Julia Sullivan holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Colorado Denver and brings a decade of solar energy industry experience to NREL’s Building Technologies and Science Center. Central to her interests is improving the ways that designers, architects, engineers, and construction professionals interact and overcome barriers to streamline the design and construction of more energy-efficient, lower-carbon buildings. She is interested in expanding research into building materials and their impact on equity, carbon emissions, occupant health, and building longevity.

Prior to working at NREL, Julia managed international sales for Stion Inc., an advanced manufacturer of solar panels. Her other work in the solar industry included managing a nationwide portfolio of solar energy assets, contributing to energy policy and regulation, developing workforce training opportunities, and building out capacities at solar installation companies. Her architectural interests include sustainable design, the use of healthy, low-carbon materials, and the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. 

Zero energy and zero carbon design

Embodied carbon and building material reuse

Building-integrated photovoltaics

Financial incentives for high-performance buildings

Expanding building decarbonization education

Increasing sustainable construction efficiencies