Luke Lombardi named SEAOC emerging leader award winner, leading on sustainability and innovation
Luke Lombardi, senior sustainability consultant, has been honored as one of the inaugural recipients of the SEAOC Emerging Leader Award.
This prestigious recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions as the Chair of the Sustainable Design Committee. Luke鈥檚 leadership has been pivotal in encouraging the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California () to adopt a position statement on carbon reduction. Luke has been instrumental in preparing educational resources to support SEAOC members in their sustainability efforts, particularly as the industry adapts to emerging embodied carbon policies like CALGreen.
Luke’s visionary approach and dedication have significantly advanced SEAOC鈥檚 mission, making a lasting impact on the organization鈥檚 commitment to sustainable design and environmental responsibility.
I am very grateful to accept this honor from SEAOC. This award really recognizes the efforts of the of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California and those contributing in each of the local member organizations as well as groups like CLF. Embodied carbon is a growing topic highlighted by the SE 2050 Commitment Program and catalyzed by policy like the CALGreen code requirements. Through SEAOC鈥檚 adoption of a , support for CALGreen, and everyone’s active effort to develop and share resources, the organization is supporting a changing paradigm, empowering structural engineers to shape a safe and sustainable future.
Senior Sustainability Consultant, Luke Lombardi

Luke鈥檚 Embodied Carbon Strategies at 海角视频
At 海角视频, Luke leverages his structural engineering expertise to drive advancements in construction and embodied carbon. His technical knowledge is showcased through his internal work and also through his volunteer efforts with the SE 2050 Program leadership team.
Luke excels in building life cycle assessment (LCA) and leverages computational design to seamlessly integrate carbon considerations into construction projects. He is also dedicated to education, developing webinars for and SEAOC that focus on . As a liaison between development teams and practicing engineers, Luke frequently presents and instructs on embodied carbon calculations, sharing his expertise widely.
At the SEAOC Convention, Luke presented alongside thought leaders from WAP Sustainability, ZGF Architects, and Forell/Elsesser Engineers to discuss the influence of policy on shaping the role of structural engineers into the future.

His work with represents a significant shift in the mindset of designers, moving from questioning 鈥渨hy鈥 to focusing on 鈥渉ow鈥 to meet embodied carbon requirements. Instead of justifying why a project should adhere to certain performance criteria, practitioners now have clear thresholds mandated by code. This code not only sets the standards for today but also outlines the pathways for future decarbonization, providing a structured framework for achieving necessary reductions.
CalGreen not only sets the bar for current projects but also paves the way for future innovations in sustainable design. It provides a clear roadmap for designers to follow, ensuring that the built environment evolves towards greater sustainability and reduced carbon footprints.
Congratulations, Luke!
Luke’s recognition as an inaugural recipient of the SEAOC Emerging Leader Award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation in structural engineering. His leadership and expertise have not only advanced SEAOC鈥檚 mission but have also inspired a new generation of engineers to prioritize environmental responsibility. Luke鈥檚 work exemplifies the transformative impact that dedicated professionals can have on the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Well done, Luke! This recognition is truly well-deserved!






