RMF Releases “Decarb Debrief” Educational Video Series

RMF Engineering developed Decarb Debrief as an internal webinar series designed to foster deeper technical discussion and cross-disciplinary collaboration among its engineers and across the entire firm. Created by RMF's sustainability team, their goal was to explore how sustainability goals are reached through the decarbonization practices embraced by different divisions of the company and lift up their stories. Spanning 12 installments, the series explores the policies, technologies, system integrations, and market drivers shaping decarbonization across healthcare, higher education, research, and institutional facilities.

Building on the strong engagement and insight generated internally, RMF is now bringing Decarb Debrief to a wider audience.

Each episode features conversations with RMF engineers and subject matter experts, translating complex technical topics into actionable insights. Discussions range from high-level overviews of carbon reduction pathways and regulatory considerations to detailed examinations of system-level applications including electrification strategies, thermal energy storage, central utility plant optimization, building operations optimization, heat recovery, infrastructure resiliency, and campus-scale decarbonization planning. "A core principle of decarbonization is efficiency, which RMF has already valued for years," said Wendy Placko, Sustainability Program Manager and host of the series. "It all comes back to the fact that the cheapest and most sustainable form of energy is what you don't use in the first place."

The series reflects RMF’s broader commitment to advancing sustainable engineering solutions that are practical, resilient, and aligned with client operational realities. By sharing these internal conversations publicly, RMF aims to contribute to industry knowledge exchange while equipping facility leaders and project stakeholders with clear, technically grounded perspectives on decarbonization.

The series is available as a playlist in YouTube and can also be streamed as a podcast in YouTube Music. Check back weekly as we release each of the 12 installments on our Newsroom!

Episode 1: What is Decarbonization? 

With Guest Martha Larson

In the inaugural episode of Decarb Debrief, RMF kicks off its series with a foundational conversation on the fundamentals of decarbonization. Host Martha Larson, RMF’s Director of Sustainability, guides listeners through the definition of decarbonization in the context of the built environment, explaining the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and facility energy systems and why a clear understanding of these basics is essential for effective planning and implementation. She also discusses the many drivers of greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, including regulations, climate commitments, and incentives. The discussion sets the stage for deeper technical explorations in future episodes by highlighting key concepts that underpin decarbonization strategies across projects and campuses.