Corporate sustainability, Leadership, and Operations

Daniele is the Founder and CEO of Verdani Partners, where she draws on over 28 years of experience to lead sustainability strategy and operational management for global real estate portfolios, encompassing nearly $700 billion in assets under management. Guided by a commitment to advancing sustainable real estate practices, Daniele has strategically shaped Verdani’s approach to program management, decarbonization, resilience, and operational excellence.  

Daniele’s career began in sustainable design and construction management, later serving as Head of Sustainability at Thomas Properties Group. During her decade-long tenure, she led initiatives that earned the firm a #1 GRESB ranking for three consecutive years and drove comprehensive LEED certification across its portfolio — experiences that laid the groundwork for Verdani Partners, a firm focused on embedding sustainability at the core of real estate operations.  

Beyond Verdani, Daniele founded the Verdani Institute for the Built Environment (VIBE), a nonprofit advancing sustainability education and collaboration. Since 2013, she also teaches Sustainable Real Estate at the University of San Diego, contributing her expertise to the next generation of leaders in the field.  

Daniele holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development from Harvard University, a degree in Architecture & Urban Planning from PUC Goiás in Brazil, and a certificate in Construction Management from UCLA. She is a LEED Fellow, Counselor of Real Estate (CRE®), a GRESB AP, a licensed architect, and Certified Energy Manager.  

Throughout her career, Daniele has been recognized for her impact, including being named one of the “Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Sustainability” by gb&d magazine in 2014 and a USGBC “Shero for Purpose”in 2020 for her commitment to purpose-driven leadership. As the proud founder of a minority-women-owned firm, she continues to advocate for advancing sustainable practices across the built environment. 

Leadership and Engagement:  

• 2025 - USGBC California - Regional Leadership Board, San Diego  

• 2023 - Green Building Learning Collaborative Advisory Board, University of Florida 

• 2023 - Realty 2.0 Conference Outstanding Leadership Award 

• 2021 - Published Earth’s Climate Heroes, a children’s book about climate change   

• 2021 - 2023 Board Member, Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards (WSLA)  

• 2020 - USGBC “Shero for Purpose”  

• 2014 - Named “Top 10 Most Powerful Woman in Sustainability” 

• 2013 - Current Member, USGBC San Diego 

• 2011 - Current Member, Nareit 

• 2016 - 2018 - Sustainable Real Estate Council, Nareit

• 2011 - Current Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI) 

• 2007 - 2018 - Green Buildings Committee, California Sustainability Alliance  

• 2008 - Founding Member, The Associated of Women in Water, Energy and Environment 

• 2009 - Member, Association of Energy Engineer (AEE) 

• 2006 - Current Member, USGBC Los Angeles 

• 2005 - Current Member, USGBC National

Professional Licenses and Certifications:      

• 2024 - GRESB AP 

• 2023 - Counselor of Real Estate 

• 2023 - Fitwel Ambassador 

• 2016 - American Institute of Architects (AIA) 

• 2025 - LEED Fellow 

• 2012 - Certified Energy Manager (CEM), License 18421 

• 2007 - California Real Estate License; ID #01831684 

• 2003 - LEED Accredited Professional (first Brazilian to earn the LEED AP Credential)  

• 2003 - Professional Designation, Construction Management, UCLA