The Nexus Podcast

Hosted by James Dice

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193

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Conversations with smart people exploring smart buildings technology, hosted by James Dice. www.nexuslabs.online

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60 recent

August 4, 202644 min

🎧 #199: How QuadReal Owns the Network Across 60 Buildings to Centralize Ops and Harden OT

This episode explores how QuadReal Property Group is centralizing operations across a growing portfolio of connected buildings by owning the network infrastructure behind them. Andy Rodriguez shares how this strategy improves operational efficiency, strengthens OT cybersecurity, and enables teams to manage more buildings with fewer on-site resources. The conversation takes a deep dive into QuadReal’s IMMIX multifamily property, where integrated systems, from smart locks and leak detection to metering and access control, are transforming both operations and the resident experience. They also discuss the tradeoffs of owning the network, vendor accountability, and what it takes to preserve connected building outcomes through design, construction, and commissioning. It’s a practical look at how a converged network strategy can become the foundation for smarter, more resilient building operations. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 199 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

June 9, 20261 hr 7 min

🎧 #198: Pressure Testing the HVAC Sequence Optimization Playbook with University of California Energy Experts

This episode puts the Nexus Labs HVAC Sequence Optimization Playbook to the test with energy leaders from University of California, San Francisco Health and University of California, Santa Cruz. Together, they explore what it really takes to reduce HVAC energy consumption, combat operational drift, and maintain occupant comfort across complex building portfolios. The discussion walks through the playbook’s phases—from setup and pilot projects to scaling and sustaining optimization programs over time. Along the way, they share practical lessons on controls infrastructure, measurement and verification, team structure, and continuous improvement. It’s a candid look at how real-world energy managers are turning HVAC optimization into a repeatable, long-term operational strategy. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 198 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

May 12, 202651 min

🎧 #197: Brendan Robinson on Chasing the Lowest Energy Use Intensity of Any Art Museum in the World

This episode explores how Glenstone Museum is pursuing one of the lowest energy use intensities of any art museum in the world—without compromising the strict environmental conditions required to preserve artwork. Brendan Robinson shares how the team reduced the museum’s EUI from 85 to 42 through HVAC sequence optimization, floating setpoints, water-side efficiency improvements, and deep operational discipline. The conversation also dives into fault detection, advanced supervisory control, and why empowering multiple team members to edit BAS sequences has been critical to their success. Along the way, they reveal how energy efficiency and occupant/art preservation can work together instead of competing priorities. It’s a fascinating look at what’s possible when operational excellence, controls expertise, and sustainability goals all align. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 197 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

April 28, 202640 min

🎧 #196: Weber State's Energy Management Program

This episode dives into how Weber State University built a high-impact energy management program that’s already delivering millions in annual savings while pushing toward full electrification and carbon neutrality. Justin Owen breaks down how much of that progress comes not from new equipment, but from smarter HVAC sequences, optimization, and advanced supervisory control. The conversation unpacks real examples—from dramatic EUI reductions to campus-wide control strategies and battery integration. They also reveal how a self-funding model fuels continuous upgrades by reinvesting energy savings into new projects. It’s a practical blueprint for energy managers trying to hit aggressive sustainability goals without unlimited budgets. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 196 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

April 14, 202631 min

🎧 #195: The Evolution of Presentations at Nexus Labs

This episode breaks down how Nexus Labs transformed its events from story-driven case studies into highly actionable learning experiences. After realizing that even great owner stories often lacked “how-to” value, the team shifted toward structured playbooks and “playbook accelerators” that focus on solving real, repeatable challenges. The result is a better balance between building owners and vendors—where owners bring context and vendors contribute scalable expertise. With strict no-sales guardrails, every session is designed to teach practical, product-agnostic insights attendees can actually use. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Nexus Labs is redefining what a truly valuable conference experience should be. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 195 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

March 31, 20261 hr 27 min

🎧 #194: The Condition-Based Maintenance Playbook

Episode 194 is a conversation with James Dice and Brad Bonavida from Nexus Lab. In this episode of the Nexus Podcast, the Nexus Labs team breaks down their research and shares the condition-based maintenance playbook. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 194 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

March 17, 202650 min

🎧 #193: Kelly Burke of JLL discusses an Enterprise Clients’ FDD Pilot Success

Episode 193 is a conversation with James Dice and Brad Bonavida from Nexus Lab, as well as Kelly Burke from JLL. In this episode of the Nexus Podcast, the Nexus Labs team breaks down the top stories relevant to energy managers, facility managers, IT/OT managers, and workplace managers. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 193 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

March 3, 202651 min

🎧 #192: Steve Burrell of NAU on the Campus's 10 Year Smart Buildings Transformation

Episode 192 is a conversation with James Dice and Brad Bonavida from Nexus Lab, as well as Dr. Steve Burrell from Northern Arizona University. In this episode of the Nexus Podcast, the Nexus Labs team breaks down the top stories relevant to energy managers, facility managers, IT/OT managers, and workplace managers. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 192 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

February 17, 202638 min

🎧 #191: Chris Lelle of Lincoln Property Company on the Keys to Successful FDD Deployment in CRE

Episode 191 is a conversation with James Dice and Brad Bonavida from Nexus Lab, as well as Chris Lelle from Lincoln Property Company. In this episode of the Nexus Podcast, the Nexus Labs team breaks down the top stories relevant to energy managers, facility managers, IT/OT managers, and workplace managers. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 191 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .

February 3, 202632 min

🎧 #190: The Mythological Single Pane of Glass with Kate Stelzel

Episode 190 is a conversation with Brad Bonavida from Nexus Labs and Kate Stelzel from JLL. In this episode of the Nexus Podcast, the Nexus Labs team breaks down the top stories relevant to energy managers, facility managers, IT/OT managers, and workplace managers. Find full show notes and episode transcript on The Nexus Podcast: Episode 190 webpage. Sign-up (or refer a friend!) to the Nexus Newsletter . Learn more about The Smart Building Strategist Course and the Nexus Courses Platform. Check out the Nexus Labs Marketplace . Learn more about Nexus Partnership Opportunities .