Professional Profile: Mike Dieterich
Credit: CRB
Mike Dieterich is the new senior director of sustainability at CRB. Lab Design spoke to Mike about his new role, career journey, and the misconceptions about sustainability.
Q: How did you get started in your career?
A: I began my career with a passion for exploring and observing different environments, which stemmed from growing up in nature. During my studies in environmental science at Plattsburgh University, I had the opportunity to conduct research in a sulfur cave in Mexico, studying cave-adapted fish and their unique ecosystem. Presenting my findings not only contributed to our understanding of sulfur-based ecosystems but also highlighted the impact of deforestation on cave ecosystems. This experience made me realize that I wanted to work from within the system to drive change. I gained practical experience at construction sites, understanding infrastructure development, ensuring safety compliance, and conducting forest and wetland delineations. I transitioned to working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where I optimized removed navigational aids, resulting in significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Obtaining my LEED accreditation during this time further solidified my commitment to sustainability in the built environment. I had the opportunity to improve energy performance in federal buildings through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus program in 2010, I eagerly took on project management responsibilities for General Service Administration (GSA). I implemented a range of sustainability measures, including insulation, cool roofs, green roofs, PV systems, and improved HVAC and LED upgrades. My experience in infrastructure management, combined with my science background, paved the way for my next roles, focusing on quantifying sustainability and building performance measurements. This valuable data for assessing baselines and identifying areas for improvement led me to multiple publications, a TEDx Talk, and a presentation to the US Congress on scalable energy efficiency measures with a potential annual operational cost reduction of $6B. I've provided scalable zero-energy, water, and waste solutions to serval organizations and industries, including in biopharma, where I successfully implemented energy conservation measures that over my career resulted in over $50M in cost avoidance, with an average of 17% energy savings per project. I’ve also had success identifying water savings of up to 30% and waste savings on a zero-waste project of up to 59%. I strive to stay updated on evolving information and technology, looking for interconnected synergies that can solve complex problems. My passion for sustainability and the pursuit of balance has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach, fostering personal and professional growth on this journey.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
A: In my new role, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainability and environmental stewardship in CRB and for our clients. I am excited by the prospect of driving positive change within the organization and implementing innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and develop zero-carbon roadmaps for clients.
CRB has designed several fully electrified industrial sites, one of which was 13% less than standard code-built buildings. We can do dynamic energy modeling in real-time to optimize buildings. Scaling and sharing this strong sustainability knowledge with more industries and corporations is what has me stoked for the future of CRB and sustainability.
Q: What are some of your career highlights so far?
A: Facilitating D.C.'s first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) of solar energy at Dunbar High School, which achieved the highest-rated LEED NC School (Platinum) project to date in the world.
Implementing a commercial zero-waste program, resulting in a significant waste reduction of 59% over a span of two years. The recycling rate also increased from 62% to 87%, showcasing effective waste management strategies and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
A Roadmap to Zero Carbon for a multi-site organization, which included renewable natural gas for resiliency needs, was a significant achievement.
These achievements highlight a strong track record of success in driving sustainability initiatives, using data to implement energy efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption across various sectors to positively impact the environment. I am proud of my efforts here, for the paths I carved will help others achieve their sustainability goals, too.
Q: What is the biggest work-related challenge you've faced? How did you overcome it?
A: Sustainability is often misunderstood, facing resistance and misconceptions like "it costs more money" or "I don't know why you are here." To address this, I employ a science-based approach, analyzing different strategies and presenting optimized, cost-effective, and sustainable paths forward to architects, engineers, owners, and operators in their professional languages. By meeting people where they are, understanding their concerns, and tailoring communication, I bridge the gap between sustainability goals and practical considerations. Through data-driven analyses and fostering collaboration, I demonstrate that sustainability can optimize processes, reduce expenses, and enhance efficiency. By shifting perceptions and promoting informed decision-making, I drive positive change and advance sustainability across projects and industries.
Q: What are some of your future career goals?
A: To scale our impact in the sustainability space and drive innovation. CRB is positioned to become the leading firm, bringing the industry along. I am excited to lead in this effort and catalyze long-lasting change to mitigate climate impact and enhance society for the better.
Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?
A: Roll up your sleeves, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, and keep growing.
Learning to walk involves a lot of falling, tumbles, cuts, and bruises, but celebrate the wins and continue to grow.
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: I’m an opacarophile, I hike, backpack, and camp to watch the sunset from mountains and rooftops.
Q: What is your go-to takeout order?
A: I usually cook my own food so if I get anything to go it’s a Quad Espresso Macchiato in a personal cup.
Q: If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?
A: Pivot often, the future is evolving, evolve with it.
