Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Environmental Sustainability Partner in Denver
Founded in 2012, Lotus Engineering & Sustainability is a women-owned consulting firm dedicated to making sustainability actionable and transparent. Our client-centered approach combines technical expertise with equity-focused strategies to deliver tailored climate solutions. We specialize in greenhouse gas accounting, climate mitigation planning, and building code development, serving governments, nonprofits, and businesses across 25 states and 3 Canadian provinces. Our team of 17 professionals brings diverse perspectives and decades of combined experience in engineering and sustainability. We prioritize community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and innovative problem-solving to create lasting environmental impact.With offices in Denver and Avon, Colorado, we maintain a strong regional presence while expanding our national influence. Our commitment to equity is demonstrated through initiatives like our first Equity Audit in 2022 and Spanish language services. We've completed landmark projects including Denver's 8050 climate action plan and Georgia Tech's sustainability strategy. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in policy development, carbon modeling, and community engagement. We measure success through measurable environmental outcomes and long-term client partnerships that advance sustainability goals.
Services
Climate Mitigation Planning
GHG Accounting
Building Code Development
Grant Writing Services
Community Engagement
Equity Audits
Carbon Modeling
Sustainability Dashboards
Policy Development
Resilience Strategies
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Women-led team with expertise in 24 states and 3 Canadian provinces
- Client-focused approach with customized sustainability solutions
- Equity-driven methodology with completed Equity Audit
- Data-driven decision-making with proven climate impact results
- Multidisciplinary team combining engineering and policy expertise
What people say
Most professional
Responsive team
Technical expertise
Client-centered approach
Successful project outcomes
Services
Climate Mitigation Planning
Developing comprehensive climate action strategies that balance environmental goals with community needs. Our plans incorporate equity considerations, policy frameworks, and measurable targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable development. We combine technical analysis with stakeholder engagement to create implementable solutions.
GHG Accounting
Creating detailed greenhouse gas inventories that serve as foundations for climate strategy. Our methodology follows international standards while maintaining local relevance. We transform complex emissions data into actionable insights through visualization tools and scenario modeling that help organizations understand their carbon footprint and reduction pathways.
Building Code Development
Crafting building codes and policy frameworks that advance climate mitigation goals. Our experts work with governments to develop regulations that reduce embodied carbon in construction while ensuring compliance with local conditions. We focus on creating codes that balance environmental impact with practical implementation considerations for municipalities.
Equity Audits
Conducting comprehensive assessments of organizational practices through an equity lens. Our audits examine decision-making processes, community engagement strategies, and resource allocation patterns. We identify opportunities to center marginalized communities in sustainability initiatives and develop actionable plans for improving equity in environmental programs.
Grant Writing Services
Securing climate funding through tailored grant strategies. Our team identifies relevant opportunities and develops compelling proposals that align with organizational goals. We specialize in crafting narratives that connect project specifics with funder priorities while ensuring technical compliance with grant requirements.
People
Emily Artale
Founder
Founded Lotus in 2012 after identifying a need for work-life balance in environmental consulting. Brought engineering expertise to the firm before transitioning ownership in 2022. Pioneered the company's commitment to equity and sustainability.
Hillary Dobos
President and Owner
Co-founder and current owner with public sector expertise. Led Lotus since 2022 after buy-out. Specializes in strategic planning and climate policy. Expanded the firm's reach to 25 states while maintaining its women-led ethos.
Tom Herrod
Managing Director
Joined in 2023 as Managing Director of Greenhouse Gas Accounting. Brings expertise in carbon modeling and climate data visualization. Leads technical teams in developing emissions reduction strategies for municipal and corporate clients.
Kim Schlaepfer
Managing Director
Specializes in climate mitigation and resiliency planning. Joined in 2022 and expanded Lotus' building code expertise. Develops practical solutions for communities facing climate adaptation challenges across multiple regions.
Julia Newman
Principal
Lotus' first hire in 2017 as Managing Director of Communications. Focuses on stakeholder engagement and equitable climate messaging. Coordinates community outreach efforts for sustainability projects in diverse populations.
Questions
What specific sustainability services do you offer?
We provide climate action planning, GHG accounting, building code development, equity audits, and grant writing services tailored to each client's unique needs.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
We operate in 25 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, with particular expertise in mountain regions and urban centers.
How do you ensure equity in sustainability projects?
We conduct equity audits, prioritize community engagement, and center marginalized voices in decision-making processes across all our consulting services.
What makes your firm different from other consultants?
We combine technical expertise with equity-focused approaches as a women-led firm, offering bilingual services and customized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.
How do you handle complex climate data?
Our team transforms technical information into actionable insights through visualization tools and scenario modeling that make sustainability metrics accessible to all stakeholders.
