In this episode, we explore building resilient workplaces with Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic, founder of A SustainAble Production and one of the first WELL Faculty members in the world.
We dive into how workplaces are evolving into ecosystems of health, sustainability, and resilience. Jennifer shares her unique journey from social work and the film industry to becoming a global leader in sustainability consulting. She offers insight on how to design for climate change, improve air quality, support mental health, accommodate neurodiversity, and create policies that genuinely support employee well-being.
We also explore how data, sensors, and AI are changing the way we design and operate buildings. Whether you’re developing your next office, rethinking hybrid work policies, or just trying to understand how buildings can truly support human performance—this conversation will give you ideas, frameworks, and real-world examples you can use today.
Main Takeaways
- The workplace is no longer just a building—it’s a living ecosystem.
- Holistic sustainability includes human health, environmental resilience, and climate readiness.
- WELL and LEED standards have evolved into tools for business performance and employee wellbeing.
- Real-world success stories show how small policy shifts (e.g., daily pay, treadmill desks) can ripple across organizations.
- Sensors, data, and surveys are becoming essential for accountability and operational excellence.
- Mental health and neurodiversity are critical to designing inclusive and high-performing work environments.
- AI and climate modeling are already influencing sustainable building decisions—but must be used responsibly.
Meet Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic
Jen has extensive experience with IWBI’s WELL Building Standard as one of the first Provisional WELL APs, WELL APs, and WELL Faculty in the world. Jen has worked on various WELL Pilots|Projects in almost every typology. Jen is currently overseeing many firsts in WELL, LEED, Net Zero|Carbon Neutral|Net Positive projects in the country and world. Jen also has extensive experience with USGBC’s various LEED rating systems.
Jen orchestrated the LEED Platinum certification of Citadel Environmental Services under LEED CI. This was the 1st LEED Platinum CI office space in the Tri-City (Glendale/Pasadena/Burbank) area and Net Zero Energy in 2010. One of Jen’s most renowned projects is Step Up On Vine, an adaptive reuse Platinum certified LEED Homes Multi-family, permanent supportive housing project for chronically homeless, mentally ill individuals in Hollywood, CA.
Key Moments
01:31 – Intro to the episode and Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic’s background
03:35 – Jennifer shares her unconventional path into sustainability
05:46 – Founding A SustainAble Production and early WELL involvement
07:33 – How COVID redefined the concept of the workplace
08:36 – Workplace types post-COVID: Offices, retail, healthcare
11:06 – Defining holistic sustainability in the workplace
12:03 – Wellness initiatives that deliver lasting impact
14:22 – Designing for climate resilience and long-term risk reduction
16:48 – Addressing wildfire threats and future-proofing work environments
19:16 – Natural disasters and the necessity of workplace resilience
19:48 – Mental health, benefits, and employer responsibility
23:00 – Designing for neurodiversity and inclusive environments
24:43 – Common oversights in neurodiverse-friendly design
25:20 – Return to office: Culture, comfort, and hybrid strategies
27:46 – Hybrid policies and the challenge of fairness and flexibility
31:09 – Sensors and real-time workplace data for health outcomes
32:41- Why data and surveys matter more than ever
33:00 – Which metrics matter most and how WELL guides the process
37:00 – What surprises most teams: Testing reveals unexpected issues
38:27 – Data-driven accountability in design and operations
39:17 – AI in sustainability: Useful, but with environmental trade-offs
42:02 – The future: Holistic solutions driven by data, AI, and expectations
43:28 – Advice for organizations designing their next work environment
45:33 – How to prioritize initiatives based on what’s driving decisions
46:44 – Closing thoughts: Stay the course in sustainability and wellness
Credits:
- Created & Directed By Bob Fox
- Produced By Work Design Studios
