Sumayyah Theron is an Architectural Engineer with a Master’s degree in Energy and Sustainable Building Design and over 20 years of professional experience in sustainable building design, project management, and green building certifications. A proven leader in developing and implementing comprehensive carbon reduction strategies with extensive knowledge of climate change policies and global sustainability frameworks. 

Specializing in energy efficiency, sustainability, and wellness for commercial real estate projects, Sumayyah works closely with key stakeholders, including architectural, developer, owner teams, government agencies, industry associations, and technology providers. Her mission is to propel the design and operation of high-performance buildings, fostering healthier spaces, elevating occupant comfort, while driving down both initial and operating costs.

RECOGNITIONS

Engineered Systems’: 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC – 2024

The GBI Advocacy Ambassador Award Recipient – 2023

ACCREDITATIONS

WELL AP, GGAP, GG Fellow, fitwel Ambassador, and others.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Through her volunteer work with industry associations, Sumayyah actively shapes the landscape of rating system development and contributes to ongoing initiatives of different guides and standards.

The Green Building Initiative (GBI): Board of Directors. Serves on the Consensus Body for the continuous maintenance of Green Globes for New Construction 2021 (ANSI/GBI 01-2021)

 Illinois Green Alliance (IGA): Board of Directors, IGA Green Schools Mentor (2023-2024)

 ASHRAE: IL Chapter: Student Activities Chair. ASHRAE T.C. 2.8 – Building Environmental Impacts and Sustainability:  voting member since July 2023. ASHRAE Chicago winter conference 2024: co-chair and Sustainability Chair. Editor for ASHRAE's: Green Guide v.6, Architectural Chapter. Handbook Fundamentals – Chapter 34 Renewable Energy and Chapter 35 Sustainability.

 Mentor for the GBI, Women in Sustainability, and STEAM Night Mentor at the local school District.