Lauren Gunther
Director of SustainabilityDiMellaShafferLauren Gunther, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP is the Director of Sustainability at DiMella Shaffer, where she leads the firm's sustainability strategy, education, design integration, advocacy, and mentorship. She brings deep expertise in applying Passive House principles and developing high-performance building enclosures. Lauren works with project teams from the earliest design phases to reduce operational and embodied carbon, prioritize human health in material selection, pursue certification, integrate electrification, and explore renewable energy options. Since 2023, she has served on the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code Technical Advisory Committee (SE-TAC), advising the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on the state's energy code development.
E15 – No Longer a Luxury: Sustainable Design Strategies for All
As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality …As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electr…As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electric, energy-efficient systems, healthy materials, high-performance envelopes, passive design, and biophilic elements—can create environments that support physical health, mental well-being, and social …As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electric, energy-efficient systems, healthy materials, high-performance envelopes, passive design, and biophilic elements—can create environments that support physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement for older adults. Contrary to common assumptions, these approaches do not have to increase development costs and can significantly reduce operational expenses over time. Through case studies of both market-rate and affordable senior housing projects, attendees will learn how sustainability can be implemented across diverse budgets and contexts. The session will also highlight innovative solutions that enable developments to achieve zero utility costs by leveraging on-site renewable electricity, offering both financial resilience and environmental stewardship. As the next generation of older adults becomes more engaged, informed, and climate-conscious, these strategies are not just beneficial—they are expected. Attendees will leave with practical insights and scalable ideas to create healthier, more resilient, and future-ready senior living communities.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
