TITLE: Reviving Cities, Reducing Carbon: Olga Itsiou’s Vision for Green Building

The Green Building Matters Podcast with Charlie Cichetti

Olga Itsiou, Chief Operating Officer at DIMAND S.A. | Architect | RIBA

Joined DIMAND in 2005 as Technical Director and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer, distinguished for adeptness in finding solutions in challenging scenarios, orchestrating efficient team dynamics, and pioneering the implementation of new, innovative, and sustainable policies and technologies into the operations of DIMAND.

Prior professional roles include positions at HOK International Ltd in London as a Project Architect, REDS S.A. of the ELLAKTOR Group as a Consultant and Design Manager, and INTRA DEVELOPMENT S.A. as a Design Manager.

Graduated as an Architect Engineer from the University of Greenwich with a BA (Hons) in Architecture. Completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture at Kingston University and obtained a Post-experience Certificate in the Professional Practice of Architecture (RIBA Part 3) from the same institution. Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the United Kingdom.

Show Highlights

• The role of transportation in addressing indirect emissions.

• The value of travel for broadening perspectives in green building.

• DIMAND focuses on large redevelopments and major renovations revitalizing underutilized urban areas.

• Responsible for 45% of LEED certified projects in Greece

• Piraeus Tower Project: a landmark development and a key part of Greece's transition into a new era of urban renewal.

• Aim to repurpose existing structures, reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction.

• Community engagement is a key focus to meet local needs and enhance neighborhood vitality.

• Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation.

• Comprehensive carbon footprint assessments allow for the identification of both direct and indirect emissions, enabling targeted strategies to reduce overall environmental impact.

• Incorporating facility management expertise early in the design phase can optimize building performance and ensure that sustainability features are effectively utilized throughout the building's lifecycle.

• Emphasizing a lifecycle approach helps in understanding the environmental impact of a building from design through demolition, ensuring sustainable practices are integrated at every stage.

• Involve facility management from pre-design phase for optimal operation.

“It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't done. The planet is suffering. We seriously need to do something about it. So all of you that are jumping in the green building movement just keep focused, try your best to reverse the harm that has been done over the past years, and always be positive. Also, travel. I think by traveling, you get so many ideas and you get to see what other countries are doing. And it helps a lot in focusing and seeing things from a different perspective.”

-Olga Itsiou

Get the episode transcript here!

Show Resource and Information

• LinkedIn

• Atomic Habits

• The Tipping Point

• Piraeus Tower: The Project

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