281: BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Part 1

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Ilka Cassidy and Jacob Racusin are at the BuildingEnergy Boston 2026 Conference (Sponsored by New Energy Works).

Ilka and Jacob speak with:

• Gregory Smith, Architect at Moody Nolan
• Clay Tilton, Existing Buildings Program ManagerBuilt Environment Plus (BE+)
• Arlen Li, Fitwel Ambassador, Planning PrincipalHGA
• Anthony Michetti, Director of Sustainability, Cell Signaling Technology
• Julie Newman, PhDDirector of SustainabilityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Steve Hessler Building Systems Specialist at New Energy Works | Certified Passive House Consultant at Holzraum System
• Bryan Bleiere, Director of Offsite Construction at New Energy Works
• Luke Winston-Almanzar CEO, Co-Founder Reservoir

They discuss the conference mood amid political and economic headwinds, the theme “Don’t Stop Us Now,” and a keynote on “The Cost of Pausing” featuring MIT and Cell Signaling Technology, emphasizing business cases and co-benefits for maintaining climate goals. Conference co-chairs Clay Hilton and Greg Smith highlight curation, community-building, and student participation. Trade-floor interviews feature Reservoir’s smart heat-pump water heater with predictive controls and recirculation, and New Energy Works’ timber/panelization work and foam-free assemblies.

https://nesea.org/conference/schedule/50140

https://newenergyworks.com/

https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/articles/component-spotlight-rethinking-domestic-hot-water-intro...

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