This episode of the BS* + Beer show features Chris Magwood and Jacob Deva Racusin talking about the BEAM Estimator, which launched in May 2022. We hear the story behind the carbon calculator—“a tool aligned with climate science”—before getting a glimpse of its functionalities and discussing its role in an industry uniquely positioned to take consequential climate action. Ben Bogie shares a builder’s perspective on BEAM’s useability, and the general conversation includes cradle-to-gate emissions as the most critical, mid-rise new construction and retrofit applications for the software, a critique of Life Cycle Assessments, and buildings as carbon-storing climate solutions, among other things.

Enjoy the show!

The BS* + Beer Show schedule

Episodes air the first Thursday of the month. The next show is on August 4, 2022, from 6-7:30 p.m. ET, when we will celebrate the launch of The Pretty Good House book. The authors, Michael Maines, Emily Mottram, Dan Kolbert, and Christopher Briley, will tell us about the book’s genesis, its content, and the pains and sorrows of the whole endeavor. We expect veteran editor Peter Chapman and publisher Mark Peterson, among others, to join the roast. Buy a copy before the show!

Bios

Michael Maines is a residential designer based in Palermo, Maine, specializing in energy-efficient homes, sensitive renovations, and custom kitchens.

Dan Kolbert is a carpenter and contractor, and for the past 10 years has been moderator of the original building science discussion group in Portland, Maine, where the Pretty Good House idea originated.

Emily Mottram is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.

Christopher Briley is principal architect at BRIBURN, a firm that designs and creates spaces that are energy efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly and that enhance the lives of their residents.

Use this link to register for The BS* + Beer Show

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Kiley Jacques is senior editor at Green Building Advisor. Photo courtesy of Michael Maines.