In this episode of the Building Heroes podcast, host Julia Day introduces the International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy and Buildings in Communities Programme (EBC) Annex 95 and Users TCP: Human-Centric Buildings for a Changing Climate, referred to as the Human-Centric Buildings Network, or simply “the Network”. Joined by fellow Operating Agents Liam O’Brien (Carleton University), Zoltan Nagy (TU Eindhoven), and Marianne Touchie (University of Toronto), the conversation explores how buildings must better respond to human needs as climate change, extreme events, and the energy transition reshape daily life.

The guests share their backgrounds in human–building interaction, energy flexibility, and multifamily building performance, and break down what an IEA “annex” actually is and how this international network is structured. The discussion spans four core themes (human–building interactions, community-scale equity and sufficiency, building design and retrofit, and building operation), highlighting current research on building interfaces, behavioral nudging, and closing the loop between design intent and post-occupancy performance. The episode closes with reflections on the power of global, interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle wicked problems and advance healthier, more resilient, and energy-efficient buildings.

Our journal paper introducing the Network: Energy and Buildings article entitled “Human-centric buildings for a changing climate: Introducing a new International Energy Agency research network,” has just been published: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.116802

Where to Learn more!

• IEA EBC Annex 95 and Users TCP - Human-Centric Buildings for a Changing Climate Website: https://annex95.iea-ebc.org/
• Interested in participating? Join our e-mail distribution list via the website homepage, listed above.
• Need to contact us? Questions? Contact us at iea.human.centric@gmail.com

The Integrated Design Lab conducts research to advance knowledge and policies that promote healthier, high-performing buildings and cities. By measuring and analyzing both modeled and real building performance data, the Lab helps the industry improve building design and operations. Its research focuses on energy efficiency, daylighting, electric lighting, occupant behavior, human health and productivity, and advanced building management systems.

This podcast examines systems and applications in which the UW IDL promotes energy efficiency and decarbonization in buildings across our Region.

During his time at Boise State, while pursuing his graduate studies, Damon developed a passion for energy efficiency. He initially focused on aerospace engineering and renewables, and eventually shifted his focus to wind and hydrokinetic energy. The realization that buildings use such a high percentage of our country’s overall energy use led him to Idaho’s Integrated Design Lab, where his research earned him the title of director in 2021.

This podcast examines the energy used by individual building systems and provides efficient alternatives based on energy modeling and outlines the importance of selecting components that balance energy and comfort.

Dr. Woods is a licensed mechanical engineer who started working at the IDL as a graduate student back in 2013. His dissertation used energy models paired with weather forecasts to predict how a radiant slab should be managed to maximize occupant comfort. His current research focus is on the integration of surface temperatures into building energy management systems. Dr. Woods has taught courses in advanced thermodynamics and energy modeling. In the office, he spends his time working on energy models and estimating savings from energy upgrades; out of the office he is usually fly fishing or gardening. Dr. Woods earned his B.S. from Montana State University, his M.S. from Boise State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Idaho.

The Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) at Washington State University Tri-Cities is dedicated to advancing a sustainable clean energy future. INEF takes an integrated systems approach to optimize the balance between emerging clean technologies, existing resources, and their economic, social, and political impacts. The institute fosters collaboration, innovation, and policy development to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon electricity and transportation fuels. As a virtual hub, INEF connects experts, drives research, educates future clean energy leaders, and engages with communities and tribal groups. Their goal is to create resilient, affordable, and environmentally harmonious energy systems.

Joining us for this episode are Karl Englund and Hui Li of WSU's Composite Materials and Engineering Center (CMEC) who discuss their use of low-value feedstocks in the engineering of new and innovative products. Karl and Hui delve into their experiences in the timber and polymer industry, sharing their unique work of turning what is otherwise trash (such as wood pulps, fibers, etc) into useable and durable products for construction.

This episode we talk with two experts from Puget Sound Abatement who cover all aspects of abatement services, as well as talking about the risk of things in homes such as lead pipes, and asbestos. These experts walk through the job site etiquette and discuss the future need for abatement services.

In this episode of BUILDING HEROES, we bring on three experts from the Hydraulic Institute to discuss the importance of pumping systems, why pumps matter in our built environment, and savings that can be achieved through the use of smart pumping technologies. Smart pumps—often termed a ‘self-sensing’ or ‘sensorless’— integrate variable speed controls to optimize operation based on system requirements. Smart pumps reduce operational pitfalls and enhance efficiency through streamlined control. Pumping systems are essential to the daily operation of most commercial buildings and industrial facilities. With new energy standards for clean-water pumps taking effect in 2020 and a new Energy Rating label program from the Hydraulic Institute, now is the time to evaluate the efficiency of commercial and industrial pumps, and circulators.

In this episode of BUILDING HEROES, we bring on two energy engineering experts to discuss Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), the Clean Building Performance Standard (CBPS), and efficient dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) considerations in the new 2021 ICC and WSEC code cycle. Jordan and Derek discuss the sometimes complex nature of HVAC design, and how a Very High Efficiency DOAS system might be the best option for selected small and medium commercial buildings in the state of Washington, as well as potential occupant and energy benefits achievable through this approach.

The next step in the ongoing evolution of HVAC design, very high efficiency DOAS uses the most efficient HVAC equipment and key design principles to provide cleaner and safer indoor air, enhance indoor comfort, and reduce commercial building HVAC energy use by an average of 69% (when compared to a code-minimum system).