Russell Lavitt named ASHRAE Fellow

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, announces the naming of Russell Lavitt to Fellowship in the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

The title recognizes individuals who made substantial contributions in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry and achieved distinction in the field of engineering.

To be considered for ASHRAE Fellowship, individuals must have been a member of the organization for at least a decade and be nominated by another member with support from current Fellows and sponsors who can attest to the individual’s accomplishments and credentials with a focus on service and notable achievement in the industry.

Advancing design through sustainable engineering
With nearly 35 years of HVACR and control system design experience, Lavitt is a registered Professional Engineer in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in Canada. He also earned his LEED® accreditation in 2006 and currently holds a LEED AP BD+C designation. Lavitt’s commitment to sustainability on his projects was proven when the Stantec-led Winnipeg Richardson International Airport became the first LEED certified airport in Canada, one of only 24 airports in the world with that distinction. The airport demonstrates exceptional energy performance for a large-scale building on the Canadian prairies.

Lavitt has also led many significant building mechanical designs that have achieved comparable results using innovative approaches and technologies. During his nine-year tenure at Stantec, Lavitt has made notable contributions to complex projects such as the Stanley Pauley Engineering Building at the University of Manitoba and the nearly completed FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Visitor Centre, a highly efficient sustainable mass timber building built to the Passive House standard and utilizing innovative mechanical and geothermal systems for heating and cooling.

Active in ASHRAE
While volunteer involvement in ASHRAE is not a factor in selecting a Fellow, Lavitt’s involvement in the Society has been notable. He held the volunteer position of Society Chairperson for Membership Promotion and under his direction, the international committee he oversaw was charged with the maintenance and growth of the society's membership, which currently sits at nearly 55,000 members.

Lavitt also served in a senior leadership role as the director and regional chairperson for Region XI, serving over 3,500 members in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and the US states of Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.

“It is an incredible honor to be named as an ASHRAE Fellow, and I am grateful for the talented mentors who supported me along the way,” said Lavitt. “My current Fellows exemplify the best in engineering and technology, and I am proud to join them in celebrating our dedication to the industry.”

About Stantec
Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.   

We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. ​Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more. ​

Today’s communities transcend geographic borders. At Stantec, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do—from our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.  ​

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.​

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. 

Media Contact 
Susan Bender              
Stantec Media Relations
Ph: (267) 773-9593       
susan.bender@stantec.com