United States
Podcast Episode
Ask the Expert: Cost, Sustainability & Long-Term Value with Jennifer Taranto
April 24, 2026
When it comes to construction costs, it’s easy to focus on what’s right in front of you— but what happens after the project is complete? In our latest Ask the Expert series, STOBG’s Vice President of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, dives into the balance between capital costs and long-term operational savings—and why thinking beyond the upfront investment can make all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Sustainable construction starts with reduce, reuse, recycle—in that order—prioritizing efficiency and minimizing waste at the source.
- The triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) is essential to delivering projects that are environmentally responsible, socially impactful, and economically viable.
- Embodied carbon is a growing focus, with up to 50% of a building’s emissions tied to materials before a project is even complete.
- Circularity and material reuse are reshaping the industry, with take-back programs and reuse strategies gaining momentum.
- Lifecycle cost thinking is critical—balancing capital costs with long-term operational savings to drive smarter investment decisions.
- Certifications like LEED and WELL provide clear frameworks for performance, helping clients meet ESG goals and support occupant well-being.
Highlights In This Episode
Sustainable construction is grounded in reduce, reuse, recycle, along with the triple bottom line—ensuring projects support people, the planet, and profit while minimizing harm and maximizing positive impact.
Embodied carbon and circularity are leading the conversation, pushing teams to rethink material selection, reduce emissions, and extend the lifecycle of building components.
These frameworks provide structured pathways for achieving high-performance buildings, supporting ESG goals, and enhancing occupant health and well-being.
By prioritizing high-impact strategies, leveraging experienced teams, and aligning capital costs with long-term operational savings through lifecycle cost thinking.
Stay curious, continuously learn, and engage with industry networks to build knowledge and connections in a rapidly evolving field.
Overcoming the perception of high upfront costs and embracing innovation—especially new technologies—are key to advancing sustainability across the industry.
Closing Summary
In this episode of Building Conversations, Jennifer Taranto shares insights on the evolving landscape of sustainable construction. From embodied carbon and circularity to lifecycle cost strategies and industry innovation, the discussion highlights how a more holistic approach can drive long-term value while delivering buildings that are efficient, resilient, and impactful.
Host
Jennifer Taranto
VP, Sustainability
STO Building Group
Jennifer Taranto brings over 25 years of expertise in the commercial real estate and construction industry. Since joining Structure Tone in 2001, she has progressed from roles as superintendent and project manager to her current position as vice president of sustainability within STO Building Group.
Passionate about minimizing the environmental impact of the built environment, Jennifer actively engages in early design and construction stages. Her focus is on defining corporate responsibility goals for clients and guiding project teams in creating internal roadmaps to achieve them. Through her leadership, organizations worldwide have achieved improvements in health and well-being while simultaneously reducing emissions, construction costs, and operating expenses.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jennifer is a founder of the non-profit organization Built Environment Plus and serves as the current Chair of its Board of Directors. She is a recognized sustainable construction leader and a frequent speaker on the subject. Jennifer’s dedication has earned her accolades from the International WELL Building Institute, including the WELL AP award in 2018 and the WELL Faculty award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Similar Episodes
Breaking Ground: Circularity through Partnerships
How can the construction industry shift from a “take, make, waste” cycle to a circular economy? In celebration of Zero Waste Week, host Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group is joined by Tim Conway, VP of Sustainability at Shaw Industries, and Avery McKitrick Sustainability Coordinator to explore how takeback programs and supplier partnerships are transforming waste management on job sites.
Listen Now
Boston's Circular Shift: Building Smarter, Greener, Better
In celebration of Zero Waste Week, join Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group, Michael Orbank, Sustainability Manager, Northeast Region at STO Building Group, and Andrea Love, Principal and Director of Building Science at Payette, as they explore how Boston teams are turning demolition into deconstruction—leveraging partnerships across owners, designers, contractors, and vendors while navigating policy, storage, and market challenges.
Listen Now