Chris Schaffner is a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in MEP design and a strong focus on sustainability and green building practices. He founded The Green Engineer in 2005, driven by a desire to specialize in sustainable projects. Chris is actively involved with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as a volunteer, notably chairing the LEED Steering Committee in 2019 and contributing to the development of LEED 4.1 and now LEED 5.0. He also serves on committees within the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to influence sustainability-related codes and standards.
While The Green Engineer initially focused on energy efficiency, the firm has evolved to address a broader range of sustainability goals, including economic benefits and, most importantly, the positive impact on human health and performance. Their approach embodies “triple bottom line thinking,” striving for better building performance, human-centric design, and environmental responsibility.
A notable project for Chris and The Green Engineer is the ongoing Williamstown Fire Station, which aims to achieve ILFI Zero Carbon certification. The project team worked to align the fire department’s operational needs with the town’s sustainability goals. Through stakeholder engagement, the team secured the town’s commitment to net-zero by emphasizing the long-term benefits of carbon impact reduction.
The Green Engineer played a key role in estimating energy consumption, ensuring compliance with new energy codes, and addressing specific challenges, such as contamination risks for firefighters returning to the station. Additionally, the firm conducted life-cycle assessments to evaluate the embodied carbon of the materials used. Their approach ensures that both town and fire department requirements are met, recognizing that a sustainable building must also function effectively for its users. The success of the Williamstown project underscores the importance of shared values and collaboration across the project team.
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