Key Takeaways: 2024 Women in Green Building Leadership Luncheon 

April 12, 2024

On April 10, Illinois Green convened nearly 200 leaders from the green building industry in Chicago to explore the theme of Fresh Perspectives and consider how we as a community can infuse new ideas and innovations into our workflow to set the groundwork for a greener future.  

Our esteemed panelists led a discussion on the major hurdles of decarbonization, the importance of engaging local stakeholders and communities, and how women can inspire fresh perspectives in a male-dominated industry. 

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

  • The notion that companies must balance business and climate interests is a misnomer—in fact, sustainable design, construction, and operations offer tremendous opportunities for growth, especially in the workforce.  

“I read a report that has stayed with me. [It said] there are 100 companies on the planet that account for 80% of emissions. Why are they not doing [more on sustainability]? The executives do not have a mandate from the board.”

Alex Kruzel

CEO & Founder, Telesto Strategy

“If you’re doing business, you’re a climate business. Every business is a climate-focused business because when we live on a fiery hellscape, you can’t take the money with you.”

Joanne Rodriguez

CEO & Founder, Mycocycle, Inc.
  • Globally and here in Illinois, the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect socially and economically marginalized people. Therefore, the fight against climate change can’t come solely from the ivory tower and the corporate C-suite, but must also include a bottom-up, community-driven process that engages the voices of those bearing the brunt of its impacts. Finding organizations within those communities to partner with is crucial. 

“You’ve got to get uncomfortable. So much about getting a fresh perspective is about getting out of your comfort zone and meeting people where they are.”

Juanita Garcia

Senior Project Manager, High Performance & Sustainable Construction, Pepper Construction

“The last thing that community organizers need is people driving in on a white horse, who are not familiar with the [local] dynamic, and say, here’s a set of solutions. I find it much more compelling to find organizers that are embedded in the community and ask them how I can work through you."

Joanne Rodriguez

CEO & Founder, Mycocycle, Inc.
  • Though progress has certainly been made, women still face disproportionate hurdles in the workforce—especially in the building industry. Women are also more likely to be advocates for sustainability and decarbonization within their organizations. That means women have to work even harder than their male counterparts to have their voices heard and affect meaningful change. 

“For women, we just need to start showing up and being in the room at meetings. The more that you saturate yourself in this industry, you will begin to know and connect with people. You have to push past your fear.”

Karen Youngblood

CEO & Founder, Center for Environmental Justice
  • In most corporate cultures today, sustainability initiatives are viewed as a cost center rather than an opportunity for growth. This means that decarbonization programs are often the first to be cut when revenue dips, and there is less opportunity for advancement and promotion for careers in sustainability. It’s imperative that we within the green building community push for a cultural change at the top.  

“This has to come from the top, from chairmen and CEOs that will set up a culture [of sustainability].”

Karen Youngblood

CEO & Founder, Center for Environmental Justice

“If you’re starting in this career, negotiate for really specific training and credentials—it’s out there. Ask for the budget from your leaders.”

Alex Kruzel

CEO & Founder, Telesto Strategy
Posted in Feature Story

1 Comments

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