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Decarbonizing Campus Design and Mentoring the Next Generation with Allison Wilson

Author

Charlie Cichetti
January 12, 2026

QUICK TAKE

From decarbonization strategies to student-centric campus design, this episode with LEED Fellow Allison Wilson is a masterclass in sustainability leadership for mission-driven institutions.

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🎧 LISTEN TO THE SHOW

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🌱BREAKING GROUND ON BETTER BUILDING

In this episode, Allison Wilson revolutionizes traditional construction approaches:

[Key Insight #1] Leading with sustainability in academic architecture

  • What's outdated: Campus projects historically siloed sustainability goals from design decisions.

  • The innovation: Allison uses frameworks like LEED and WELL — whether or not clients want formal certification — to guide holistic, decarbonized design.

  • Impact: Reduced operational carbon, improved indoor health, and more engaged campus communities.

[Key Insight #2] Mentorship as a design strategy

  • What's outdated: Talent development often takes a back seat in fast-paced firms.

  • The innovation: Allison actively mentors interns and staff, building cross-disciplinary fluency across architecture, engineering, and planning.

  • Impact: A resilient, empowered team capable of delivering complex, sustainable projects at scale.

[Key Insight #3] Healthy materials and deep client alignment

  • What's outdated: Material selection lacked accountability and long-term health focus.

  • The innovation: Through tools like the Materials Pledge and annual reporting, Allison’s teams help clients link procurement to environmental and human health.

  • Impact: Reduced toxicity, enhanced lifecycle performance, and greater transparency in the supply chain.

♻️ YOUR GREEN BUILD CHALLENGE

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✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

🗒 Read the transcript: HERE 

📄 Read the transcript: HERE

🔗 Connect with Allison Wilson: