Mary Nitschke
The Utility Room
Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.
Author
Mary Nitschke
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 7, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
26 - The Carrot vs Stick of Renewable Adoption 07.07.2026 23:00
Logan Carter https://www.linkedin.com/in/logancarter/ , Co-Founder of Ivy Energy, joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ on The Utility Room to share insights into the complexities of deploying solar in multifamily settings, the role of regulation, and future industry trends. Whether you're a property owner, developer, or sustainability enthusiast, discover actionable i...
25 - Real Estate Has an Energy Problem It Doesn’t Understand Yet 30.06.2026 26:25
Mary Nitschke hosts Evan Caron https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanc1/ and Philip Krim https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-krim/ to explore the transformative landscape of energy, utilities, and the future of the electron economy. They discuss innovations in energy infrastructure, the role of real estate in energy transition, and the visionary projects shaping a sustainable future. In this episode: - E...
24 - No Building Is An Island 23.06.2026 32:33
In this engaging interview, Breana Wheeler, https://www.linkedin.com/in/breanawheeler/ , Director of Operations at BREEAM-USA, shares her journey from a young sustainability enthusiast to a leader in building science and green certifications. Discover how her work with BRE and BREEAM is transforming the real estate industry through science-backed sustainability standards, innovative technologies,...
23 - Stop Talking About Rent. Start Talking About Survival. 16.06.2026 29:28
Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ joins industry leader Bob Simpson https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobsimpson42/ to talk about impact principles in multifamily housing, the importance of affordability, and innovative water and energy management strategies. They explore how industry standards, technology, and behavioral insights can create sustainable, affordable communities whi...
22 - The Three Forces Driving Real Estate’s Transformation 09.06.2026 27:58
Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ joins industry leader and MIT researcher, Steve Weikal https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-weikal/ to discuss the transformative trends in real estate, focusing on technology, climate impacts, and innovative repurposing of existing buildings, especially in multifamily. In this episode: - The role of MIT’s real estate transformation lab in adva...
21 - The First Thing to Look at When You Take Over a Property 02.06.2026 27:23
Explore how utility management and sustainability practices can significantly enhance property value and operational efficiency in multifamily housing. With insights from seasoned industry professional Mark Copeland https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-copeland-993a591a9/ , and The Utility Room host, Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ , this episode brings practical strategies an...
20 - Whole-Building Data Shouldn’t Be Like Las Vegas: What Happens In-Unit Shouldn’t Stay In-Unit 26.05.2026 24:01
Discover how AvalonBay is leveraging utility data and sustainability initiatives to enhance building performance, resident satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Join us as Marta Schantz https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-schantz/ shares insights on data-driven decisions, challenges, and innovative strategies in the evolving landscape of multifamily real estate. This episode is brought to you by...
19 - Every Sustainability Report is a Precious Snowflake of Goodness 19.05.2026 28:59
Exploring Sustainability and Innovation in Real Estate with Chris Pyke https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispyke/ . Discover how data-driven strategies, sector-specific metrics, and global leadership are transforming the way we approach sustainability in real estate. Join Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ as she interviews Chris Pyke, a leading environmental scientist and Chief...
18 - If You Do It Right, They Don’t Want to Leave 13.05.2026 29:13
In this insightful interview, Cory Miller https://www.linkedin.com/in/corymillert/ , CEO of PlugOp https://www.linkedin.com/company/plugop/ , shares expert insights on EV charging in multifamily communities. Discover how strategic planning, real-time diagnostics, and human-centered support are transforming the industry and enhancing resident experiences. Key Topics: - EV charging demand forecastin...
17 - From Due Diligence to Disposition: Modeling the Building Lifecycle 05.05.2026 22:01
In this episode, Christopher Naismith https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophernaismith/and Mary Nitschke explore how energy markets are evolving, the importance of practical sustainability strategies, and how AI is transforming building performance modeling. He emphasizes that decarbonization is less about reaction and more about proactive capital planning. Buildings are like living organisms—each...
16 - The Hidden Math Behind Multifamily Sustainability 28.04.2026 31:13
In this episode, Dimitris Kapsis https://www.linkedin.com/in/dkapsis/ , Vice President of Energy Management at Fairfield Residential, shares his expertise on leveraging utility data for smarter energy management in multifamily properties. Discover actionable insights on data analysis, equipment upgrades, and measurement verification that can drive significant cost savings and operational efficienc...
15 - From Trash Tours to BEPS Compliance 21.04.2026 26:24
Discover how sustainability leader, Elizabeth Lutz https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-lutz-9aa62325a/ , drives environmental progress through community collaboration, innovative standards, and waste reduction strategies in this insightful episode. Gain a better understanding of BEPS, how to create successful collaborations around energy efficiency, and strategies to secure organization-wide sus...
14 - Climate, Law, and the Bottom Line 14.04.2026 30:17
In this eye-opening interview, Mary Nitschke speaks with Brad Allen Molotsky https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-a-molotsky-7401664/ , a real estate lawyer and expert on regulations, climate, and sustainability. They explore the current state of ESG, federal and state regulations, PFAS (Forever Chemicals), and practical strategies for multifamily operators to understand evolving environmental regulat...
13 - The Human Side of ESG Isn't Optional 07.04.2026 22:41
In this engaging interview, industry veteran Mike Brewer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrewer/ shares his journey from single family real estate to multifamily operations, emphasizing the importance of human-centric leadership, data utilization, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Discover insights on balancing profit with social responsibility, leveraging utility data, and fostering me...
12 - Buildings Can Become Power Plants 31.03.2026 31:29
In this engaging conversation, Josh Felser https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfelser/ shares his journey from digital media to climate tech, emphasizing the importance of utility management, electrification, and innovative solutions like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology in multifamily housing. Find out why this innovation is critical for accelerating the transition to renewable energy and what it mea...
11 - The Monster of Net Zero Has a Child 24.03.2026 24:57
In this insightful interview, Cass McFadden https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassmcfadden/ , VP of Sustainability at Cortland, shares her journey of growing up in Guam and how it kickstarted her passion in multifamily sustainability. She discusses the challenges of decarbonization, the importance of collaboration, and innovative strategies to achieve net zero emissions in the multifamily industry. This...
10 - Sustainability That Actually Pencils: CAPEX, Payback, and Execution Gaps 17.03.2026 25:52
Ryan Yetzer https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanyetzer/ , founder of Full Scope Asset Optimization, shares insights on sustainability strategies for property owners, focusing on quick wins, building performance standards, and integrating technology for decarbonization. Learn how to optimize asset performance, navigate regulations, and ensure stakeholder buy-in for successful sustainability projects. T...
09- Investing Where Buildings, Energy, and Technology Collide 11.03.2026 28:30
In this enlightening interview, Zach Aarons https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachaarons/ joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ to share his journey from finance and tech to real estate investment, focusing on sustainability innovations in multifamily housing. Discover how technology, smart building materials, and strategic investments are transforming the built environment for...
08 - Why Energy Has Become a Risk Management Problem — Not a Procurement Task 03.03.2026 39:37
In this conversation, Mary Nitschke interviews Nathan Rice, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-rice-07190287/ president of Energy CX, discussing the evolution of energy procurement, the challenges faced by multifamily operators, and the importance of innovation in the energy market. Nathan shares insights on market volatility, risk management, and the strategies that can help operators optimize th...
07 - AI Isn’t Here to Replace Us. It’s Here to Rehumanize Us 24.02.2026 22:33
In this conversation, Mary Nitschke and KP Reddy https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpreddy/ discuss the complexities of utility management in multifamily housing, emphasizing the role of AI and technology in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. They explore the importance of understanding energy consumption patterns, the need to challenge traditional practices, and the potential for granular data to...
06 - From ENERGY STAR to the Future of Building Data 17.02.2026 28:21
In this conversation, Mary Nitschke interviews Mike Zatz https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzatz/ , who shares his journey in the field of sustainability and energy efficiency. He discusses his extensive experience with the ENERGY STAR program and the importance of data in improving building performance. Zatz emphasizes the need for better engagement with residents to enhance energy efficiency and...
05 - Sustainability Is Just Good Business: Lessons from Real Estate Leader Katie Rothenberg 10.02.2026 23:09
In this engaging conversation, Mary Nitschke interviews Katie Rothenberg, https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rothenberg/ a seasoned professional in sustainability and real estate. Katie shares her journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives in sustainability. The discussion delves into the business case for sustainability, highlighting its role in valu...
04 - When Energy Becomes Unaffordable, Rent Becomes Unaffordable - Public Grids Origin Story 03.02.2026 23:49
In this episode of the Utility Room, host Mary Nitschke speaks with Public Grid co-founders Zach Schmitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schmitz/ and Joe Robbins https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrobbins5/ about their innovative approach to simplifying the utility setup process for residents, particularly in multifamily housing. They share their personal origin stories, the challenges of engaging...
03 - Why AI Is Forcing a Rethink of How Multifamily Actually Operates 27.01.2026 23:53
In this conversation, Mary Nitschke and Jacob Kosior discuss the intersection of EV charging, AI technology, and multifamily housing. They explore how AI can enhance efficiency in property management, streamline processes for residents, and address challenges in affordable housing. The discussion highlights the importance of time as a valuable resource and the potential for AI to improve both oper...
02 - Why Multifamily Leaders Needed a Peer Community for Utility Strategy 20.01.2026 22:00
In this episode, Mary Nitschke welcomes Lori Hanson, a seasoned professional in the multifamily industry, to discuss the rapidly evolving energy market and the importance of utility management. Lori shares her journey from starting in onsite leasing to becoming a director at Greystar, emphasizing her passion for utility management that began unexpectedly about a decade ago. The conversation highli...
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