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Devin: What is your superpower?
Jim: Well, it is, as I've been told, taking a lot of information from technical, complex areas and figuring out how to merge it together.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of Jim Kumon’s latest project in Minneapolis. This innovative development combines passive house technology with thoughtful design to reduce energy consumption dramatically while maintaining comfort and functionality. With two duplex units meeting passive house standards and a third unit adhering to Zero Energy Ready Home guidelines, Jim’s approach represents a significant step forward in environmentally conscious housing.
“Passive house is about thermal control, air control, and radiation control,” Jim explained. These principles translate into features like triple-pane windows, superior insulation, and advanced air circulation systems, ensuring both comfort and energy savings. The results are impressive: a 73% improvement in energy efficiency over current building codes, with even greater advantages compared to older homes.
Jim emphasized the broader impact of these improvements. “Reducing operational energy is a big thing,” he said, highlighting the project’s potential to lower carbon emissions and enhance residents’ health through cleaner building materials. This focus on sustainability extends to the choice of non-toxic materials, aiming to create a healthier indoor environment.
Beyond its technical merits, the project offers practical benefits for future residents. Lower utility costs and modern amenities make the property attractive to renters and potential owner-occupants. Its family-friendly design and desirable location further enhance its appeal.
The project also provides an opportunity for community members to participate directly through regulated investment crowdfunding. “We’re raising capital on Small Change,” Jim shared, inviting impact-driven investors to join the effort. Interested individuals can learn more at s4g.biz/air.
This initiative exemplifies how thoughtful design and community-driven funding can address environmental challenges while delivering tangible benefits to people and neighborhoods.
tl;dr:
Today’s episode highlights a passive house project that reduces energy use by over 70%.
Jim Kumon discusses designing family-friendly, sustainable housing in Minneapolis.
The project integrates advanced technology and health-conscious materials for a better living environment.
Jim shares how collaboration is key to addressing complex development challenges.
Investors can support this initiative via regulated crowdfunding on Small Change.
How to Develop Integrative Problem Solving As a Superpower
Jim describes his superpower as “taking a lot of information from technical, complex areas and figuring out how to merge it together.” His background in architecture, construction, housing policy, and economic development enables him to address challenges holistically. “The question really is, how do we get to yes?” he noted, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creative problem-solving to achieve shared goals.
Jim recounted an instance where technical and financial hurdles threatened a project. By focusing on collaboration, he brought stakeholders together to leverage their strengths and address weaknesses. “At the end of the day, it was about people thinking collaboratively,” he shared, demonstrating how collective efforts can overcome obstacles and create impactful solutions.
Tips for developing this superpower:
Build Multidisciplinary Knowledge: Learn about diverse fields to see connections others might miss.
Foster Collaboration: Engage with stakeholders to combine strengths and address challenges holistically.
Focus on Common Goals: Identify shared values to build consensus and drive collective action.
Stay Resilient and Adaptive: Persist through bureaucratic or systemic hurdles by creatively addressing barriers.
Conclusion: By following Jim’s example and advice, you can make integrative problem-solving a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Jim Kumon (he/him):
Principal at Electric Housing and Heirloom Properties, Heirloom Properties, LLC
About Heirloom Properties, LLC: Heirloom Properties, LLC is a real estate development and property management company founded by Faith and Jim Kumon. The company is centered on enthusiasm for creating more middle-scale housing, using straightforward design with dignified materials, and building with long-term operating costs in mind. Through these strategies, high-performance units can be provided at a reasonable cost compared to other new projects.
Heirloom is unique due to its willingness to pursue projects with a different financial lens, as it is shaped through the eyes of two development professionals who spend their day job time working to create housing for our most vulnerable populations or create wealth through small-scale, often owner-occupied, multi-family buildings.
Website: heirloomproperties.net
Instagram Handle: @heirloomrealestate
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/heirloomrealestate
Other URL: smallchange.co/projects/passive-house-duplex
Biographical Information:
Jim Kumon is a leader in sustainable design and small-scale development, overseeing design coordination, construction management, and business operations at Heirloom. With over 15 years of experience in design and construction, he focuses on achieving energy-efficient, sustainable solutions. As Principal of Electric Housing, he mentors professionals through the Developer in Residence program, supporting urban infill housing projects. Jim is also a Partner at Neighborhood Evolution, offering real estate advisory services nationwide. A University of Michigan Architecture graduate, he serves as Treasurer for the Minnesota Passive House Alliance and Neighborhood Roots, driving innovative practices in the built environment.
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