Josée Lupien, LEED AP BD+C & ID+C, is now the first woman in Quebec awarded the status of LEED Fellow, a title of prestigious distinction in the sustainable building industry.

She was lauded at a gala during the Greenbuild International Conference in Los Angeles. Lupien has been part of the green building industry for more than 12 years, is a founding member of the Quebec chapter of the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) and is “a tireless promoter of sustainability.” The honour recognizes her technical proficiency, leadership, commitment and dedication to the advancement of the sustainable construction industry in Quebec as well as abroad.

“Josée Lupien has been a pioneer in educating the industry on sustainable building principles, and her tireless efforts have greatly advanced the green building industry and LEED in Quebec,” said Thomas Mueller, president and chief executive officer of the CaGBC.

Lupien started out in the industry as a paint specification manager and has since launched her own company, Vertima, which manages third-party validation and certification of ecological materials for manufacturers. The company is well-known for its leading-edge expertise in green building and LEED certification.

“It is rewarding to have all these years of effort recognized with this title, but it is by moving forward and inspiring women and the young generation that it will be really useful,” she said.