Name: Elaria Turton

Title: Sustainability Consultant

Company Name: KOW Building Consultants

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
This month marks a year since I entered this field and joined my company. So, for me, everything that I’ve learned so far has been a big achievement. I have been involved with Local Law 97 research and in making energy efficiency measures, notably heat pumps, more understandable and accessible to our clients. Currently, we are working on connecting a number of clients with heat pump installers and I look forward to seeing these projects through from start to finish and observing energy savings after installation.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
My passion for sustainability ultimately brought me here. I had never really considered construction until I got accepted into the NYC Accelerator Internship Training Program at CUNY. There, I had a lot of mentors and was empowered to learn building science and I was able find my place at KOW Building Consultants.

Why should women consider a career in construction?
This industry is so vast! I was able to find my niche in sustainable building practices for retrofits. I get to inspect multifamily buildings and calculate their potential energy savings. There really is something out there for everyone. Construction is a male-dominated industry, so we need more diversity. More diversity gives us more knowledge for better building solutions. More women must make space for ourselves here.

Who within your own firm has helped you succeed within the construction industry?
My director, Leia Sims, has really allowed me to grow at this company. She has been patient as I learned more about our work and shares my same passion for sustainability. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and I learn from her every day. My coworker, Nancy Ryan, has also been a great support. She always keeps on top of reports and has taught me how to work with clients.

What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?
Lean on and lift up the other women you work with. And always keep learning!