Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sustainability Consulting Solutions
Founded in 2012, Lotus Engineering & Sustainability is a women-owned boutique consulting firm dedicated to making sustainability actionable and equitable. Our team combines technical expertise in engineering, climate science, and policy with a client-centered approach to deliver tailored solutions. We prioritize equity by centering the needs of marginalized communities and leveraging data-driven insights to create lasting impact. With experience across 24 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, we specialize in climate action planning, greenhouse gas accounting, and equitable decarbonization strategies.Our commitment to transparency and collaboration has earned us recognition from clients like Georgia Institute of Technology and the YMCA of the Rockies. We foster a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and community engagement, reflected in our volunteer initiatives and multi-disciplinary team. Our work is driven by a shared passion for environmental stewardship and a vision for a sustainable future for generations to come.
Services
Building Code Development
GHG Accounting & Modeling
Climate Resilience Planning
Grant Writing Services
Equitable Decarbonization Programs
Community Engagement
Policy Development
Volunteer Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We are a women-led team with expertise in sustainability and engineering.
- We have delivered solutions across 24 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces.
- Our client-centered approach ensures tailored strategies for each project.
- We prioritize equity and community impact in all our solutions.
- Our team combines diverse backgrounds to offer innovative climate solutions.
What people say
Most professional
Responsive team
Technical expertise
Tailored solutions
Mission alignment
Services
Greenhouse Gas Accounting
Our greenhouse gas accounting services provide defensible data to support climate strategy and community engagement. We help clients quantify emissions, identify reduction opportunities, and track progress toward sustainability goals. This foundational work enables informed decision-making for climate action plans and policy development.
Climate Mitigation Planning
We develop actionable climate mitigation and resiliency plans tailored to client needs. Our approach integrates stakeholder input, scientific analysis, and equity considerations to create robust strategies. These plans address both immediate climate risks and long-term adaptation requirements for communities and organizations.
Building Code Development
We specialize in creating building codes and policies that advance climate mitigation efforts. Our experts work with jurisdictions to implement standards that reduce carbon footprints while maintaining functionality. These codes serve as critical tools for achieving local and state-level sustainability targets.
Equitable Decarbonization Programs
Our equitable decarbonization programs ensure climate solutions benefit all community members. We design programs that address historical inequities while reducing emissions. This approach combines technical expertise with community engagement to create inclusive, effective climate action frameworks.
Grant Writing Services
We develop customized grant strategies to secure funding for sustainability projects. Our team identifies relevant opportunities and crafts compelling proposals tailored to client needs. This service helps organizations implement climate initiatives without relying on one-size-fits-all approaches.
People
Emily Artale
Founder
Founded Lotus in 2012 after identifying a need for work-life balance in the sustainability field. Combines engineering expertise with a passion for environmental stewardship to drive innovative climate solutions.
Hillary Dobos
President and Owner
Co-founder and president with expertise in strategic planning and public sector engagement. Led Lotus' growth since 2015, expanding services to 25 states and three Canadian provinces while maintaining client-focused values.
Tom Herrod
Managing Director
Leads greenhouse gas accounting initiatives with technical expertise in climate modeling and data visualization. Brings specialized knowledge to help clients understand and reduce carbon footprints through actionable analysis.
Kim Schlaepfer
Managing Director
Specializes in climate mitigation and resiliency planning. Provides strategic leadership in building code development and policy implementation to advance client sustainability objectives across multiple jurisdictions.
Julia Newman
Principal
Manages communications and engagement initiatives. Focuses on creating inclusive dialogue processes that incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives into climate action strategies and community engagement efforts.
Questions
What sustainability services does Lotus offer?
We provide climate action planning, greenhouse gas accounting, building code development, equitable decarbonization programs, and grant writing services tailored to client needs.
Which regions does Lotus serve?
We operate in 25 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, with experience addressing diverse climate challenges across different geographic and regulatory environments.
How does Lotus approach equity in sustainability?
We center equity by prioritizing historically marginalized communities, incorporating diverse perspectives, and designing solutions that address systemic environmental injustices in all our projects.
Can Lotus help with climate grant applications?
Yes, our grant writing team develops customized funding strategies to secure climate-related grants without using generic templates or cookie-cutter approaches.
What makes Lotus different from other consultants?
We combine technical expertise with a client-centered approach, women-led leadership, and a commitment to equity that creates tailored, actionable sustainability solutions for each project.
