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• JULY 23, 2021 • Midlands Business Journal
Director of Sustainability Sarah Gudeman is passionate about sustainable building design. (Photo by Monica Sempek)
Early advocates led Morrissey Engineering’s Gudeman to fulfilling career in sustainability by Dwain Hebda
man was in the minority throughout most of her education and early years in the engineering industry. In fact, had it not been for a push from some early advocates, she might not have taken the journey at all. “Twenty-plus years ago, there were certainly fewer women going into engineering,” she said. “Luckily, at Marian High School we had a huge advocate in Bruce Esser, a physics teacher who really enabled me to
challenges through passive design strategies, renewable energy and improving ongoing operations in buildings.”
culture where individual initiative and creative approaches to design issues carry more weight than raw seniority. She said this not only encourages innovation but also helps individuals feel engaged in projects. “What I really like about Morrissey Engineering is that we try to foster a working environment that isn’t built on ‘the ranks,’” she said. “Employee in college. responsibilities extend as far as your “I told my parents I was trying individual interests and drive. As for to decide between art or engineerme, I feel constantly challenged to ing, and they obviously guided me learn more and improve, which are towards the latter.” skills that I personally value. Gudeman rose to partner at Mor“There are also lots of opporrissey Engineering where she’s now tunities, especially in the specialty director of sustainability, and a highly 2020 area of sustainability, for futurist and regarded authority on the design and strategic thinking. My work in third-party rating advancement of green building systems. “Some of the best advice I have received is systems such as LEED, WELL, and ILFI’s ‘Find what you are passionate about and grow JUST allows for some systematic framework, your strengths, because that is where you’re which my engineering brain appreciates. Still, likely to see exponential growth in capability there are lots of times where creative thinking, and knowledge,’” she said. “I am passionate communication and mediation are all just as about advancing and educating on sustainability important. Every day is a little different, which topics across the board, beyond energy to in- is always exciting.” Gudeman has also applied her skills and door environmental quality, how our buildings and spaces can impact and improve health and wellness, improve equitable access and serve service organizations. Gudeman said variety is one of the most appealing things about her work, as is her ability to positively impact the environment through smart design and systems. “Since buildings are generally responsible for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it represents an enormous opportunity to reduce environmental footprint,” she said. “The world is currently undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in human history, with no sign of slowing down. We cannot meet climate goals without also reducing to a minimum the emissions associated with embodied carbon. “As an industry we need to approach these
with is the U.S. Green Building Council, which has a local chapter, USGBC Nebraska Flatwater,” she said. “Also, I can’t say enough great things about CREW Omaha; it’s a fantastic organization with a dynamic network, education and community outreach. “I’m hopeful to begin meeting with my mentee through Teammates again soon and look forward to joining the board for the Dundee-Memorial Park Neighborhood Association this fall.” An Omaha native, Gudeman has a degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
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