Sustainability Milestones: The Contractor’s Commitment

Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

Join me for this new 2025 season as I chat with Charlie Murphy, Senior Vice President of Turner Construction’s New York region, and Julia Gisewhite, Turner’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Together, we explore Turner’s remarkable journey towards embedding sustainable practices into every part of their operations!

Tune in as Julia and Charlie reflect on their backgrounds and how they got to where they are today, with Charlie reflecting on his unexpected path from plumbing and carpentry to leading Turner’s New York operations. He discusses how early projects such as those in Battery Park City helped formulate his understanding of green practices, evolving Turner into a company deeply committed to sustainability under the guidance of their CEO, Peter Davern!

Julia also brings an interesting perspective, recalling her early fascination with construction inspired by her father and her academic journey through Cornell. Her passion for sustainable building led to her leading to a decade of pioneering efforts in green construction, and she highlights the cultural shift within Turner, driven by Millennial and Gen Z employees who infuse the company with a sense of urgency regarding climate change.

We additionally talk about the Contractors Commitment, an initiative Turner actively participates in. This collaboration not only heightens Turner’s practices but also affects smaller firms and subcontractors. Looking ahead, Julia and Charlie stress the increasing importance of decarbonizing existing building stock, and they share how Turner is positioning itself to lead in this area, making use of their expertise in renovations to meet new energy laws and corporate emission goals!

This episode truly offers important insights into how a major player like Turner Construction is not just building green but becoming green, setting a precedent for the entire industry, so whether you are a seasoned professional or just simply passionate about sustainable architecture, this conversation will surely leave you inspired about the future of construction!

Time stamps:

[01:45] - Hear how Charlie's opportunity with Turner in 1978 led to his success in New York plumbing and carpentry.

[03:22] - Julia's passion for construction grew from her father's influence, leading her to study Civil Engineering.

[05:07] - Julia reflects on how her work on LEED Gold projects sparked her passion for green building and sustainability.

[07:29] - Charlie credits Turner's CEO Peter Davern for leading Turner to prioritize sustainability in every aspect.

[09:33] - Turner’s workforce is now primarily Millennials and Gen Z, who help drive the company’s climate focus.

[11:42] - Listen as Julia highlights the built environment’s significant impact on global carbon emissions, prompting immediate action.

[13:25] - Julia explains Turner’s sustainability efforts.

[16:53] - The Contractors Commitment’s framework is described which helps firms engage with sustainability at various stages.

[18:13] - Charlie mentions how subcontractors are adopting sustainability practices, spreading the commitment across different jobs.

[18:58] - Learn how Turner integrates sustainability into subcontractor requirements.

[20:22] - Julia discusses how there is a growing demand for sustainability in construction, including retrofitting buildings for carbon goals.

[23:17] - Charlie discusses building renovations.

[25:44] - Julia stresses the importance of workforce development and changes in order to meet sustainability goals.

[27:27] - Charlie envisions making use of AI to promote well-being and reduce carbon footprints in projects.

[29:46] - Julia discusses the rapid growth of mass timber, highlighting its carbon benefits in construction.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
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Charlie’s LinkedIn Page
Julia’s LinkedIn Page
Turner Construction Company’s Website
Turner Construction Company’s LinkedIn Page