With expertise spanning both construction and architecture, GNFZ Advisor Susan Heinking, FAIA, NCARB, LEED Fellow, leads corporate sustainability initiatives at Pepper Construction Group as the Senior Vice President of High Performance and Sustainable Construction, driving innovation in high-performance buildings and sustainable construction methods.

Bridging design and implementation, she provides strategic decision-making tools to optimize investment paybacks and lower operating costs. She guides projects toward ambitious sustainability goals, supports clients in meeting environmental compliance standards during construction and positions existing buildings on a path toward long-term efficiency.

Susan's involvement in local organizations has played a key role in making Chicago a LEED Platinum city. At Pepper, she envisioned and led the development of their Net Zero Jobsite Trailer, created their Building Performance Tool, integrated decarbonization strategies across all projects, and spearheaded the company's ESG platform. Susan actively contributes to the national conversation on sustainability, having spoken at 100+ local, national and international conferences.

Susan will be advising GNFZ on net zero construction certification development and decarbonizing construction projects.