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Eliminating Energy Waste with Smart HVAC Optimization with Brad Pilgrim

Author

Charlie Cichetti
December 18, 2025

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This episode matters to green building professionals because it shines a spotlight on how grid-interactive buildings and HVAC optimization can eliminate energy waste, generate new revenue, and play a crucial role in decarbonization — right now.

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🎧 LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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🌱BREAKING GROUND ON BETTER BUILDING

In this episode, Brad Pilgrim revolutionizes traditional construction approaches:

[Key Insight #1] Turning HVAC inefficiency into an intelligent grid asset

  • What's outdated: Traditional HVAC systems run on outdated controls, often wasting energy with start-stop inefficiency.

  • The innovation: Parity installs off-the-shelf hardware and proprietary software to align HVAC operations with real-time demand.

  • Impact: Buildings slash energy waste, improve comfort, and unlock new revenue via demand response and grid participation.

[Key Insight #2] Building the cleanest energy — by not using it at all

  • What's outdated: The green energy conversation often ignores the carbon debt of manufacturing renewables.

  • The innovation: Focus on energy efficiency first — reducing consumption before adding generation.

  • Impact: Immediate carbon impact with zero added infrastructure. Efficiency is net-zero from day one.

[Key Insight #3] Reimagining the smart grid with peer-to-peer energy flows

  • What's outdated: The electrical grid is destabilized by EVs, data centers, and intermittent renewables.

  • The innovation: Smart buildings that store, shift, and trade energy to balance grid load in real time.

  • Impact: Reduced grid stress, avoided blackouts, and a resilient, decentralized energy ecosystem.

♻️ YOUR GREEN BUILD CHALLENGE

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✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

🗒 Read the transcript: HERE 

📄 Read the transcript: HERE

🔗 Connect with Brad Pilgrim: