The Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University has played an integral role in a new video documentary series, called “Heart of a Building,” about the why of environmentally harmonious building projects.

The series is set to debut with an hour-long episode on Rocky Mountain PBS at 3:30 p.m. on April 24, with a replay at 10 a.m. on April 25. The film’s executive producer and host is noted Colorado building science consultant Paul Kriescher.

IBE has been informing the overall strategy for “Heart of a Building,” and CSU interior architecture and design student interns are researching and documenting building project stories. IBE Executive Director Brian Dunbar narrates a companion online video series that explores the technical details of the projects highlighted in the PBS series; these videos meet professional continuing education requirements for the American Institute of Architects and Green Business Certification, Inc.

“RMPBS is excited to partner with a quality sustainability-driven series like Heart of a Building to help bring these personal stories behind energy-efficient building to our viewers,” noted RMPBS Programming Manager Brad Haug.

For Dunbar, professor emeritus at CSU and co-founder of IBE, the Heart of a Building series offers an opportunity to transform the design and construction industries.

“The PBS videos tell the why behind healthy, sustainable buildings — we hope this series motivates other owners, designers and builders to follow,” said Dunbar. “To make that easier, the companion online technical videos offer guidance on how.”

Kriescher’s vision for the film is to serve as a tool to help others understand the importance of building not just to code — but far beyond. It demonstrates the benefits, strategies, materials and practices that reduce a building’s ecological footprint and have a heartfelt, regenerative effect on the owners and occupants.

“I have long believed that one of the most effective pathways for people to learn and care for our connection with the greater environment is by helping people learn and understand the impact our homes and buildings have on the greater environment,” said Kriescher.

Considering that buildings account for about 40% of all energy use in the U.S., the significant amounts of water consumed in buildings, and the resources needed to build and maintain our structures, there is a need to create buildings that not only last for generations, but also use fewer and fewer resources to do so. Buildings can now be powered without consuming fossil fuels, while still providing great indoor air quality and superior comfort. And we can do this while coming into greater harmony with nature and the hearts and souls of those who visit and occupy these exemplary buildings.

The stories shared in the documentary series focus on people who acted on their dreams and incorporated innovation as they sought to leave the world better than they found it for future generations.

For more information about “Heart of a Building,” visit the Heart of a Building website.

The Institute for the Built Environment is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.