AHA Consulting Engineers Receives the 2023 Sustainability and Engineering Firm of the Year Award
BOSTON- In a world increasingly affected by climate change, AHA Consulting Engineers (AHA) has been an advocate for climate-conscious industry practice and sustainability in bringing high performance projects to life. For more than 30 years, AHA has successfully served Fortune 500 corporations, building owners and operators, Ivy League schools, top real estate developers and award-winning architects. These entities rely on the firm’s passionate team of experts who have delivered more than 500 million square feet of high performance facilities throughout the U.S and beyond.
With expertise in BIM/VDC, Commissioning, Energy & Sustainability, MEP/FP Design, and Technology Design, AHA’s services have been instrumental to such works as the new Northland Newton Neighborhood development, Assembly Innovation Park, Revolution Labs, 599 Somerville Avenue, Harvard University 1607 Massachusetts Avenue, and the Cambridge Crossing Parcels G&H projects. Working with clients like eBay, NCR, Gingko Bioworks, Department of Homeland Security, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, speaks to the experience and reputation AHA has worked tirelessly for, and is now leveraging to advocate for a better future.
AHA has joined other leading architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) companies to urge the Biden Administration to take action on climate change in the building industry in the Build Back Better plan. These proposed actions will bring significant impacts in promoting healthy housing and resilient communities, electrifying to achieve a carbon-free grid, and promoting material health and product transparency, among others. In addition, AHA is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The firm embraces and encourage all employees, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, family and/or marital status, gender identity and/or expression, race, religion, or other characteristics.
Of particular note at the firm is Jonathan Cristino. An informal leader in AHA’s work in sustainability, Cristino is a Partner and Mechanical Engineer at AHA Consulting Engineers. Cristino brings his 10 years of experience in the engineering industry to serving as one of AHA’s future leaders. He has served regional clients working on many projects, such as million-plus square feet of all-electric high rise laboratory facilities at Assembly Innovation Park (Somerville, MA), as well as projects such as the Fire Station for Engine 17 (Boston, MA), the Harvard University 1607 Massachusetts Avenue (Cambridge, MA), and the Northland Newton Neighborhood Development (Newton, MA). Cristino joined AHA upon receiving his Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Cristino was raised in Hopedale, MA and attended Hopedale Jr./Sr. High School. As a child, he enjoyed sports, the outdoors, family, and friends. He had a large family on both sides, so there was never a shortage of cousins to get into trouble with, he notes. Cristino spent many summers with family in Portugal learning the farm life. Football, basketball and soccer kept him busy during his school years. He went on to graduate from UMASS Dartmouth in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Cristino began working at AHA in 2013- and its history ever since.
When asked about his role models and mentors, Cristino had this to say: “There were numerous role models and mentors that influenced my path but there were three main contributors that stand out. Tom Wisnaskas, my first department manager, always had the answer to everything. Bob Parker, my current department manager, is thorough and precise. Finally, the monumental Tom Joyner, who is always challenging you to go outside your comfort zone.”
When asked about the firm’s plans for the future, AHA says they will continue our evolution to stay ahead of industry trends and demands. The firm’s commitment to Global Sustainability and the associated changes to building design and technology are paramount. They will continue to grow their focus markets of Life Sciences, Mission Critical and Higher Education and their Energy/Sustainability, Technology, and Commissioning Services. AHA’s goal is to provide best-in-class service for our clients in an all-inclusive and sustainable world. AHA will continue to nurture and grow our team of all generations and social backgrounds into the best leaders of today, tomorrow and the future.
