
Project Sustainability
Connected Home
During the next decade energy-efficiency will only increase in importance as we continue to build sustainability in homes, as EVs (electric vehicles) become more prevalent and as homeowners become more knowledgeable. The homeowner will play a greater role in managing energy usage/consumption through data analytics, transparency, and energy efficient homes. Simply, connected everything through AI (artificial intelligence) and voice-activated solutions will change the way we consume and manage energy usage in communities and neighborhoods.
Since the Clean Air Act of the 1970s there has been a dramatic reduction of particulate matter in the atmosphere by as much as 70%. But while the U.S. has taken a good first step in reducing overall air pollution, we’ve done a poor job of equity in our communities.
There are many reasons that must be addressed for the poor air quality and localized exposures to hazardous air pollutants in many urban and rural areas that are a significant health risk children and older adults. While these issues need to be addressed at the federal level and local levels) and addressing these hot spots (industrial corridors, highways, and more), there is more we can do to help existing homeowners and dwellers contribute as well.


Each month, the show welcomes a new guest who will unpack a specific topic, spanning multiple episodes. Host Peggy Smedley will dive into her guest’s desire to provide alternatives that will empower each of us on what it means to have a healthy home. Simply all the innovations from energy, air, water, lighting, security, appliances, and more that impact our homes.
With a focus on technology—and how it works in the home—listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what’s coming next and what’s already possible today. Determined to give a glimpse into the future, Smedley ends every series with the same question: How can we do even more simply by managing our energy consumption to help make the world healthier, safer, and greener today and for future generations?
Peggy and Michael Don Ham, WELL Faculty, co-founder, RePure, discuss collaboration on home projects. He says when we look at a home, he suggests looking at all the stakeholders involved and that a holistic healthy home require many different elements.
They also discuss:
- Partnering with custom integrators and wellness professionals.
- Interoperability and how some things don’t play well together.
- The challenge of the healthy home up until now—and the solution.
IoT, Internet of Things, Peggy Smedley, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, digital transformation, cybersecurity, blockchain, sustainability, future of work, podcast, Michael Don Ham, RePure, smart home

Project Sustainability: Leveraging Tech to Build a Greener Home is designed to be a model for sustainable, resilient, and efficient residential homebuilding practices.
This individual project will incorporate the most advanced products and systems from leading manufacturers and technology companies to demonstrate and educate both industry and consumers alike about how we can create a sustainable, clean, and green future for all homes and future communities for which we live, thrive, and prosper.
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