Heather DeGrella, Opsis Sustainable Design Director, elevated to LEED Fellow
Photo Credit Moshe Zusman for U.S. Green Building Council
Heather DeGrella, Opsis Sustainable Design Director, has been honored with the title of LEED Fellow from the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). A significant milestone, this remarkable distinction solidifies Heather’s status as a leader in sustainable design.
Heather, a dedicated advocate for environmental causes, has contributed over two decades to promote green building practices and wellness initiatives. Her expertise as a LEED professional is evidenced through her strong commitment, leadership and advocacy for sustainable design. Heather’s contributions to education and mentorship, as well as her technical proficiency, have had a positive impact on the green building industry.
Heather is among only 21 professionals worldwide being recognized for their mastery of LEED, the globally acclaimed green building rating system, as well as their remarkable efforts to advance sustainable building practices.
Heather’s devotion to green building is evident throughout her career of extensive community and professional service, public speaking and practical application on a diverse number of design and research projects. In addition to serving as a leader and mentor within Opsis and the Portland design community, Heather leads Opsis’s research work and the integration of sustainability, wellness and resiliency. Recent exemplary LEED projects include the Oregon Zoo Education Center (LEED Platinum, Net Zero Energy and AIA COTE Top 10 winner), Patricia Reser Center for the Arts (LEED Gold) and the Redmond Senior and Community Center (targeting LEED Platinum).
The LEED Fellow designation stands as the pinnacle of recognition in the green building industry, celebrating remarkable achievements and signifying a career-defining accomplishment. As Peter Templeton, President and CEO of USGBC and GBCI, said, “This year’s distinguished LEED Fellows serve as models of green building leadership, catalyzing transformative change in communities worldwide.” Join us in congratulating Heather for her exceptional contributions to the world of sustainable design and her well-deserved recognition as a LEED Fellow.
LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers. In order to be considered, they must have made a minimum of 10 years of exceptional impact on LEED and hold an active LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The evaluation process includes extensive portfolio review that 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.
