How Top Project Managers Deliver Sustainability Without Blowing the Schedule

AEC Project Management Podcast with David Boschart: Prioritizing Sustainability in Complex Projects

Key Concepts:

• Sustainability Prioritization: Determining which sustainability initiatives to focus on within project constraints (scope, schedule, budget).
• Low-Hanging Fruit: Implementing readily achievable sustainability measures, often required by code, with minimal disruption.
• Commissioning: Thoroughly testing and verifying building systems for optimal performance.
• Life Cycle Cost Analysis: Considering the long-term operational costs and value of sustainable design choices.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring all parties understand and support sustainability goals.
• Gut Instinct/Attention to Detail: Utilizing intuition and diligent monitoring to identify and address potential issues.
• Buildout Standards: Establishing clear sustainability requirements for future modifications or expansions.

1. Introduction & Context

The podcast episode focuses on prioritizing sustainability initiatives within the constraints of complex AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) projects. The host, Fion Yan, introduces guest David Boschart, a Senior Mechanical Engineer with over two decades of experience in high-performance building operations and sustainability consulting. The episode aims to provide actionable insights for project managers to efficiently integrate sustainability into their projects, delivering value to clients and stakeholders. A promotion for the AEC PM Connect event (June 10th, 2026, New Jersey) and AEC PM Awards (nomination deadline February 28th) is included.

2. David Boschart’s Background & Expertise

David Boschart’s career began with a focus on energy efficiency, evolving into high-performance building design and sustainability consulting after joining a commercial development firm aiming for LEED Platinum certification. He was involved in the first LEED Platinum building in the Mid-Atlantic region, documented in a book showcasing high-performing buildings. His experience includes certifying a 20 million square foot portfolio, implementing real-time energy management systems, and modernizing older building stock.

3. Prioritizing Sustainability Initiatives

Boschart addresses the common project management challenge of balancing scope, schedule, and budget. He emphasizes that while project managers often feel limited to controlling only two of these, a strategic approach to sustainability can be both effective and efficient. The core strategy is to identify “low-hanging fruit” – sustainability opportunities that are already required by local codes (water conservation, energy efficiency, stormwater management) or offer immediate, demonstrable benefits. He stresses the importance of energy efficiency, regardless of project duration, as it directly impacts building value through increased Net Operating Income (NOI) and improved capitalization rates. He highlights the long-term responsibility developers have for the performance of buildings they create, extending beyond initial construction.

4. Benchmarking, Energy Audits & Performance Data

When evaluating efficiency measures, Boschart recommends leveraging benchmarking data (for existing buildings), energy audits, and performance data from energy models (for new buildings). He notes a recent trend of historic weather data being inaccurate, leading to underestimation of cooling demands. He advocates for considering potential peak demand scenarios when designing new buildings. For existing buildings, a phased energy audit approach is suggested: a Level 2 ASHRAE audit provides detailed cost estimates for system replacements, facilitating financial planning and potential repositioning of the building. He emphasizes the importance of identifying simple improvements like upgrading lighting or adjusting building management system setpoints. A specific example is relocating thermostats away from doors to ensure accurate temperature readings.

5. Building High-Performance Teams

Boschart stresses the importance of assembling project teams with diverse perspectives and a willingness to think outside the box. He values team members who can see the broader impact of their work and challenge conventional thinking. He recounts a positive experience with a team comprised of individuals from different continents, highlighting the value of diverse cultural backgrounds and problem-solving approaches. He actively seeks team members who will question his own decision-making process, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

6. Mitigating Project Risks & Delays

Boschart acknowledges that projects rarely proceed perfectly and advocates for building “cushion” into schedules to accommodate inevitable delays and unforeseen issues. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication and setting non-negotiable sustainability expectations with all stakeholders, particularly owners. He shares an anecdote about an owner focused on finishes who was willing to compromise on aesthetic preferences to meet sustainability goals. He stresses the need to select contractors committed to sustainability and to monitor their progress throughout the project.

7. Demonstrable ROI & Long-Term Benefits

Boschart cites CO2 sensors as a cost-effective and impactful sustainability measure. These sensors adjust ventilation rates based on occupancy, reducing energy consumption and improving indoor air quality. He highlights the benefits of commissioning building systems to ensure optimal performance, comparing it to testing a car or airplane before operation. He also advocates for incorporating future-proofing measures, such as installing extra conduits for potential future upgrades, even if not immediately needed.

8. Communicating Technical Concepts

Boschart emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex sustainability concepts for non-technical stakeholders. He draws on his experience working with communication experts in the nuclear waste industry, learning to translate technical information into accessible language. He stresses the value of actively seeking feedback from audiences to ensure understanding and adapting communication strategies accordingly. He recommends the "see one, do one, teach one" method for knowledge transfer.

9. Emerging Trends & Technologies

Boschart identifies incorporating net-zero energy concepts and renewable energy sources as key trends. He underscores the critical importance of commissioning building systems to ensure they operate as intended. He advocates for establishing clear buildout standards for future renovations or expansions, ensuring sustainability is maintained over the building’s lifecycle.

10. Project Management Pitfalls & Best Practices

Boschart identifies two key pitfalls: not trusting one’s gut instinct and failing to pay attention to detail. He advises project managers to investigate any “ootsie feeling” or intuition about a potential problem. He stresses the importance of carefully reviewing project reports and actively seeking clarification on any ambiguous information. He shares an example of a large material shipment being rerouted through Canada due to port congestion, highlighting the need for diligent tracking and proactive communication with suppliers.

Conclusion:

The episode provides a practical framework for integrating sustainability into complex AEC projects. Boschart’s insights emphasize the importance of strategic prioritization, proactive risk management, effective communication, and a commitment to long-term building performance. The key takeaway is that sustainability is not merely an add-on but an integral part of responsible project management, delivering value to clients, stakeholders, and the environment.