{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Theresa Lehman Returns: Net-Zero Schools, LEED v5 & Greening the Midwest.","description":"\ud83d\udce3 The Green Impact Report Quick take: LEED Fellow Theresa Lehman is back on the podcast! Since her first episode in 2021, she\u2019s doubled down on big-impact projects \u2014 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 \u2014 this episode is your roadmap. \ud83d\ude4b\u200d\u2642\ufe0f 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. \ud83c\udf31 Breaking Ground on Better Building In this episode, Theresa Lehman revolutionizes traditional construction approaches: \ud83d\udccc 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\u2019s 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. \ud83d\udccc 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 \u2014 and new subdivisions opened to meet demand. \ud83d\udccc 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. \ud83d\udcac Sustainable Soundbite \u201cMovement doesn\u2019t happen individually \u2014 it happens in groups.\u201d \u2014 Theresa Lehman \ud83e\uddd7\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Your Green Building Action Plan Transform your next project with these steps: This Week: Audit your team\u2019s waste diversion efforts \u2014 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. \ud83d\udd17 Connect & Learn More \ud83c\udf3f Access full episode resources: https:\/\/gbes.com\/podcast\/ \ud83d\uddd2 Read the transcript here \ud83d\udc69\ud83c\udffb\u200d\ud83d\udcbb Connect with Theresa Lehman: Website: miron-construction.com LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/theresalehmanleedfellow\/ \ud83c\udfa7 Missed her first appearance? Go listen to: How to Inspire Sustainability Throughout a Large Construction Company (Ep. 164 | March 17, 2021) \ud83d\udc9a Join the Green Building Movement: https:\/\/www.greenbuilding.news\/subscribe \u267b\ufe0f Want More Green Building Insights? Get sustainability tips 2x a week. \ud83d\udc49 Subscribe to our FREE newsletter here: https:\/\/www.greenbuilding.news\/subscribe Green Building Matters, Inc \u00a9 2026 | Good Green Fun.   ","author_name":"The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti","author_url":"http:\/\/gbespodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"