LEED Fellows represent the top of their fields in green building design, engineering, and development
PHILADELPHIA, PA – October 20, 2020 – We are excited to announce that The Sheward Partnership’s Sustainability Director, Michael Pavelsky has been named a 2020 LEED Fellow by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Michael is among 25 professionals who represent exceptional practitioners and leaders within the green building community and have demonstrated mastery of the technical application of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
Michael Pavelsky is a Registered Architect with over fifteen years of progressive architectural experience. He has been with The Sheward Partnership for over 14 years and has worked in the LEED and sustainability industry for over 18 years. Michael has served on countless boards and committees for the betterment of the environment in his own community and worldwide. He is committed to developing affordable architectural solutions that encourage sustainable design. As an award-winning designer, Michael believes that architecture should be responsible to future generations and he strives to develop environmentally sensitive, sustainable projects for both new and rehabilitated structures that meet client needs.
With nearly 600 LEED projects and Proven Provider status, The Sheward Partnership sustainability consulting team, led by Michael, has cultivated an established skillset to effectively target LEED certification on any given project. Michael provides thoughtful one-on-one guidance to each team member on a daily basis, supporting personal and professional growth. He ensures every team member is well-versed in quantitative analysis tools, such as daylight and energy modeling, in order to add value to the building industry and contribute to the LEED body of knowledge. Michael tirelessly inspires his team to pursue sustainable design principles to the greatest extent possible.
Beyond his role as Sustainability Director, Michael has used his depth of LEED and sustainable design knowledge to mentor Philadelphia area college students on sustainable careers, advise local school boards and community groups on government policies, and present at sustainability conferences across the United States. Michael is an influential leader in the sustainable design industry and he is proud to be recognized as a LEED Fellow.
LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers and must have made at least 10 years’ worth of exceptional impact on LEED and hold an active LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The evaluation process includes extensive portfolio review and is carried out by the LEED Fellow Evaluation Committee and supported by GBCI. The LEED Fellow program was established in 2011 to recognize outstanding LEED APs who have demonstrated exceptional impacts with LEED in key mastery elements related to technical knowledge and skill; a history of exemplary leadership in LEED; significant contributions in teaching, mentoring, or research with proven outcomes; and a history of highly impactful commitment, service, and advocacy for LEED.
“Fifteen years ago, Michael Pavelsky met with us to talk about his vision of an integrated sustainable design approach to our core architectural design services. At that point, The Sheward Partnership had not completed a single LEED certified project,” explains Michael Sheward, Design Principal at The Sheward Partnership. “Today, under Michael’s leadership, The Sheward Partnership has completed nearly 600 LEED certified projects in every level of certification and every type of LEED rating. Our architects and designers begin each and every design process with a holistic sustainable design approach that is rooted in a strong understanding of how our work impacts our environment and how our designs can limit that impact. Michael’s diligent and determined efforts have pushed our practice to the cutting edge of sustainability practices and he works tirelessly to maintain that standing in the industry. He is a leader in the sustainable design industry both from a regional and national perspective and we are extremely proud of his selection as a LEED fellow. It is a well-deserved honor indeed!”
“The green building industry plays a critical role as we look toward rebuilding our economy and our communities in the months and years ahead,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of GBCI and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). “Our LEED Fellows are on the frontlines of that work helping to ensure our buildings and spaces are healthy, resilient and sustainable places for us all to enjoy. LEED Fellows have made substantial contributions to the green building community and their commitment to LEED will continue to help us shape a better living standard for all.”
The 2020 LEED Fellows will be recognized at this year’s Greenbuild Virtual conference during the USGBC 2020 Leadership Awards on Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m. EST. Visit greenbuildexpo.com to register for the conference and usgbc.org/credentials for more information on professional credentialing opportunities.
