The Invisible Asset

Alex Dews explains how buildings can become climate solutions instead of climate problems.Show host Jeff Nichols sits down with Alex Dews, Executive Director and CEO at the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), to explore the virtues of “adaptive buildings” and how building dynamics will shape the next decade of building decarbonization. Alex argues that the built environment has become one of the most powerful, yet underutilized levers for climate action. His insights blend policy expertise, market understanding, and a deep commitment to equity, offering a clear view of what must happen next to keep momentum strong. Alex shares a persistent misconception: that building decarbonization is primarily about technology adoption. In reality, he says it’s about performance—measuring what buildings actually do, not what they were designed to do. Far too many buildings, including thousands of GSA’s operate below their potential because owners lack key data, tenants or lessors bear the energy costs, and financing pathways are too cumbersome. He notes that “you can't manage what you can't measure,” underscoring why data transparency is now both a climate priority and a market necessity. One of the most compelling insights from the conversation is Alex’s view of buildings as active participants in the energy transition. Instead of being static energy consumers, buildings are becoming dynamic, grid-interactive assets, capable of shifting demand, storing energy, and even generating power. This shift is being accelerated by new technologies, creative funding, and building performance standards emerging in cities and states across the country.Alex highlights that building performance standards are working because they focus on measurable, outcome-based improvements. These policies set real energy or emissions thresholds and give owners multiple pathways to compliance. They also create long-term certainty that drives investment in efficiency, electrification, and smart controls. But policy alone isn’t enough—success requires financing tools, accessible data, and support systems that help owners take action. He also stresses the importance of affordability and equity, arguing that decarbonization must not repeat the inequities of past energy transitions. Communities that have historically faced higher energy burdens must be prioritized for building upgrades, incentives, and health benefits such as improved air quality. “If climate solutions don’t work for everyone,” he says, “they don’t work.” Alex makes one thing clear—the transition away from fossil fuels in buildings is not only essential, it’s already underway. But sustaining momentum depends on aligning policy, markets, data, equity, and financing in smarter, more integrated ways. Buildings aren’t just part of the climate problem; with thoughtful planning, they can become one of the most powerful climate solutions we have. Reframe is hosted by Jeff Nichols and presented by Pilotlight. If you have questions or feedback for the Reframe team, please email us: [email protected]