Jacob Knowles

Jacob Knowles

Jacob Knowles

Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, Sustainability Consulting

Director of Sustainable Design

BR+A

Suffolk County, Massachusetts

  • 14.5M GSF
  • 39 Projects
  • 24 Year Career

About

We have shifted net zero energy buildings from early adopters to the early majority.  Now it is time to bring net zero to everyone.

As Chief Sustainability Officer at BR+A, I am responsible for the growth and success of BR+A's energy and sustainability practice. Our dedicated team is responsible for managing our highest performing projects.

We are working on multiple Zero Net Energy and Living Building projects, including campus master plans, academic facilities, healthcare facilities, highrises, and laboratories. For example, the Sbrega Building at Bristol Community College is the first ZNE-verified laboratory building in the U.S. This project received the highest commercial MA DOER Pathways to Zero Grant, a 2016 I2SL Go Beyond Award, and a 2017 AIA COTE Top Ten Award.

Experience

Building Types

  • Healthcare
  • Aviation
  • Education: Higher Ed
  • Industrial / Warehouse
  • Laboratory / Tech / Science
  • Mixed Use
  • Office

Achieved Project Certifications

  • LEED
  • LEED ZERO
  • Living Building Challenge
  • Living Building Challenge Petal Certification
  • ILFI Zero Carbon Certification
  • ILFI Zero Energy Certification
  • ILFI Core Green Building Certification

Awards

3x COTE Top Ten, 2x I2SL Go Beyond, Lab of the Year

Projects

  • 80 First Street, Cambridge

    Director of Sustainable Design

    Laboratory / Tech / Science

    Cambridge, MA | 2024

    480K GSF

    Net Zero Ready

  • 325 Binney Street

    Director of Sustainable Design

    Laboratory / Tech / Science

    Cambridge, MA | 2023

    475K GSF

    Net Zero Ready

  • Allston Yards Building B

    Director of Sustainable Design

    Laboratory / Tech / Science

    Boston, MA | 2030

    466K GSF

    Net Zero Ready

  • 776 Summer St - Block F

    Director of Sustainable Design

    Laboratory / Tech / Science

    Boston, MA | 2030

    419.2K GSF

    Net Zero Ready

  • Southline Labs

    Director of Sustainable Design

    Laboratory / Tech / Science

    Boston, MA | 2030

    392K GSF

    Net Zero Ready