As the Director for Federal Buildings, Ms. Cara Carmichael leads coordination, planning, and implementation activities of the Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer to cut building emissions and advance sustainability across the Federal building portfolio.

Prior to that, Ms. Carmichael was a Principal at Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) since 2005 – 2021) Boulder, Colorado, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization of experts across disciplines working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives. Since its founding in 1982 by Amory Lovins, RMI’s chairman emeritus, it has grown to 400 staff working on four continents with a global reach and reputation. Its mission: Transforming the global energy system to secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. Engaged in decarbonization of energy systems through rapid, market-based change in the world’s most critical geographies to align with a 1.5°C future and address the climate crisis. Worked with businesses, policymakers, communities, and other organizations to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% by 2030. Utilized unique techno-economic expertise and whole-systems thinking to both publish groundbreaking research and analysis. Brought together collaborations of rare reach, range and expertise—creating unconventional partnerships and mobilizing action to drive change on the massive scale needed to combat the climate crisis. collaborations of rare reach, range and expertise—creating unconventional partnerships and mobilizing action to drive change on the massive scale needed to combat the climate crisis.

Provided Technical Analytics Services, Daylight simulation, LEED Consulting

ENSAR GroupENSAR Group (2001 – 2005). ENSAR Group is a sustainable design consulting firm and a leader in the green building industry since 1977. With expertise in energy efficiency, daylighting, and the LEED rating system, Ms. Carmichael has contributed to the effective design of hundreds of projects throughout the world, spanning diverse climates and most building types. The ENSAR team is comprised of skilled architects, engineers, analysts, and business professionals each committed to sustainable practice and design. Its integrated, whole systems approach can be applied to any project to support integrity of design through cost effective and elegant solutions.