I created define sustainability LLC to help organizations plan and implement facilities improvements to advance sustainability in the built environment. I draw from my experience in early-phase project development, sustainable operations and energy systems optimization to identify high impact areas for scoping, budgeting and executive/board approval. Whether you’ve committed to net zero, 2030 goal, or still working on defining your goals, I want to help.
If we haven’t worked together yet, the first thing I want to do (after an intro phone call) is walk through your facilities with a knowledgeable member of your facilities team. I truly enjoy learning about a facility, its systems and its users. Each facility is unique, but all have potential for advancing sustainability and your organization’s mission.
Peter K Dahl, Ph.D., LEED AP, CEM
email me
Work
I consult with organizations to develop and implement strategic sustainability measures. This starts with defining what sustainability means to them, how it aligns with the organization’s mission and developing a plan for phased implementation that meets budget requirements.
Strategic sustainability measures can include quick no-cost/low-cost improvements to building systems, new building operating policies/programs, and long-term capital project planning.
I contract directly to support strategic facilities planning with defined scope (expected outcomes), schedule (typically a few months), and mutually agreed upon budget. Examples include:
Assess existing facility and building systems and make recommendations (no-cost, low-cost) to advance sustainability in daily operations. Recommendations need to align with ESG commitment to be net zero by 2050
Early phase project development to support scoping and align sustainability goals with the business case. This can also include quantifying sustainability benefits and budgeting to support the project approval process.
Collaborate with design teams to bring expertise in sustainable design, energy systems and resilience to the forefront of the project, starting at project inception.
Leadership
Industry & Professional
American Hospital Association (AHA), PMG Sustainability Committee (inaugurated 2024)
American Society of Health Care Engineering (ASHE), Sustainability & Decarbonization Committee, inaugural Chair (2022-2023), Past Chair (2024)
Environmental Initiative, Sustainable Growth Coalition, (2017-2022)
USGBC Minnesota Chapter, Board of Directors (2012-2017)
City of Minneapolis, Climate Action Plan, Buildings & Energy Working Group (2012-2013)
ASHRAE, associate member (2008-present)
Selected Publications & Presentations
Energy Benchmarking for US Hospitals (2023) https://www.ashe.org/sustainability/energy-benchmarking-hospitals
ASHE Sustainability Guide (2021) https://www.ashe.org/sustainabilityguide
Plugged In: New Horizons for Beneficial Electrification in Higher Education (2021) https://www.esmagazine.com/articles/101488-plugged-in-new-horizons-for-beneficial-electrification-in-higher-education
Net-Zero Strategies for Hospitals (2020) https://www.esmagazine.com/articles/100519-net-zero-strategies-for-hospitals
Leveraging Anchor Institutions for Community Resilience (2020) https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/chee20-finalprogram1-17-20.pdf
Strategic Steps to Sustainability in Healthcare (2016) Healthcare Facilities Today https://www.healthcarefacilitiestoday.com/posts/Strategic-steps-to-sustainability-in-healthcare--13629
Green Building Performance Case Study (2014) USGBC Minnesota Chapter & Minnesota Pollution Control Agency https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361219735_Green_Building_Performance_Case_Study
Describing Operational Energy Performancefor Minnesota’s LEED Certified Buildings (2013) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361219372_Describing_Operational_Energy_Performance_for_Minnesota's_LEED_Certified_Buildings_in_partnership_with_Describing_Operational_Energy_Performance_for_Minnesota's_LEED_Certified_Buildings
See LinkedIn for more https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdahl/details/publications/
Community Service
Troop 187, Mayflower Church, Scoutmaster (2023-present)
Cub Scout Pack 187, Mayflower Church, Committee Chair (2019-present)
187 Alumni Association, Secretary (2018-present)
National Ski Patrol, Volunteer Patroller (2004-present)
Values
I believe every organization must advance sustainability in our society. Using Environmental Social Governance (ESG) reporting criteria is a helpful framework for communicating priorities. Since I expect it from all organizations, here are my own.
Environmental: with define sustainability LLC, I educate clients about the environmental impact of their projects and facilities on climate change, water quality, and indoor air quality for health. Then, we collaborate to develop solutions with a compelling business case that advances sustainability. Travel to project sites is required so that I can observe and evaluate facilities. I plan these site visits carefully to make the most of my time there and reduce the number of site visits required. I seek out transportation methods with reduced emissions where available.
Social: I operate define sustainability LLC as a sole practitioner, but that doesn’t mean I operate independently. I partner with others regularly and seek opportunities to work with people who have a different background and perspective than me. I safeguard my client data and treat our conversations with the utmost confidentiality. I will speak up when I see unfair treatment and injustice, and I will continue to learn about perspectives and experiences that are different from my own.
Governance: I welcome constructive dialogue from clients and peers on how I can do better. I seek fair compensation for the value I bring to my client projects. I am the sole owner of define sustainability LLC and I will judge the success of this venture based on project results and repeat clients.
With define sustainability LLC my goal is to work on meaningful projects that will position buildings, organizations and our society to reduce emissions 45% by 2030 (from 2010 levels) and realize net zero emissions by 2050, while simultaneously employing sustainable operations practices that will provide healthy and productive indoor environments, and respecting our land & water quality.
Background
Before define sustainability LLC, I worked with a national interdisciplinary architecture and engineering firm in the Energy & Infrastructure practice. As an Engineering Principal, I led projects I was passionate about (large and small), including energy assessments, HVAC assessments per COVID guidelines, facility condition assessments, solar PV feasibility studies, net zero planning, LEED-EB certification for existing facilities, and central plant replacement/expansion projects.
I also supported other practice groups as a Sustainability Lead, engaging with other teams at inception to facilitate sustainability goal setting with clients, ranging from the Fortune 500 clients, to community organizations, to healthcare systems. This usually included deep dives into specific energy goals like EUI, net zero and carbon emissions, and sustainability rating systems LEED, WELL and EcoDistricts, and close collaboration with facility managers and directors of sustainability.
I started my professional career at an engineering consulting firm where I provided LEED consulting for new construction projects and found a niche in sustainable operations for existing buildings. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED-EB: O&M) was a transformative tool for advancing sustainability in the day-to-day, and long-term planning, for sustainability in commercial buildings.
Prior to that, I spent 9 years at Penn State, graduating with 3 degrees from the Architectural Engineering department. The Penn State AE focus on all building systems (mechanical, electrical, lighting, structural) fueled my curiosity in how buildings perform. I pursued graduate school to explore sustainability, spending Fall & Spring semesters working with the Lean & Green Research Initiative, and Summers working on-site at the Pentagon Renovation, which sponsored my research.
I completed my Ph.D. in May 2008 with my dissertation titled, "Managing end-user feedback in Sustainable project delivery". My motivations for this research were to further the building industry's knowledge and abilities to plan, design and construct facilities that promote a strong economy, a productive workforce, and a healthy environment. PDF available upon request.
I maintain the following accreditations:
LEED AP BD+C for advancing sustainability practices in new construction and major renovations
LEED AP O+M for implementing sustainable operations in existing facilities
CEM for energy management and planning in commercial buildings
