The Green Impact Report Quick take: LEED Fellow Theresa Lehman is back on the podcast! Since her first episode in 2021, she’s doubled down on big-impact projects — like delivering one of the largest net-zero middle schools in the U.S. and advising on next-gen data center sustainability.
If you’re navigating LEED v5, IRA funding, or how to scale sustainability within a large firm — this episode is your roadmap.
Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion
Theresa Lehman is one of the original LEED Fellows and a driving force in the Green Building movement across the Midwest. She grew up on a small farm in Wisconsin, studied construction management, and quickly became one of the first professionals to pilot LEED v2 in the region.
Now at Miron Construction, she leads sustainability strategy across a $1.7B company and delivers award-winning schools, data centers, and manufacturing projects that set new benchmarks for health, energy, and carbon outcomes.
Breaking Ground on Better Building
In this episode, Theresa Lehman revolutionizes traditional construction approaches:
Key Insight #1: Scaling LEED from Pilot to Powerhouse
The Challenge: Construction industry waste and zero awareness of sustainable practices in the late 90s.
The Solution: Theresa piloted LEED v2 on one of Wisconsin’s first green government buildings, then joined the team that created the LEED exams and training workshops.
ROI: Helped normalize LEED in commercial construction and advanced its national adoption.
Key Insight #2: Schools as Engines of Health and Growth
The Challenge: Traditional school buildings ignored occupant wellness and long-term community ROI.
The Solution: Projects like Lake Mills Elementary (LEED v4 pilot) prioritized daylight, air quality, and biophilic design.
ROI: 75% drop in asthma medication, 15% fewer absences, increased test scores — and new subdivisions opened to meet demand.
Key Insight #3: The IRA Advantage for Net-Zero
The Challenge: Budget limitations often block net-zero designs in public school systems.
The Solution: Leveraged the Inflation Reduction Act for Menasha Maplewood Intermediate & Middle School, funding PV systems and energy upgrades.
ROI: $5.3M in support, net-zero electricity, and on track to be the largest verified zero-net-energy middle school in the U.S.
Sustainable Soundbite
Your Green Building Action Plan
Transform your next project with these steps:
This Week: Audit your team’s waste diversion efforts — start with the job site dumpster.
This Quarter: Evaluate IRA funding or local incentives for energy or health upgrades.
This Year: Target a net-zero pilot school or municipal project and build a dream team.
Connect & Learn More
🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast
💚Join the Green Building Movement
📄 Read the transcript: HERE
🔗 Connect with Theresa Lehman:
🎧 Missed her first appearance?
Go listen to: Inspire Sustainability Throughout a Large Construction Company (Ep. 164 | March 17, 2021)
Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the Green Building Matters website.
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