The Building Science Podcast

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

The Progress Paradox: How Codes Create Carbon

An interview with Kelly Alvarez Doran Why do our building codes encourage carbon pollution? How have we landed in a "progress paradox," where older buildings often outpe

Jul 22
1 h 01 min

Demystifying Decarbonization: Data Driven Design

In this episode, Kristof sits down with sustainability expert Josh Jacobs to demystify the ins and outs of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), Environmental Product Declaratio

Jun 18
1 h 02 min

Perspectives on Hydronics in the Real World

An interview with Robert Bean and Lance MacNevin In this episode we unpack the rapidly transforming world of hydronic heating and cooling. We are joined by two seasoned

Apr 25
1 h 15 min

(Un)Healthy Homes

An interview with Dr. Eva King Our homes are indoor environments of our own making. These environments exist to make our lives better but often unintentionally expose us

Apr 8
1 h 16 min

Our Second PSA, The Humid Climate Conference in Austin May 4th & 5th!

The Humid Climate Conference (HCC) is officially back in Austin this May 4th & 5th, and we have a fantastic line up of speakers and topics for our 10th anniversary. It’s

Mar 23
16 min

Our Hidden Roommates

An interview with Dr. Sarah Haines The Indoor Microbiome is the complex, invisible world of trillions of microorganisms living within indoor environments. Its residents

Feb 12
1 h 03 min

Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 2

An interview with Benjamin Jewell. This is Part 2 of our latest series to familiarize our industry with the world of hydronics systems and air-to-water heat pumps. In Pa

Jan 27
1 h 22 min

Buildings as Habitat: Biodiversity-Informed Investments in Public Health

An interview with Helena van Vliet. “First we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” - Winston Churchill (attributed) The natural world is humanity's origina

Jan 20
1 h 17 min

Hydronics: The OG HVAC - Part 1

An interview with Benjamin Jewell. In this episode we are once again diving into the world of hydronics systems and air-to-water heat pumps. These systems are poised to

Dec 23 2025
1 h 24 min

Beyond the View

An interview with Andrew Dryden. Windows are pivotal to the lived experience of a home. They impact the basic aesthetic and provide natural light, views, ventilation, an

Dec 1 2025
1 h 31 min

Cementing Carbon

An interview with John Mead. This is a crossover episode with the Spring Street Passive House education and advocacy series. Welcome to a pivotal conversation on the fu

Oct 31 2025
1 h 01 min

Systems Thinking to Save the World - 50 years of Serious Commotion

This may be the ultimate systems thinking interview. Beyond building science at the site scale, this is systems thinking to save the world. Gail Vittori and Pliny Fisk

Oct 21 2025
1 h 24 min

Navigating the Path to Passive

This is a crossover episode with the Spring Street Passive House education and advocacy series. How do Passive House enclosure decisions actually happen? There’s a stubb

Sep 27 2025
1 h 07 min

Blurring the Edges Between Inside and Out

Why do we design indoor spaces the way we do? What are the unseen socio-cultural impacts involved and how do they impact other aspects of the indoor environment that we c

Aug 18 2025
1 h 16 min

Commissioning Matters

Commissioning Matter - Establishing a Culture of Collaboration Who on the AEC team can deliver strategic guidance, direction, and leadership for the functional aspects o

Aug 4 2025
1 h 14 min

Architectural Epidemiology

How do we expand the positive impacts of our buildings? Now is the time. The building sector is looking at a once-in-a-generation opportunity to flip from being a major

Jul 7 2025
1 h 17 min

Design Matters: Aesthetics, Ethics and Architectural Impact

“It’s time to rethink the idea that architecture does not sully itself with social or ecological ills.” Jonathan Feldman (in conversation w/ KI) The practice of archite

May 29 2025
1 h 04 min

Architecture of Risk: Managing Liability & Uncertainty in the AEC

Risk is real in the AEC. True risk management isn't about avoidance, but about informed engagement. Homes and buildings today measure success in many ways, each of these

Apr 30 2025
1 h 06 min

Building the Movement

In this special episode of the Building Science Podcast Kristof is joined by Ilka Cassidy of Passive House at NESEA's BuildingEnergy Boston '25. Ilka and Kristof are joi

Apr 10 2025
1 h 01 min

Sustainability & Climate Wordcraft

Understanding climate action through the words we use Keep an ear out for an easter egg after the outro on this one. The words we use matter. Terms like "sustainability

Mar 20 2025
1 h 28 min

Chart trend

Position in the Design chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#93#184JunJulAugSep

#10

all-time peak

days in the top 10 since Nov 2024

Chart positions

Where The Building Science Podcast ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 15, 2026).

#46 ▼ 15 Design US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

I highly recommend this podcast based on the information shared and the exceptional level of knowledge of the host and guests. I have learned so much about building science, indoor air quality, and providing comfort to building occupants. It has totally reshaped the way I see and approach construction! However, I have an extremely difficult time hearing this podcast. The audio has a consistent echo like it was recorded in an empty unfinished room. The sound reflections muddle the audio causing me to focus on trying to understand the words instead of focusing on the topic being discussed. Additionally, the sound level on the podcast is lower than my other podcasts. I often find myself having to significantly turn up the volume. I do 95% of my podcast listening on the road. This podcast is the inconvenient 5% because I loose to much when road noise is added into the mix. My only other comment is that the host can sometimes lean into global warming a little hard. If you do not have the save views as he does, hang in there. This podcast will give you spectacular insights on improving peoples lives through design and construction. The same techniques can be used to reach different end goals.

Friendly family · Jan 2023

Kristof does a great job of hovering between too technical and too simplistic. The technical data convinced me of the relevance and the more practical speak and breaking down concepts makes the information accessible for people like me who aren’t experts in the subject matter.

Sustainability Enthusiast · Sep 2021

Kristof has a way of making me see things in new ways. He has the best metaphors and analogies to explain building science and is one of the best at penetrating through all the details to find those kernels of truth that help listeners make sense of it all.

EnergyVanguard · May 2021

I have learned a great deal about indoor air quality. Kristoff, his team and guests are very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Please make the audio quality better, though. There are a few episodes that I have had to stop listening too because the audio quality was just so terrible. Specifically ‘death of the suburbs.’ I tried twice to get through it but could not. Other times I can hear dogs in background or water coolers being used. It takes away from the message that is trying to projected. Just like our lungs need good air quality, my ears would like the same level of audio quality. I believe there are great messages in this podcast and would encourage ‘building science team’ to ensure better podcast audio quality. Thanks for your time.

matt-lhc · May 2020

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.