Susanna Sutherland | Principal
In 2009, Susanna started the City of Knoxville’s first Sustainability Office with federal funds. Her work there brought in $2,480,780 in unmatched grant funds, $650,800 in new infrastructure, and are averaging annual utility bill savings of $1,392,176. In addition to building a new city office with baseline data, a strategic plan, and measurable outcomes, she contributed to field-building publications with organizations like the National Research Council.
Susanna initially entered local government to oversee final design of a waterfront redevelopment plan. She purchased property, managed construction projects, and captured $1,497,701 in funding from state and federal sources for Brownfield reclamation projects.
The first years of her career focused on watershed health. She obtained $1,500,000 in restoration grants for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Environmental Policy and Planning division. She later joined TVA’s River Operations and Environment division, scheduling river flows for the 7-state system.
Each step in the journey has shaped, moulded, and taught. Experience is actively listened to, and freely shared.
Education | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- PhD, Energy Science and Engineering, 2017 | Energy generation in urban water systems dissertation – Alumna Profile
- M.S., Biosystems Engineering Technology, 2004 | Agricultural streams water quality thesis
- B.A., Environmental Studies, 2002 | Forestry minor
Publications
Articles | Primary Author
- Actualizing water and energy systems integration: what is taking so long? Journal of Science Policy & Governance, February 2018
- Resilience Implications of Energy Storage in Urban Water Systems. Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water, and Environment Systems, June 2018.
Books | Contributing Author
- In Harm’s Way: How Communities are Addressing Key Challenges of Building Climate Resilience. Authored by John Cleveland and Peter Plastrik, 2021.
- Big Data for Regional Science. Edited by Laurie A. Schintler and Zhenhua Chen. Routledge, 2018.
- Acting as If Tomorrow Matters: Accelerating the Transition to Sustainability. Authored by John C. Dernbach. Environmental Law Institute, Washington, D.C. 2012.
- Sustainability and the U.S. EPA. National Research Council. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC. 2011.