panels, and partnered with major homebuilder D.R. Horton to secure a large order for their carbon-negative panels. Josh then launched a media company, Supercool, after stepping down as CEO of Planted to focus on sharing stories of climate innovation and solutions.  Supercool aims to highlight commercialized, scalable technologies and initiatives that are improving people's lives while addressing environmental challenges. He shares his vision for a "Supercool future" that involves raising quality of life through inclusive, sustainable cities and infrastructure.

“We’re always inspired by nature and using nature as a starting point. So we can use the most advanced technology whether it’s robotics or parametric design using algorithms, AI.  Regardless of the technologies our goal is to create something that’s beautiful and it’s just works as far as the simplicity.  And there’s kind of a synergy in the work we do.  So we’re hoping to use this advanced technology beautiful forms in the nature and having everything work together really well.”  - Joseph Sarfian Joseph Sarafian and Ron Culver, are the founding partners of architectural firm Form Found Design. Joseph has a background in computational design and parametric modeling, while Ron has experience as an architect, contractor, and musician. They met in graduate school and decided to start their firm together, combining their complementary skillsets. Form Found Design has developed several innovative construction techniques, including using robots to cast custom concrete structures and a computational framing system that allows for mass customization without added cost. They have used these methods for projects like a 15-foot tall concrete structure for Amazon, as well as residential homes. In response to recent wildfires, Form Found Design has focused on designing fire-resilient homes using non-combustible materials like metal, insulated panels, and cross-laminated timber. Their goal is to create homes that are more durable, energy-efficient, and sustainable compared to traditional wood-framed construction. The main challenge Form Found Design faces is educating contractors and homeowners about their innovative construction methods. However, they believe the demand is there, as people are increasingly seeking more resilient and sustainable building solutions. Their overall vision is to use advanced technology like robotics and parametric design to create beautiful, nature-inspired architecture that is also highly functional and efficient. @FormFoundDesign

“I think there's a whole new awareness right now after these fires in LA, at least for people who live in California of like, just actually how toxic our whole houses are.  So, you know, the answer for some might be, “oh, I was going to buy a new couch and I'm going to buy a couch that's cotton instead of like plastic,” you know, just smaller things.  And, yeah, the more people that could be building a whole house out of natural materials right now, that's amazing.”  - Sasha Rabin Sasha Rabin has a long history with natural building, stemming from her father's early interest in straw bale construction in the 1990s. This sparked Sasha's passion, leading her to study environmental design and eventually focus on earthen building methods like cob, adobe, and light straw clay. She founded Earthen Shelter as a platform to teach workshops on these techniques, which she sees as an important part of creating more sustainable and healthy built environments. Sasha discussed the challenges of getting alternative building materials permitted, especially in high-seismic areas. While there are now code appendices for some natural building methods, Sasha and organizations like Quail Springs, where she is involved, have had to do extensive testing and work with local officials to demonstrate the safety and viability of these materials. Looking to the future, Sasha envisions a multi-pronged approach, from simple retrofits using earthen plasters to whole cob or adobe structures, as crucial for rebuilding more resilient communities.

“The secret is cost shifting.  That’s the secret. So we shift the cost from expensive mechanical systems into the quality of the building shell, of the building envelope.  We have what we call a super-insulated building envelope.  We have triple-glazed windows. We have insulated frames.  They get installed in a certain fashion.  And we basically take… we beef up the building envelope.  it’s super-insulated that means insulation is cheap.  Insulation is the cheapest building material on the planet.  It’s much less expensive than batts.  That’s really the issue.” - Joaquin Kar Joaquin Karcher is a founder/owner/principal architect for Zero E Design based in Taos, New Mexico.  The discussion centered on Joaquin’s expertise in eco-architecture and his work with Zero E Design, particularly focusing on cold climate architecture in northern New Mexico. Karcher shares his journey from his early passion for eco-architecture in Germany to his current projects, emphasizing the importance of achieving carbon neutrality in buildings by 2030. He highlighted his collaboration with the Navajo tribe to improve housing using local materials and labor, as well as his insights gained from the Passive House Institute in Germany. The conversation also delved into the principles of passive house design, its affordability in California, and the benefits of enhancing building envelopes to create energy-efficient homes. Karcher discussed the resilience of passive houses in extreme weather and fire-prone areas, suggesting specific materials and techniques for safety. Although he has not yet worked on redesigning homes affected by wildfires, he expressed a vision for affordable, resilient zero energy buildings, particularly through offsite construction methods like panelized construction.

Healthy home supports your health, in my opinion, from the air we’re breathing, the materials around you, it's designed to promote your health and it prioritizes air quality, has items that are made from non-toxic materials, and it actively reduces toxins, you can actively reduce toxins when you have practices that support a healthy home. So all that is also going to be good for the environment typically. - Karen Bloom Karen started her career as a consumer protection attorney, fighting against companies that failed to warn consumers about the dangers of chemicals in their products. She later developed a mysterious illness that was eventually diagnosed as Lyme disease and mold toxicity, which made her highly sensitive to chemicals and toxins. This experience inspired her to focus on creating non-toxic living spaces to help others who have been in similar situations. A healthy home supports your health by prioritizing air quality, using non-toxic materials, and actively reducing toxins. While a green home focuses on environmental sustainability, the two concepts don't always fully align. Karen explained how some "green" technologies like LEDs and EMFs can actually be harmful to health, and emphasized the need for solutions that protect both the environment and human health. Karen provided several specific recommendations for creating a healthier home, including using air purifiers, high-quality HVAC filters, natural cleaning products, non-toxic furniture and mattresses, stainless steel or glass food storage containers, and proper ventilation when cooking. She also discussed the importance of being mindful of the products we bring into our homes and their potential impacts. Karen explained that her business, Natural Haven, offers in-home or virtual consultations to assess a client's home and provide customized recommendations for improving indoor air quality and reducing toxin exposure. She also creates educational content and free guides to help people make their homes healthier. When asked about recommendations for protecting against EMF exposure when outside the home, Karen expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of many EMF shielding products on the market, noting that she has tested many and found them to be ineffective. She suggested exploring professional EMF assessments and mitigation strategies instead.

"The fact of the matter is your heating  your home and cooling your home and heating your water are the two biggest loads to your electric bill. They cost the most in in your home.  So this is an opportunity to yes decarbonize and do right for the environment and our grid but also for energy usage.  And the products are there.  There's more and more coming for sure. " - Anita Singha The much anticipated rebate part of the Inflation Reduction Act, HEEHRA, Home Energy Efficiency Rebate program launched in California in November, 2024.  Anita Singha, the Senior Marketing Manager for the Switch Is On, the administrator of the financial incentive programs in California explains how this rebate program works and how to navigate it.   She explains the program provides rebates of up to $8,000 for low-income households (80% or less of area median income) and $4,000 for moderate-income households (80-150% of area median income) to install heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. The rebates are paid directly to the contractor, and consumers must use a HEEHRA-qualified contractor to be eligible. Anita walks through the steps for consumers to verify their income eligibility and find HEER-qualified contractors through the Switch Is On website. This includes using an online income verification tool, getting a certificate of eligibility, and then contacting multiple contractors to get quotes. Izumi shares her experiences trying to help low-income homeowners, particularly those in remote/rural areas, navigate the HEER program. She highlights issues like lack of HEER-qualified contractors in certain regions, contractors being unfamiliar with heat pump technology, and complexities around mobile home and rental properties. Anita acknowledges these challenges and discusses efforts to expand contractor training and outreach, and reassures that the $450 million in HEER funding allocated to California is secure, even with a potential change in federal administration. However, she notes that the rebates may not last indefinitely, so consumers are encouraged to act quickly. Additional clarifications:  California state is launching the rebate program with one appliance at a time, mainly focusing on the heat pump systems.  The first phase was for heat pump HVAC system, in which low-income households can get it installed for free although the homeowners may have to cover a difference if the cost of installation exceeds $8,000.  Qualified householders can apply if you live in a condo, 2-4 units buildings, ADU and Junior ADU.  If you live in a mobile home, you can apply as long as you’re on a foundation and not have an axle or license number.

We are focused on incentives for home upgrade projects.  We’re focused right now on residential space.  If anyone is listening or you might have applied for a rebate program in the past, like an appliance rebate program through a government agency or utility, it oftentimes can be quite challenging.  So we provide an end to end solution to make it very easy for folks to pre-qualify projects for all available incentives as well as then to claim the funds. And you can think of us as kind of a TurboTax for electrification rebates.  - Aimee Bailey, Rock Rabbit Rock Rabbit was founded in 2022 by Aimee Bailey, co-founder and CEO, with her co-founder,  building on concepts Bailey had been developing for years in her previous roles in the energy sector, including roles at the Department of Energy, utilities, and government agencies, with a focus on designing and deploying incentive programs.  The company's mission is "Future-proofing homes made easy and affordable for everyone," reflecting their commitment to accelerating the energy transition in the residential sector. Rock Rabbit provides an end-to-end solution for contractors and homeowners to easily navigate and claim rebates for home electrification projects. The platform integrates multiple databases, including incentive programs, authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) registries, and community choice aggregation (CCA) information, to simplify the complex landscape of rebates and eligibility requirements. The company addresses three key pain points in the rebate process: incentive discovery (finding available programs among hundreds of options), navigating eligibility requirements (interpreting complex program rules), and streamlining paperwork processing (reducing administrative burden for contractors and homeowners). Rock Rabbit works primarily with contractors as their main user base, but also collaborates with utilities and government agencies to streamline rebate programs. This dual approach allows them to improve the rebate process from both the implementation and administration sides. There's a significant labor shortage in the HVAC industry, with estimates suggesting a gap of hundreds of thousands of technicians needed to meet climate targets. Rock Rabbit aims to alleviate this by making rebate processes more efficient, allowing contractors to focus more on installations and less on paperwork. For inquiries, contact: [email protected]