Sustainability Is a Broken Word: Why “Green” Buildings Fail the People Inside – Ep 102 with Roberto Vega Peralta

This week on Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski is joined by architect and sustainability leader Roberto Vega Peralta, Practice Director and Sustainability Director at Vocon. From his roots in Costa Rica to his globe-spanning design journey—from Seattle to San Francisco to Cleveland—Roberto shares how a deep love for nature and a commitment to community resilience shaped his architectural philosophy. They dive into what it really means to design for people first, how trauma-informed design is changing fire and police stations, and why Midwest cities like Cleveland are becoming the new frontier for performance-driven, human-centered buildings. Roberto also reveals how Vocon is tackling net-zero goals and transforming “sustainability” into a conversation about measurable performance and long-term well-being. This episode is a heart-filled, thought-provoking look at why the best buildings always start with the people inside them.More About Roberto Vega PeraltaPractice Director Roberto Vega-Peralta is driven by a profound mission: harnessing the transformative potential of art and design, synergized with science and technology, to ignite change. With a vision grounded in education, economic empowerment, and environmental consciousness, he aspires to create a positive and lasting impact on our world. He specializes in crafting innovative spaces for corporate campus headquarters, hospitality, academic institutions, science and technology centers, healthcare facilities, and urban development projects. Roberto’s commitment to excellence, paired with his unwavering dedication to using art and design as catalysts for meaningful change, sets him apart as a leader and visionary in his field. His holistic approach, fusing creativity, scientific rigor, and technological innovation, creates spaces that not only serve their practical functions but also resonate with purpose, fostering a harmonious balance between form and function. As he continues to push the boundaries of design and technology, Roberto Vega-Peralta is a driving force in the pursuit of a more enlightened, inclusive and sustainable future.CONTACT:www.linkedin.com/in/rvplabWhere To Find Us:https://bbfhpod.advancedglazings.com/www.advancedglazings.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/better-buildings-for-humans-podcastwww.linkedin.com/in/advanced-glazings-ltd-848b4625https://twitter.com/bbfhpodhttps://twitter.com/Solera_Daylighthttps://www.instagram.com/bbfhpod/https://www.instagram.com/advancedglazingsltdhttps://www.facebook.com/AdvancedGlazingsltd