Hope Medina Wins 2024 National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award

Hope Medina of Shums Coda Associates has received the International Code Council’s 2024 National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award. This honor recognizes outstanding contributions to the growth and enhancement of codes or public policy promoting the principles of the Code Council’s Sustainability Membership Council (SMC).

Individuals, states, cities and towns that go above and beyond to raise compliance with building energy codes are considered for this recognition. This work helps unlock billions in savings as well as improves the efficiency of America’s new and existing buildings and homes using cost-effective, practical and innovative strategies.

“I was completely surprised that multiple people had nominated me for this award,” she said. “It means the world to me to think that my efforts to provide knowledge about sustainability and energy have impacted people.”

Career Interest Sparked by Sustainability Concerns

In 2012, a building official asked Medina, who had been a combination inspector and plans examiner, to get involved in developing the International Green Construction Code® (IgCC).

“He had no idea that I grew up with sustainability concepts, so the first code change I read, I became hooked,” she said. Her father was a Denver firefighter who would often take her downtown to show her different building constructions. “I think that was the first spark,” Medina added.

Currently, Medina, who is an Energy and Sustainability Plans Examiner, inspector, instructor and consultant, facilitates several contracts to provide education, create resources and assist with energy code adoption in several states.

She helps people understand that the energy and sustainability codes are, in fact, life safety codes. Water conservation and responsibility are Medina’s passions. “I get to speak at summits, on radio talk shows and elsewhere about our responsibilities to be good stewards for resources,” she said. “Water is a resource that many take for granted, so it’s quickly becoming scarce.”

Supporting the Next Generation of Building Safety Professionals

She’s also excited to bring others into the construction industry, especially women. As the chair of the Code Council’s Colorado Chapter’s Building Futures outreach program, she introduces high school students to the field.

“Every year, I have a student who takes in this information and is just enthralled,” she said. “Seeing that is so rewarding and brings me hope for the future.” She’s also proud of her granddaughters, who take school elective classes about sustainability.

Additionally, Medina helps guide those looking at the next stages of their building safety careers.

“My advice when looking for a construction career is to find a mentor,” she said. “I had many of them. Or for those already working, become a mentor yourself to share experiences so that institutional knowledge isn’t lost.”

She currently holds 20 certifications in green initiatives and beyond.

“I wanted to learn more in order to answer questions, so I used study guides and read the code books from cover-to-cover multiple times to achieve those certifications,” she said.

When asked what three things are needed to be successful in this industry, she said, “Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions! That’s how we learn.”

Energy and Sustainability Now Part of the Building Safety Conversation

Early in her career, Media felt like she was an outsider because of her efforts with nontraditional codes, but the narrative has shifted in recent years.

“Now, people who used to hate seeing me coming with my thoughts and opinions are now asking me for those same thoughts and opinions,” she said. “Energy and sustainability are now part of the conversation, which is a good thing.”

“Hope Medina’s work and dedication to the National Green Building Standard have been invaluable, and, as a woman thriving in a male-dominated field, she serves as an inspiring example of leadership and progress,” said co-nominator Michelle Foster, Vice President of Sustainability at Home Innovation. “With extensive expertise in building science, a deep passion for energy efficiency and a comprehensive understanding of the building industry, Hope develops innovative and pragmatic solutions that elevate the performance of homes and multifamily buildings, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and functionality.”

When asked what she is most proud of in the building safety industry, Medina replied, “Other than being nominated and winning this award, it’s the first code change proposal that I wrote.”

Her only regret? The award acceptance speech on her phone went black while at the podium so she forgot to thank her husband. “He has not let me live that down,” Medina joked.

To learn more about the Code Council’s annual awards, click here.

To access energy and sustainability resources from the Code Council, click here.