Episode 86: Alejandra Menchaca

Through her consultancy, AIRLIT studio, Alejandra Menchaca provides expertise in mechanical engineering and building science to owners and design teams. One of her current projects will be the first performing arts facility in the US with full natural ventilation.  Ale holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and has taught at MIT and Harvard GSD.

We talked to Ale about growing up in Mexico and her shift from aerospace engineering to environmental stewardship and building science. And we asked her if the movement is making

enough progress. “While I wish that we were making more progress more quickly, I am heartened by the fact that we are tracking so much more now than just a few years ago. In this way, we know how fast we are moving. We’re seeing the results. For example, net zero carbon buildings are becoming more common. On the other hand, there is still way too much glass.” 

And like any true building scientist, Ale worries about what we’re not doing: “We will not meet our carbon goals if we don't have a serious conversation around relaxing thermal comfort setpoints. Go anywhere outside the US and you do not see people bringing sweaters to movie theaters and conferences.”