Green Success Stories

Towards a Sustainable Future: Insights of a Green Building Consultant

Green Success Stories puts Abhiri Khisty, Project Manager for Sustainable Buildings at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), in the Green Spotlight. Abhiri describes her excitement at finding eco-friendly solutions with sustainable design, and her efforts at JLL to collaboratively deliver challenging sustainability projects related to new construction and existing buildings.

Tell us a bit about your sustainability journey.

My passion for sustainability began during my undergraduate studies in architecture. I actively incorporated eco-friendly solutions into my designs and made sustainability a part of my daily routine. Pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable design deepened my understanding of environmentally friendly buildings, and I was honored with the “Academic Excellence Award in Sustainable Design” upon graduation. Since then, I have contributed to the sustainable design industry in various roles, including as a volunteer, intern, consultant, and auditor. Furthermore, I have sought to educate the community by writing articles on architecture and sustainability topics, such as healthy buildings, materials, and rating systems, which have been published in various media outlets.

Tell us a bit about the product or solution you offer.

My role at JLL as a Sustainability Project Manager requires working in a diverse, highly collaborative team environment to deliver challenging sustainability projects related to new construction and existing buildings. This role requires working with clients to achieve their sustainability goals and certifications by developing collaborative solutions, managing project-related documentation, performing research, conducting weekly meetings, and producing reports communicating technical details, processes, and action items.

At JLL, our purpose is clear: “to shape the future of real estate for a better world.” This purpose is reflected in our various service lines, including the Sustainability Consulting Team under Project and Development Services (PDS). Our corporate sustainability program is not just a strategy, but a commitment to bringing long-term value to stakeholders by delivering resilient buildings, healthy spaces, and inclusive places while minimizing the environmental impact of our business operations. At an organizational level, JLL has made a bold commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from the operation of our offices by 2030. This commitment inspires us to continuously improve our energy efficiency and set high standards for our fitout specifications.

Share a green success story with us – how have you helped customers or other businesses in the fight against climate change?

I have worked on green infrastructure projects for different schools in Philadelphia, PA, aimed at promoting community engagement and the well-being of children, young adults, and citizens of all ages. I have also devised sustainable strategies for potential real estate acquisitions and assisted in monitoring and reporting equipment efficiency for various LEED-certified buildings. Additionally, I have conducted educational sessions and presentations at academic and professional levels to provide insights on green infrastructure and rating systems such as the Living Building Challenge. I have handled complex client-related issues to assist with the LEED certification of over 30 single-family homes and various multi-family projects in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Furthermore, I have provided consultation for various commercial projects to help clients achieve certifications like LEED, WELL, and Fitwel. Through my work in the green buildings industry, I aim to apply my skills and knowledge to develop solutions that can reduce the impact our buildings have on contributing to climate change.

What do you envision your industry looking like in ten years?

Over the next decade, sustainability will become crucial for every industry and business. Many companies are already incorporating decarbonization, circular economy, and ESG into their strategy and purpose. In the coming years, we will see a greater emphasis on integrating sustainability into company operations and processes. Advancements in technology will offer new ways to measure and monitor important indicators such as energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and waste. The adoption of circular supply chains will become more widespread across all businesses. With increased awareness of climate change, consumers will be more mindful of their carbon footprint and product choices. There will also be significant changes in the design of spaces, potentially involving healthcare professionals and scientists to create healthier, safer environments.

What would you like readers to take away from this article?

In this article, I aim to showcase my position at JLL and the services we provide. I also want to shed light on the different roles and career prospects available for sustainable designers and to encourage individuals to consider a career in sustainability to contribute towards addressing climate change.

How should readers get in touch with you and/or your organization?

Information about JLL Sustainability can be found here: https://www.us.jll.com/en/about-jll/sustainability-esg


Kudos

Many thanks to Abhiri Khisty and to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL).

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