In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen welcome Kyle Hendricks, VP and Head of Sustainability at Equity Residential. The conversation explores how Equity Residential has outpaced its energy intensity reduction goals by empowering employees and integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Key topics include the challenges of achieving measurable results in decarbonization (including net zero), the evolving dynamics of building performance standards (BEPS), resident engagement, and the impact of regulatory and investor trends. Listeners will gain insights into actionable, business-driven sustainability, the importance of aligning environmental and financial goals, the future direction of sustainability leadership in real estate, and so much more.
Highlights from this week’s conversation include:
- Welcoming Guest Kyle Hendricks & His Role (1:45)
- Equity Residential’s Approach to Sustainability (4:08)
- Early Energy Management Wins and Their Impact (7:19)
- Adapting to Rising Utility Costs and Company Buy-In (9:45)
- EUI Versus Net Zero: Choosing the Right Metric (12:15)
- Resident Engagement & Reducing Tenant Utility Costs (14:32)
- Capital Planning: Prioritizing Energy Projects (18:28)
- The Role of Company Culture and Project Execution (21:51)
- Minimums in Sustainability and Industry Standards (26:22)
- Investors, Reporting, and ESG Trends (28:44)
- Discussion on Building Performance Standards (34:43)
- Adapting to BEPS Challenges and Shifting Policies (38:16)
- The Future: Energy Affordability Over Emissions? (39:42)
- Culture, Team Structure & Ways to Drive Results (45:01)
- Reflections on Chicago and Optimism for Sustainability (48:34)
- Final Thoughts & What Gives Hope for the Future (49:58)
The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.
