At Mercy Housing Green Hope, sustainability success is driven by team members who consistently go the extra mile to ensure projects are completed effectively and deliver meaningful impact.

Susan Karrenbauer exemplifies that commitment through numerous energy and water conservation projects across the Lakefront portfolio and her support of the Expense Reduction Team’s 4DX initiatives. Susan has become a trusted partner in advancing sustainability efforts, bringing exceptional attention to detail, strong follow-through, and a passion for ensuring projects are implemented correctly from start to finish.

Susan has played a critical role in supporting several major sustainability projects. Her diligence and consistent follow-up have helped ensure that improvements were installed correctly and that projects achieved their intended results.

Some of the projects Susan has supported include:

• Installation of new high-efficiency air conditioning equipment at Constitution House
• New energy-efficient refrigerators
• A large-scale attic weatherization project at Batavia Apartments
• Multiple lighting retrofit and energy efficiency projects

Susan’s dedication to the Expense Reduction Team’s 4DX water and utility initiatives has helped drive measurable environmental and operational improvements across our communities. Her proactive approach, attention to detail, and commitment to follow-through have been instrumental in advancing sustainability goals and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Susan’s contributions include:

• Review electricity bills to ensure residents are being billed appropriately, helping identify discrepancies and improve utility accountability.
• Evaluate trash service contracts at multiple properties to uncover cost-saving opportunities and improve operational efficiency.
• Support water conservation efforts by coordinating outreach to properties and encouraging the replacement of inefficient aerators and showerheads.
• Develop resident engagement materials that educate residents about water conservation and empower them to reduce their environmental footprint.

Susan’s hands-on involvement, attention to detail, and commitment to tracking projects through completion have been invaluable. She consistently works with site teams, vendors, and stakeholders to verify that sustainability measures are implemented properly and that communities receive the full benefit of these investments.

Sustainability is about more than implementing projects. It requires dedication, persistence, and a focus on achieving measurable results. Susan brings all of these qualities to her work every day.

Whether she is reviewing utility data, identifying cost savings, supporting conservation initiatives, or ensuring the successful completion of energy-efficiency upgrades, she demonstrates how individual leadership can create meaningful environmental and operational impact.

Thank you, Susan, for your outstanding contributions to Green Hope’s sustainability efforts. Your commitment, attention to detail, and unwavering follow-through make you a true Green Hope Sustainability Hero.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to sustainability Susan!

Do you know any sustainability heroes at other properties? We would love to hear their stories. Nominate them by emailing greenhope@mercyhousing.org!