Why do so many buildings begin with strong sustainability goals… yet struggle to deliver long-term performance?

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Umesh Atre, a sustainability leader with over two decades of experience across LEED, WELL, energy modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, and building performance strategy.

Currently Sustainability Lead at Parkhill, Umesh has worked on more than 200 high-performance building projects and brings a systems-level perspective to sustainable design, occupant wellbeing, and operational success.

This conversation explores:

• why project location and building orientation matter more than many teams realize
• where sustainability intent often breaks down during design and construction
• why lifecycle cost analysis is frequently introduced too late
• the role of commissioning and performance verification in protecting design intent
• how invisible operational systems shape occupant wellbeing
• why certifications alone don’t guarantee real performance
• and how long-term thinking must become part of project culture

Umesh also discusses the importance of integrated design, stakeholder alignment, and designing buildings that continue performing long after the project team leaves.

A powerful conversation for architects, engineers, owners, operators, sustainability professionals, and anyone interested in the future of high-performance buildings.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms.