Laura Castañón, Project Manager with EEI based in Mexico City, supports the firm’s commissioning, sustainability, and building performance work across Mexico and the U.S. Through LEED documentation, sustainability strategy, and project coordination, she helps teams create buildings that are more efficient, reliable, and aligned with long-term performance goals. In this Q&A, Laura shares more about her role, the value of high-performance buildings, and the lessons that have shaped her career.
Q. Tell us about your role at EEI’s Mexico office and the types of sustainability, LEED, and building performance work you support.
My role at EEI is mainly focused on managing LEED and sustainability projects, but for me, it’s really about bringing the right people, documentation, and performance goals together. A typical day can include reviewing project documentation, coordinating with project teams, working through sustainability or commissioning requirements, talking with clients, and finding better ways to move projects forward.
Q. What brought you to EEI, and what has kept you here as the firm continues to grow?
I came to EEI because I saw an opportunity to grow professionally and work with a team that shared my interest in sustainability, building performance, and high-quality work. What has kept me here is definitely the people and the culture. I really value that we’re working toward the same goals, supporting each other, and doing work that matters.
Q. Is there a LEED, sustainability, or commissioning-related accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the processes and strategies we’ve developed for projects pursuing the Core and Shell rating system. We’ve worked to make LEED documentation, sustainability coordination, and project delivery more efficient while maintaining a high level of quality. That focus on process also connects to commissioning, where clear documentation, coordination, and early issue resolution support better long-term performance.
Q. What has been one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career in sustainability, LEED consulting, and building performance work?
For me, success is about learning, growing, building good relationships, and being proud of how you handled the process along the way. In this field, collaboration is so important because our work requires many people to work toward the same outcome. I also think balance matters. At the end of the day, professional and personal growth go hand in hand.
Q. What advice would you give to someone early in their career who wants to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact in the built environment?
Try new things whenever you have the opportunity. You don’t have to be completely ready to start. Just give it a try, learn along the way, make mistakes, and create your own path. That’s what life is about. We’re learning and adapting all the time, and that is especially true in our work because the industry continues to evolve. Don’t let fear stop you from trying something new.
Q. Bonus Question: Outside of work, what are you passionate about, and how does triathlon training influence the way you approach your professional work?
Outside of work, I’m really into triathlon training, so I spend a lot of my free time running, swimming, and cycling. It has taught me that the process is just as important as the result. You learn how to stay disciplined, motivate yourself, and be patient along the way. Those lessons connect to my work too, where progress often comes through consistency, coordination, and continuous improvement.