Matt Grace is currently a Sustainable Buildings and Communities consultant in Canada and served in the same capacity in the UK from 1995 to 2007.  He has over 25 years of experience and has excellent experience in net zero energy buildings, LEED of all types, Built Green, Living Building Challenge, WELL and many other aspects of sustainability.  His professional goal is to work with project teams to make more of the construction industry more sustainable. Matt Specializes in Green Building Rating systems such as LEED (BD+C, ID+C, ND), BREEAM and BuiltGreen.

 

Matt Grace – Enthusiasm Nurtured

Matt was only 15 years old when he became interested in energy and everything going on with the climate.  He went into engineering at The University of Manchester and specialized in Aeronautical Engineering. Matt then went to Cranfield University for one year of intensive coursework in Energy Conservation and The Environment, Sustainable Development.  Matt wanted to solve the world’s energy crisis by building wind turbines.

"You can’t be a good engineer without having that creative zest as well, it’s not just about the science.” – Matt Grace

 

Proudest Moment

Matt is very proud of what they have done at Mission Green Buildings.  He has a great team and loves to watch the interactions they have with clients.  

"I am very pleased that I have been able to arrange my life so I have pretty low environmental impact; I’ve been able to bike to work and most meetings and I can reduce my own personal environmental footprint." – Matt Grace

 

Recommended Books/Routines/Rituals

Over the years, Matt has read many books regarding the industry.  He recommends the following books to our listeners.

1. How Buildings Work: The Natural Order of Architecture  by Edward Allen

2. Building Revolutions: Applying the Circular Economy to the Built Environment by Dave Cheshire

3. Zugunruhe: The Inner Migration to Profound Environmental Change by Jason F. McLellan

In addition, Matt shares what routines/rituals make him successful.

1. Have Fun
2. Biking to work-avoid driving or taking transit
3. Guided Meditation
4. Have a stand up meeting with the whole team 10-15 everyday-best thing he has ever started.

 

Matt’s Advice and Words of Encouragement

Matt earned his Professional Engineer License and advises that engineers log the hours and take the test.  This gives engineers the confidence, logic and rigor behind decisions being made.

“I would encourage anybody going down that path of coding to pursue a Professional Engineering designation.  It’s really a good backstop for any career.” – Matt Grace

To hear more about Matt’s success, download and listen to the episode!

 

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