Clark's Director of Sustainability Named LEED Fellow

LEED Fellows represent an elite class of accomplished green-building professionals

BETHESDA, Md. – Clark Construction Group's Director of Sustainability, Fulya Kocak, has been named a 2014 LEED Fellow by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This year’s 48 Fellows are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the green building community, as well as for their significant achievements among LEED Professionals.

To be selected as a LEED Fellow, individuals are nominated by their peers, undergo an extensive portfolio review, must have at least 10 years of experience in the green building industry, and hold a LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The evaluation process is carried out by the LEED Fellow Evaluation Committee and supported by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

“The 2014 LEED Fellows are utilizing their extensive knowledge and experience in green building to engage their colleagues, clients and communities to create a better built environment throughout the world,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “We recognize Fulya Kocak’s commitment to LEED and celebrate her individual achievements.”

For the past 15 years, Ms. Kocak has followed her personal and professional passion to be an innovator in sustainable construction solutions. Currently, she serves as the chairman of the USGBC, National Capital Region (USGBC NCR). She supports the Sustainable D.C. Plan as a volunteer, working with local green non-profit organizations and industry groups to promote sustainability. She also has been a leader in promoting Washington, D.C.'s first green construction codes, dedicating her time and efforts as a member of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Green Building Technical Advisory Group, ensuring cost effectiveness, constructability, and applicability.

An advocate and ambassador for the green building movement and the LEED program, Ms. Kocak is dedicated to educating others about sustainable building practice. She has developed and currently instructs a number of sustainability courses for Clark's in-house learning academy, and also speaks frequently on the topic at industry conferences and events at local universities.

“Fulya's extensive knowledge of the green building landscape and efforts to develop and implement a robust sustainability strategy at Clark have positioned us to better assist our clients in making smart sustainable choices for their projects," said Susan Williamson Ross, Clark's Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. "We are delighted with all that Fulya has done to help Clark achieve its sustainability goals in recent years and commend her on this tremendous professional accomplishment."

The 2014 LEED Fellows will be recognized in New Orleans at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo this October. A complete list of 2014 LEED Fellows can be viewed at usgbc.org.

Clark Construction Group is committed to serving as a model for environmental stewardship, and most recently was named Member Firm of the Year by the USGBC NCR. Currently ranked #2 Green Contractor by Engineering News Record, Clark completed $2.9 billion worth of LEED certified construction projects in 2013.