Engineering Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate with Sarah Gudeman

In this episode of PlotLines, Heather and Britni are joined by Sarah Gudeman, Principal at BranchPattern, for a deep dive into the science behind sustainable building design. With a background in mechanical engineering and environmental science, Sarah shares how data and performance-driven design are helping real estate leaders reduce carbon footprints and meet sustainability goals. From electrification and benchmarking to building codes and decarbonization timelines, she breaks down what’s driving (and delaying) the industry’s shift to high-performance, climate-conscious spaces. The discussion also covers the tension between design intent and real-world outcomes, the importance of involving engineers early, and the evolving role of certifications like WELL and LEED. Tune in to hear why achieving sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, education, and asking the right questions along the way.