As societal developments and technology reshape the world, it is important for construction practices to reflect that. JE Dunn is rising to the challenge by championing sustainability, appointing National Sustainability Director Julianne Laue last fall and driving the industry toward a more environmentally ethical future.
With over 25 years of sustainability experience in both design and construction, Laue comes to JE Dunn prepared to develop a new sustainability strategy that will work in lockstep with our existing client-centric approach and guiding principle of Doing the Right Thing.
“Sustaining our planet isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential,” Laue said. “I’m passionate about this work because I love being in nature and want to protect it.”
Coming into a company with a legacy and culture as long-standing as JE Dunn’s, Laue said a big part of her job so far has been collecting information and getting a baseline understanding of how the company currently approaches sustainability.
“Sustainability is already embedded in our projects and offices across every region,” Laue said. “By understanding where we are today, we can set meaningful goals for the future and ensure JE Dunn continues to lead in sustainable construction”
Above everything, Laue said that JE Dunn’s dedication to our clients regarding sustainability has been very apparent.
Laue is leveraging her background in mechanical engineering — specifically operational carbon and energy efficiency — to help guide JE Dunn in areas beyond the typical idea of sustainable practices like mass timber construction and LEED certification. To her, environmental ethics are important along every step of the process, from the RFP to the ribbon cutting.
“Architects and engineers shape a project’s energy efficiency and material choices during design, but as builders, we have a critical role in determining what gets installed and how construction operations impact sustainability,” Laue said.
Laue said that JE Dunn’s influence begins in predesign by setting expectations early on for sustainability practices. She pointed out opportunities from fuel-powered equipment to temporary lighting, heating, and cooling, even ensuring durable materials are ethically procured.
Laue works out of JE Dunn’s Minneapolis office, where she can engage with her love for nature in everyday life. From camping and hiking to building a kayak with her dad and skiing with her two young boys, this passion for the outdoors has driven her eagerness for green construction.
“For me, sustainability is about protecting the planet while creating healthier spaces for people to live, work, and thrive,” Laue said.
Laue has already taken steps to highlight JE Dunn’s existing efforts through positioning and RFP phrasing, shining a light on business ventures like PreBuild and Blue Hat®, which allow for less waste and safer building environments. Moving forward, Laue said that JE Dunn has potential to move the needle forward in the construction industry.
“I think what you’ll find is we’re going to be leaders in innovation around sustainability because I think, in some ways, we already are,” Laue said. “We have the opportunity to lead the industry even further — setting new benchmarks for responsible construction.”
As she continues to carve out a path for what JE Dunn’s broader sustainability efforts may look like, Laue is excited to continue in this position.
“Sustainability has always been a passion of mine, and I feel incredibly fortunate that my work allows me to pursue it every day,” Laue said. “I just get to do what I like to do — advance solutions that make a lasting difference.”
