Aug 28, 2024
John Mlade, Director of Sustainable & Healthy Environments, LFA, WELL Faculty, LEED Fellow, Sustainability is more than a job; it is a way of thinking. Having practiced in a dedicated sustainability role within design, engineering, consulting, and construction firms for the better part of two decades, John has developed a command of both the science and art of sustainable design and construction.
Inspired most by the opportunities that emerge when addressing challenges through a lens of sustainability, he promotes positive change in his work through the engagement of people using tools for systems thinking, reflective conversation, and visioning. He is a process champion with the ability to bring together disparate stakeholders around a common vision, goals, and strategies without compromising technical rigor.
Having chaired the Illinois Green Alliance Board of Directors from 2021-2023, and currently serving as Ex-Officio Chair through 2024, John is deeply involved in local and regional sustainability efforts around carbon drawdown, green infrastructure, EDI, resilience, and health and wellness to move rapidly beyond the “sustainability status quo.”
Show Highlight
- Aspiring green professionals to adopt a sustainability lens in their careers.
- Importance of LEED Fellow credential and reviewing applications.
- White and Company:
a. Focus on integrative design and sustainability
b. Internal sustainability standard applied to all projects
c. Additional value on the client’s behalf
d. more integrated way for frameworks, kind of like rating system agnostic. - Emphasis on embodied carbon and materials reuse in current projects.
- John discusses a crucial focus for the industry.
- Materials assessment before demolition for reuse and recycling.
- Apply sustainability lens to any field, pursue ‘up all night curiosity.’
- Accountability frameworks to help assure all the stakeholders.
Get the episode transcript here!!
Show Resource and Information
- Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature
- The Ecology of Commerce – Paul Hawken
- Natural Capitalism – Amory Lovins, Hunter Lovins, and Paul Hawken
- Mid-course Correction – Ray Anderson
- The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
- Wight & Company | A Design Led Design Build
Firm
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