Built Environment Plus

Health and Wellness Roundtable
2021-11-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2021-10-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2021-09-09 09:00 - 10:00, 2021-08-12 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event
Join the BE+ Health and Wellness Roundtable, a venue for architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to discuss issues related to healthy buildings.
Reach out to wellness@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.
View the roundtable’s webpage

Group Leadership:

Co-Chair: Lisa Carey-Moore
Co-Chair: Connie (Tzou) Wijaranakul
Board Liason: Jenn Taranto
Board Liason: Heather Henriksen
Board Liason: Rebecca Schofield

2021 Topics & Speakers

December - Lighting (Coming Soon)

November - Big Wins and Challenges in Building Rating Certifications
More info to come – Presentations of built projects by local leaders discussing the successes and challenges when using various rating systems to drive health and wellness in the finished design.

October - Cancelled

September - Member Input & Planning Meeting

August - Materials Universe
The products we use to construct our buildings and create engaging interior spaces are expected to do more than serve a function or aesthetic. Today’s materials are being asked to have healthier ingredients, lower embodied carbon and promote circularity, and, if they’re really well conceived, address inequities and injustice throughout their supply chains.

Building and product certifications, as well as commitments like the 2030 Challenge or AIA Material’s Pledge provide us with frameworks for setting materials goals. Research continues to evolve to support, or even challenge, the use of certain materials. It’s a lot to stay on top of given that product selection is likely only one facet of our work.

Jack Dinning of Brightworks Sustainability, and a materials consultant to Harvard’s Office of Sustainability, has been regularly mapping the building products ecosystem, and is looking to engage practitioners at all levels of experience to share information and strategies for pursuing optimized materials goals.

Note: Attendees will get access to a Miro board prior to the session that will be the focus of the collaborative discussion and once complete, can serve as a resource for accelerating the work of optimized materials.

Thank You to our Health & Wellness sponsor Superior Essex!

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members. Enter your email into the promo code field for 100% off.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.

Carbon and Energy Roundtable
2021-10-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Join the BE+ Carbon and Energy Roundtable, a venue for architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to discuss issues related to carbon and energy in buildings.
Reach out to communications@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.

Group Leadership:

Chairs to be announced…
Board Liason: Julie Janiski
Board Liason: Rebecca Hatchadorian

2021 Topics & Speakers

October - Current Events and Roundtable Planning
This month’s roundtable will start with a brief current events update on what has been happening locally and then we will open up the space for others to share or comment.
The majority of the roundtable will be spent actively engaging the group to understand what the future of this roundtable should look like. This space is for the community to have dedicated time to connect and work together on Carbon & Energy related issues and opportunities in the built environment.
BE+ members and IBPSA Boston members can sign up for the session for free. People new to BE+’s roundtables without membership can also attend for free.

August - Let's Prep for DOER Input
Interested in sharing your thoughts on the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code? The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has just a year left to develop and promulgate the next MA stretch energy code. They are required to hold at least five public hearings throughout the state during the process yet have not released a schedule as of now. While we wait for the hearings to begin we want to proactively gather the Building Community to discuss priorities and recommendations.
This will be the first of monthly roundtables on Carbon and Energy. This month’s session will take place this Thursday, August 19, from 9-10am, and will focus on gathering input from Massachusetts building industry practitioners on the direction of the state’s Stretch Energy Code. We want to hear both your fears and hopes for the code.
BE+ invited IBPSA members, a community of energy modeling professionals in the Boston area, to attend and form a dedicated “breakout room” focused on the role of energy modeling in the Stretch Energy Code. Now is your chance to share testimonies on energy modeling requirements in the current code, and provide input on potential new directions for the code in the future.
Depending on attendance, we’ll have additional breakouts to gather thoughts on efficiency, electrification, renewables, and other.
The result of the breakout room discussions will be a letter drafted to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on behalf of Built Environment Plus and IBPSA Boston, summarizing the discussion.
BE+ members and IBPSA Boston members can sign up for Thursday’s session for free. People new to BE+’s roundtables without membership can also attend for free.

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members. Enter your email into the promo code field for 100% off.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.

GBS 2021
2021-10-21 16:00 - 20:00 | The Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave, Brighton, Massachusetts, 02135
Built Environment Plus – Green Building Showcase 2021
Your Showcase. Your Projects. Your Community.
@ The Charles River Speedway
Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Built Environment Plus community works hard to advance sustainable and regenerative design, construction, and operation of the built environment. Once a year, we gather to celebrate industry success and innovation at BE+’s Green Building Showcase (GBS 2021).
At GBS 2021, community members celebrate the best efforts, designs, and products in the Commonwealth. Join us for a night of project boards, short presentations, discussions, and awards. In 2019, nearly 175 people celebrated 51 projects that all embraced the spirit of sustainable design.
Attendees include architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners, facility managers, building users, lenders, suppliers – everyone who plays a role in designing, operating, and constructing the built environment. Join us in celebrating our community’s accomplishments over food and drinks.

AGENDA:
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Open Gallery + Drinks
5:00 PM – 5:20 PM | Welcome
5:20 PM – 6:00 PM | People’s Choice Voting
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Awards Programs
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Networking & Celebrating

Green Building Showcase Webpage

GBS Showboard Webpage

Emerging Professionals Roundtable
2021-10-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-09-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-08-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
*BE+ Emerging Professional Roundtables (EPMA meetings) are being hosted virtually until further notice.

BE+ EMERGING PROFESSIONALS (EP) The EP group is a great venue for becoming more engaged with the green building community and forming meaningful connections with colleagues across the industry. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming more involved.
TYPICAL MEETING AGENDA: The meeting starts with a 45 minute discussion with the committee leaders regarding planning for upcoming EP events and BE+ updates. All are welcome to this portion of the meeting as we look for volunteers to help plan events. Please join us at 6:45pm for the presentation and networking. Below is the breakdown of the meeting agenda:

6:00-6:40pm: Committee Meeting
6:40-6:45pm: Break/Introductions
6:45-7:20pm: Presentation
7:20-7:30pm: Networking

MEETING ACCESS: https://zoom.us/j/95860673399?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 958 6067 3399Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)Meeting ID: 958 6067 3399Passcode: [REDACTED] your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ab8QDwbcWc
A BIT MORE ABOUT THE EP GROUP: The BE+ Emerging Professionals Group is a community of ascending professionals across the green building industry and allied fields that provides professional support, development and advocacy tools through active networking, monthly programming and community events. To learn more about EP, join the mailing list by following this link (select the Emerging Professionals e-mail list), visit our EPMA facebook group page (Built Environment Plus Emerging Professionals – MA) or send an email to emergingprofessionals@builtenvironmentplus.org.
BE+ EP Events Include:

Building Tours
Sustainable Bike Tour
Networking Nights
Neighborhood Clean-Ups
Student Programming

PhiusCon 2021
2021-10-12 - 2021-10-15 | Sleepy Hollow Hotel Convention Center, 455 S Broadway, Tarrytown, New York, 10591, United States
PhiusCon (formerly NAPHC) is the leading passive building conference for climate-specific zero energy design, construction, and building science expertise.
PhiusCon 2021 will have a distinct New York accent. In partnership with New York State Energy Research and Development (NYSERDA), the conference will be held in Tarrytown, New York, close to fantastic passive projects in New York City as well as the Hudson Valley.

October 12-15, 2021
Sleepy Hollow Hotel Convention Center, 455 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, New York

Pre-Conference: October 12-13 (Schedule/registration coming soon.)
Core Conference: October 14-15

Five tracks, breakfast and lunch provided
Register now for discounted early bird rate!

Passive Projects Tours (Registration coming soon):

October 12 (NYC)
October 16 (Hudson Valley)

Sessions will cover:

States’ and cities’ climate action and zero energy code progress
Innovation in finance and technology
Optimized methods to bring down cost for design, construction and manufacturing
Zero energy building + renewable energy grid solutions such as microgrids, energy storage, virtual power plants
Successful passive retrofit solutions including manufactured component approaches such as panel systems
International climate-specific passive projects
QA/QC professional experiences in multiple building typologies

And much more!
Most sessions earn AIA and Phius CPHC® CEU credits.

Learn More & Register Here

Carbon and Energy Roundtable
2021-09-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Join the BE+ Carbon and Energy Roundtable, a venue for architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to discuss issues related to carbon and energy in buildings.
Reach out to communications@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.

Group Leadership:

Chairs to be announced…
Board Liason: Julie Janiski
Board Liason: Rebecca Hatchadorian

2021 Topics & Speakers

August - Let's Prep for DOER Input
Interested in sharing your thoughts on the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code? The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has just a year left to develop and promulgate the next MA stretch energy code. They are required to hold at least five public hearings throughout the state during the process yet have not released a schedule as of now. While we wait for the hearings to begin we want to proactively gather the Building Community to discuss priorities and recommendations.
This will be the first of monthly roundtables on Carbon and Energy. This month’s session will take place this Thursday, August 19, from 9-10am, and will focus on gathering input from Massachusetts building industry practitioners on the direction of the state’s Stretch Energy Code. We want to hear both your fears and hopes for the code.
BE+ invited IBPSA members, a community of energy modeling professionals in the Boston area, to attend and form a dedicated “breakout room” focused on the role of energy modeling in the Stretch Energy Code. Now is your chance to share testimonies on energy modeling requirements in the current code, and provide input on potential new directions for the code in the future.
Depending on attendance, we’ll have additional breakouts to gather thoughts on efficiency, electrification, renewables, and other.
The result of the breakout room discussions will be a letter drafted to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on behalf of Built Environment Plus and IBPSA Boston, summarizing the discussion.
BE+ members and IBPSA Boston members can sign up for Thursday’s session for free. People new to BE+’s roundtables without membership can also attend for free.

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members. Enter your email into the promo code field for 100% off.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.

Workforce Training Open House: Let’s Get You FREE Training $$$
2021-09-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-07-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Since 2018, Built Environment Plus has directed $1.2M of Workforce Training Funds to the MA green building community, which has provided FREE training for 800+ individuals. This education effort is driving sustainable and regenerative design, construction, and operations of the built environment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Come learn why participating in the NEW Express Program or existing General Program from the Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) is a smart move for you and the planet and see how Built Environment Plus is curating important training to meet the needs of the local building industry for this moment.
The WTFP is a program of MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Your Participation is Crucial
Built Environment Plus is committed to upholding our mission to promote, train, and advocate for all forms of sustainable and regenerative building from design, construction, and ongoing operations. We are focused on bringing relevant instruction to address the needs of the design, construction, and operations workforce in order to make this happen.
Businesses that participate in our offered training will develop industry leading skills in:

Integrative Design Planning and Strategies for High Performance Buildings
Current Green Design Standards
Green Building Rating Systems
Occupant Health & Wellness
Energy Efficiency & Carbon Management
Operations and Management of Green Buildings
Critical Leadership Thinking and Strategies
Business Operations Software and Tools
Building Industry Software and Tools

View our training catalogue to see some of the training that would be available to you!

Both Programs could fund up to 100% of your training!
The Express Program is designed to help businesses respond quickly to emerging needs and keep employees engaged. With bite-size grants for just-in-time training and no waiting periods between grants, Express is the Workforce Training Fund’s fastest path to funding. Join us and learn more about this opportunity. More information can be found on the Express Program Website.
All business sizes can get funding towards training, those with 100 or less employees in MA can get 100% covered up to $3K per person per course until $30k is reached for the calendar year, and those with more than 100 employees can get up to 50% covered up to the same amounts per calendar year.
With the General Program Businesses of any size in Massachusetts can apply for up to $250,000 of training in a 2-year period. BE+ works with companies to develop a curriculum to meet their business goals. This process begins with a training catalogue with nearly 200 courses. We write the application and then administer the grant on behalf of our clients. Companies then match the grant amount with the cost of employee time.
Making connections to green building experts through training instruction is a key perk in addition to gaining leading knowledge helping to advance our ability to create a healthy, equitable, and sustainable built environment.

The Workforce Training Fund is a state fund financed entirely by Massachusetts employers, and enacted into law in July 1998. Its purpose is to provide resources to Massachusetts businesses and workers to train current and newly hired employees.

“The Workforce Training Grant has supported Payette staff in learning new tools and skills that enables us to continue to push our designs in order to create better buildings.”
Andrea Love
Principal and Director of Building Science, Payette

“Utilizing this program for a series of whole office engagements around design excellence was a great boon to Goody Clancy because direct costs were completely covered. The workshops, led by Barbra Batshalom of the Sustainable Performance Institute, were a major step forward in ensuring that all members of the firm, including marketing, accounting, and support, understand the values and goals of our sustainability/design excellence framework plan.”
Lori Ferriss
Director of Sustainability and Climate Action, Goody Clancy

Net Zero Conference 2021
2021-09-13 - 2021-09-16 | Virtual Event
The Net Zero Conference is back, and Built Environment Plus is proud to announce that we’re an official Conference Partner! Join leaders in sustainability for Verdical Group’s 8th annual conference and expo—the largest in the world dedicated to net zero, decarbonization, and climate resilience. This year, they’re expanding their focus areas to create synergistic learning opportunities across industries. In addition to highlighting sustainability trends in buildings, energy, water, waste, and transit, NZ21 will feature content on agriculture, fashion, materials, personal care, and technology.
The virtual portion of NZ21—including educational sessions, keynotes, tours, our virtual Expo Hall, and more—will be hosted September 13 – 15, 2021. The in-person Expo Hall and Trailblazer Awards Gala will be presented on September 16, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. Learn more and register at www.netzeroconference.com.

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - HIGHER ED PERFORMING ARTS AND EDUCATION
2021-08-30 00:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around adaptive reuse for performing arts and education spaces! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about transforming existing buildings to host performances, arts education, and creative collaboration.

MIT Theater Artsdesigned by designLABfor MIT
Presenters:Sam Batchelor AIApartner, designLAB
Kelly Haigh AIApartner, designLAB
Additional presenters to be announced.
—
Middlesex Community College New Academic Arts Centerdesigned by Leers Weinzapfel Associatesfor Middlesex Community College
Presenters:Josiah Stevenson FAIAprincipal, Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Karen Osterchair of Performing Arts, Middlesex Community College
Additional presenters to be announced.
—
Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - RESIDENTIAL DESIGN
2021-08-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around smart and sustainable renovation of single-family homes. Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about weighing demolition and new construction versus continued use as well as bringing sustainable design to the residential level.

Presenters:Jonathan Kantarprincipal, Sage Builders
Rachel WhiteCEO, Byggmeister Design Build
—
Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Carbon and Energy Roundtable
2021-08-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Join the BE+ Carbon and Energy Roundtable, a venue for architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to discuss issues related to carbon and energy in buildings.
Reach out to communications@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.

Group Leadership:

Co-Chair: Joelle Jahn
Co-Chair: Stephen Moore
Board Liason: Julie Janiski
Board Liason: Rebecca Hatchadorian

Sponsors:

2022 Topics & Speakers

March - ASHRAE 209
Featured Leaders:
Chris Schaffner, Founder and President of The Green Engineer, Inc.
Julie Janiski, Partner at Buro Happold, BE+ Board Member
Samira Ahmadi, Founding Principal of enviENERGY Studio
Ben Brannon, Building Performance Engineer at Arup

February - BERDO + BEUDO
Featured Leaders:
Hannah Payne, Carbon Neutrality Program Manager at City of Boston
Seth Federspiel, Climate Program Manager at City of Cambridge

January - Electrifying Labs & Life Sciences
Featured Leaders:
Ari Greenberg, PE, LEED AP BD+C – Senior Associate, HVAC/Sustainable Design at BR+A
Andrew Wang, AIA, LEED AP – Senior Project Manager, Design at Related Beal
Matthew Fickett, AIA, CPHC, LEED – Director or Science and Technology at SGA

2021 Topics & Speakers

December - Schools
Featured Leaders:
Kimberly Cullinane – Supervisor, New Construction, Energy Efficiency at Eversource
Julia Nugent AIA, LEED BD+C – Principal at HMFH Architects
Martine Dion FAIA, LEED AP BD+C – Principal, Director of Sustainable Design at SMMA

November - Boston’s Zero Net Carbon Building Zoning

October - Current Events and Roundtable Planning
This month’s roundtable will start with a brief current events update on what has been happening locally and then we will open up the space for others to share or comment.
The majority of the roundtable will be spent actively engaging the group to understand what the future of this roundtable should look like. This space is for the community to have dedicated time to connect and work together on Carbon & Energy related issues and opportunities in the built environment.
BE+ members and IBPSA Boston members can sign up for the session for free. People new to BE+’s roundtables without membership can also attend for free.

August - Let's Prep for DOER Input
Interested in sharing your thoughts on the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code? The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) has just a year left to develop and promulgate the next MA stretch energy code. They are required to hold at least five public hearings throughout the state during the process yet have not released a schedule as of now. While we wait for the hearings to begin we want to proactively gather the Building Community to discuss priorities and recommendations.
This will be the first of monthly roundtables on Carbon and Energy. This month’s session will take place this Thursday, August 19, from 9-10am, and will focus on gathering input from Massachusetts building industry practitioners on the direction of the state’s Stretch Energy Code. We want to hear both your fears and hopes for the code.
BE+ invited IBPSA members, a community of energy modeling professionals in the Boston area, to attend and form a dedicated “breakout room” focused on the role of energy modeling in the Stretch Energy Code. Now is your chance to share testimonies on energy modeling requirements in the current code, and provide input on potential new directions for the code in the future.
Depending on attendance, we’ll have additional breakouts to gather thoughts on efficiency, electrification, renewables, and other.
The result of the breakout room discussions will be a letter drafted to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on behalf of Built Environment Plus and IBPSA Boston, summarizing the discussion.
BE+ members and IBPSA Boston members can sign up for Thursday’s session for free. People new to BE+’s roundtables without membership can also attend for free.

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.

Women in Green Roundtable
2021-08-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
The BE+ Women in Green Roundtable is a venue for architects, designers, construction managers, and sustainability professionals to collaborate as Women in the industry.
Reach out to womeningreen@builtenvironmentplus.org with any inquiries, questions, or concerns.
View the roundtable’s webpage

Group Leadership:

Chair / Moderator: Allison Zuchman, Senior Sustainability Consultant at The Green Engineer
Board Liason: Jenn Taranto, Director of Sustainability at STO Building Group
Board Liason: Kristen Fritsch, Sustainability Coordinator at Elkus Manfredi Architects

Topics & Featured Leaders

March 2022 - Owners and Real Estate Developers
This roundtable session will include leaders from the real estate development sector and higher education responsible for overseeing their organizations ESG initiatives, sustainable design, and green building certification projects. Learn about what led them to their current roles and what unique skills have made them successful. Learn how each are advancing sustainability efforts within their own organizations and within the building sector overall. Gain advice on working most effectively with developers and clients on your projects. Join us and bring your questions!

Featured Leaders:
Jenny Whitson – Director, Sustainability & ESG at IQHQ
Heather Henriksen – Managing Director, Office for Sustainability at Harvard University
Neetu Singh Siddarth – Sustainability Manager at Boston Properties
Randa Ghattas – Senior Sustainability Project Manager at MIT

2021 Topics
November 2021 – Construction Leaders
Of all people working construction, women comprise only 10.3 percent. This roundtable session will include women from Boston area construction companies including a Passive House specialist, a sustainability manager, and project managers. Learn what led them to work in this industry including how they moved into their current roles, what challenges they may face and what unique skills have made them successful.
Join us for this lively conversation and bring your questions!
Sustainable Leaders:

Kate Starr – Project Manager at Commodore Builders
Alex Testa – Project Manager at Siena Construction Company
Caroline Murray – SPD Senior Project Manager / Sustainability Manager at Turner Construction & SourceBlue Manager, Architectural Products

Moderator:

Jenn Taranto – Director of Sustainability, Global Services at STO Building Group

August 2021 – Building Performance Leaders
This roundtable session will include three building performance leaders including a founding principal of a woman-owned energy analysis and sustainable design consulting firm, a building performance analyst with experience working at both an engineering firm and currently a local sustainable design consulting firm, and a technical principal in a sustainability practice within one of the world’s leading engineering firms. Learn about what led them to their current technical roles and what unique skills have made them successful. Gain some advice if you are interested in pursuing energy analysis work, and learn how to most effectively work with analysts on your current projects. Join us and bring your questions!
Sustainable Leaders:

Samira Ahmadi – Founding Principal of enviENERGY Studio LLC
Jasmine Abdollahi – Building Performance Analyst at The Green Engineer
Joelle Jahn, Associate – Technical Principal at WSP USA

May 2021 – Sustainability Directors, Coordinator, Manager
This roundtable session we have three sustainable design practice leaders representing a small, medium and large-size design firm joining us to share about their roles and how they integrate sustainable design into their practices. If you are interested in learning about sustainable design topics and practices that are gaining the most ground in their firms currently, getting advice on how to establish a role or how to be a sustainability champion in your firm, getting firm leadership on board and how to implement strategies, join us and bring your questions!
Sustainable Leaders:

Kate Bubriski – Director of Sustainability & Building Performance at Arrowstreet
Alison Nash – Architect and Sustainability Practice Leader at DiMella Shaffer
Kristen Fritsch – Sustainability Coordinator at Elkus Manfredi Architects

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - MISSION-DRIVEN WORKPLACES
2021-08-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around adaptive reuse for mission-driven workplaces! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about making existing buildings viable workplaces for innovators looking toward the future.

The Swift Factorydesigned by Bruner/Cottfor Community Solutions
Presenters:Jason Jewhurst AIApartner + principal, Bruner/Cott
Todd McCabeproject executive+ vice president of Project Services, Consigli
Additional presenters to be announced.
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Greentown Labsdesigned by Silverman Trykowski Associatesfor Greentown Labs
Presenters:David Silverman AIAprincipal, Silverman Trykowski Associates
Additional presenters to be announced.
—
Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here

Pathways to Low Carbon Buildings in Somerville
2021-08-11 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
Somerville’s overlay zoning requirements can be met with Passive House or Zero Carbon. Learn about how it works.
The City of Somerville has adopted new requirements for high performance buildings in a number of Zoning Overlay Districts in the City. Passive House certification and ILFI’s Zero Carbon certification are two of the key pathways to meeting these requirements.
This discussion will start with a presentation by Oliver Seller-Garcia from the City of Somerville about how the requirements work and what they are attempting to achieve. Oliver will be followed by Aaron Gunderson from Passive House Mass and Jacob Bloom from Cambridge Seven to talk about Passive House and Zero Carbon certifications.
Most of the time in this discussion will be spent on open discussion and questions about how these pathways work, what are the issues, and what are the benefits. This discussion should be valuable for developers and designers, as well as municipal regulators and stakeholders.

Working Agenda:

Introduction to the Built Environment Plus and the Living Future Collaborative;
Oliver Sellers-Garcia will talk about the City of Somerville pathways to high performance in the Zoning Overlay District;
Aaron Gunderson will describe Passive House certification and how it fits into the Somerville requirements;
Jacob Bloom will describe ILFI’s Zero Carbon certification and how it fits into Somerville’s requirements;
An open discussion of the requirements and pathways facilitated by Living Future Collaborative Co-Facilitator Jim Newman.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the zoning requirements for Somerville Zoning Overlay Districts
Experience the value of pursuing the Passive House and Zero Carbon pathways to high performance buildings
Develop an approach for your organization to meet Somerville’s requirements
Refine your thinking through discussion with other experts

Oliver Sellers-Garcia
Speaker
Oliver is the Director of Sustainability and Environment at City of Somerville. After ten years of consulting in urban planning, sustainability, and finance, Oliver now leads a multidisciplinary government agency responsible for addressing climate change in New England’s most densely populated city.

Aaron Gunderson
Speaker
Aaron is the Executive Director of Passive House Massachusetts, overseeing member engagement, public outreach, educational programing, and organizational administration. He is a Certified Passive House Tradesperson and an accredited LEED professional.

Jacob Bloom
Speaker
Jacob Bloom is a Living Future Ambassador and Associate at CambridgeSeven, a Cambridge-based interdisciplinary architecture and design firm. Working with owners, developers, and the community, Jacob designs projects to be culturally, ecologically, and financially responsible.

Jim Newman
Host / Facilitator
Jim is founder and Principal at Linnean Solutions, and also is a co-facilitator of the Living Future Collaborative New England here at Built Environment Plus.

DiAnn Tufts
Co-Facilitator
DiAnn is an Associate and the Director of Sustainability at PCA, and also a co-facilitator of the Living Future Collaborative New England here at Built Environment Plus.

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SCHOLARSHIP FORM

Don't let cost keep you from participating. Scholarships for our events and trainings are provided by our friends at the R.W. Kern Center. Apply for free admission.

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Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - K-12 SCHOOLS
2021-08-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around adaptive reuse and renovation for K-12 schools! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about making space for these essential learning places.

Eliot Innovation Schooldesigned by Finegold Alexander Architectsfor Boston Public Schools
Presenters:Rebecca Berry AIAprincipal + president, Finegold Alexander Architects
Christopher Lane AIAprincipal, Finegold Alexander Architects
Traci Griffith Walkerprincipal, Eliot Innovation School
—
Additional presenters to be announced.
—
Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Emerging Professionals Summer Picnic
2021-08-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Gallagher Park, 140 Kenrick St, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135, United States
Hey you! Yes, you! What’s your sustainability passion? We want to know!
Join us for EPMA’s Annual Summer Picnic where we’ll be talking about all things sustainability from professional projects to personal lifestyles and goals!
After a long year of virtual events, we are excited to be re-uniting to enjoy some fresh air, green grass, good company, and conversation! We’ve chosen the beautiful and relaxing Chandler Pond/Gallagher Park to enjoy peaceful waterside comradery; our own hidden oasis in the city!
Paradise as it may be, we want to exercise caution in light of the continued impacts of Covid-19, so we will be encouraging social distancing, wearing a mask covering your nose and mouth, and respecting the boundaries of other attendees!
We will also be asking that you bring your own blanket or chair and your favorite snacks!

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and when:
1PM- 1:45 PM: Folks arriving, introductions
1:45PM – 2:30PM: Break off into groups of 3 or 4 to discuss your passions and experiences while meeting new people and reconnecting with your buddies! Rotate groups every 15 minutes
2:30PM – 3:15PM: Return to the large group and share the different aspects of sustainability that came up, as well as anything you learned from your break-out groups
3:15PM – 3:45PM: Mingle! Did you start a conversation you wanted to return to? Is there someone you haven’t had the chance to meet and want to introduce yourself? Now’s the time!
3:45PM – 4PM: Wrap-up and thank you for attending!

Location Notes:
Chandler Pond/Gallagher Park – 144 Kenrick St, Boston, MA 02135
We will likely be set up somewhere along the paved path to the west of the pond.
There are no restrooms on site, attendees should plan accordingly, there is free street parking on-site however. It is about a 15 minute walk North of the Boston College T stop

This event was planned, and is hosted, by the BE+ Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts (EPMA) Committee
This event is FREE for BE+ EPMA Members and Emerging Professionals who have been in the green building industry for 3 years or less.

Living Future Roundtable: Carbon Mitigation at Scale
2021-08-03 09:30 - 10:30 | Virtual Event
We will look at carbon from the large scale and in terms of circular economic principles.
The Roundtable will kick off with a couple of short (5 minute) presentations on carbon mitigation actions and regulations at the state and city levels, followed by a short overview of how circular economic principles can serve to support carbon mitigation efforts. This is all followed by a roundtable discussion.
This is unique opportunity to discuss decarbonization strategies with representatives from the City of Boston and the State.

SPEAKERS
Jim Newman, Principal, Linnean Solutions
DiAnn Tufts and Jim Newman are co-facilitators of the New England Living Future Collaborative. Both are Living Future Ambassadors.

AGENDA

Speaker from the City of Boston office of Energy and Environment
Speaker from the Massachusetts Decarbonization Roadmap team
Jim Newman will present the principles and an example of circular economy
Open roundtable discussion of where to put our efforts.

*Roundtables are FREE for Built Environment Plus Members. Enter your email into the promo code field for 100% off.
**New to the Roundtables? Join as a Newcomer, and come visit up to 3 times for FREE. After that, consider becoming a BE+ Member, or purchase general admission to return as you like.
Our members support our close-knit community of passionate practitioners. Join us in transforming the built environment to sustainable design practices.
Benefits for all membership types are the same with a few exceptions, including free admission to events like this, and a minimum 15% discount on other events. Please note corporate membership with USGBC National is NOT the same as individual membership with Built Environment Plus. Not sure if you are a member of BE+? Check here.

Built Environment Plus’s Living Future Collaborative New England promotes the Living Building Challenge and other ILFI programs. The Collaborative promotes the transformation of communities throughout Boston and New England that are socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Learn more about the Collaborative and the International Living Future Institute here.

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - COMMERCIAL WORKPLACES AND MIXED-USE
2021-08-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around adaptive reuse for commercial workplaces! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about developer-driven workplace projects.

Congress Squaredesigned by Arrowstreetfor Related Beal
Presenters:Kate Bubriski AIAdirector of Sustainability & Building Performance, Arrowstreet
Amy Korte AIApresident, Arrowstreet
Additional presenters to be announced.
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Post @ 200 Smithdesigned by CBTfor Anchor Line Partners
Presenters:Maren Reepmeyer AIAprincipal, CBT
Additional presenters to be announced.
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Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - MULTIFAMILY HOUSING
2021-07-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around multifamily existing building work! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about senior living and affordable housing.

Mystic Waterworksdesigned by DiMella Shafferfor Somerville Housing Authority
Presenters:Brian Langtondirector of Modernization, Somerville Housing Authority
Frank Valdez AIAprincipal, DiMella Shaffer
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Arlington Pointdesigned by ICON Architecture
Presenters:Bethany Moody AIAproject architect, ICON Architecture
Additional presenters to be announced.
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Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Dangers of PFAS Chemicals in the Built Environment
2021-07-21 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
BE IN THE KNOW

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of thousands of chemicals that are found in a wide range of building products, including roofing, paints and coatings, sealants, caulks, adhesives, fabrics and more. PFAS provide desirable functions such as weatherproofing, corrosion prevention, lubrication, friction reduction, and grease and water resistance, but they don’t break down, and can bioaccumulate in the soil, water, and even in living things. Health studies of some PFAS show them to be hazardous to humans, with documented effects including kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, liver disease, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems.
A recently released report, “Building a Better World: Eliminating Unnecessary PFAS in Building Materials” by researchers at the Green Science Policy Institute, provides an introduction to this class of chemicals, and shows they’re ubiquitous in products used in our sector. The good news is that work done by the AEC community over the last decade to drive the market toward healthier materials has resulted in a plethora of transparency labels and optimized products, so the transformation framework needed to accelerate the reduction of PFAS in building products is in place. Regulations, on both the state and federal level, are also under development, and when enacted, should provide a clear signal to manufacturers to eliminate PFAS in certain consumer products, and develop safer alternatives.
The goal of the session is to help all interested parties understand where PFAS might be found, develop strategies to eliminate them in their work, and illuminate the long term efforts needed to identify safer alternatives for use in buildings. In addition to presentations by experts, small group sessions will be used to ensure everyone has an opportunity to engage and increase their understanding.
Prior to the workshop: It is recommended participants review the Green Science Policy Institute Report on this page, as well as, the video on the hazards of PFAS.

This event is approved for the following continuing education credits:

1.5 LU/HSW AIA credits
1.5 General LFA CE credits

Working Agenda:

Welcome by BE+ Clean Water Action
Introduction – Integrated Ecostrategy
Overview of the Problem – Green Science Policy Institute
#1: Prioritization
#2: Action
Closing

Speakers:

Meredith Elbaum, Executive Director of Built Environment Plus
Laura Spark, Sr. Policy Advocate at Clean Water Action (MA)
Hannah Ray, Ph.D, Science and Policy Fellow at Green Science Policy Institute
Charley Stevenson, Principal at Integrated Eco Strategy

Learning Objectives:

Understand the basics of perfluorinated chemicals and how they function in building products.
Begin to identify PFAS in your scope of influence–in the products you make, specify, and/or purchase.
Develop an action plan for identifying PFAS in products in whatever space you practice.
Develop strategies for eliminating PFAS in your work and the wider building community.

Alternative Title: Addressing PFAS in the Built Environment for Public and Environmental Health

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Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting
2021-07-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-06-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
*EPMA meetings are being hosted virtually until further notice.

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS OF MASSACHUSETTS (EPMA) The EPMA Committee is a great venue for becoming more engaged with the green building community and forming meaningful connections with colleagues across the industry. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming more involved.
TYPICAL MEETING AGENDA: The meeting starts with a 45 minute discussion with the committee leaders regarding planning for upcoming EPMA events and BE+ updates. All are welcome to this portion of the meeting as we look for volunteers to help plan events. Please join us at 6:45pm for the presentation and networking. Below is the breakdown of the meeting agenda:

6:00-6:40pm: Committee Meeting
6:40-6:45pm: Break/Introductions
6:45-7:20pm: Presentation
7:20-7:30pm: Networking

MEETING ACCESS: https://zoom.us/j/95860673399?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 958 6067 3399Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)Meeting ID: 958 6067 3399Passcode: [REDACTED] your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ab8QDwbcWc
A BIT MORE ABOUT EPMA: The Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts (EPMA) Committee is a community of ascending professionals across the green building industry and allied fields that provides professional support, development and advocacy tools through active networking, monthly programming and community events. To learn more about EPMA, join the mailing list by following this link (select the Emerging Professionals e-mail list), visit our EPMA facebook group page (Built Environment Plus Emerging Professionals – MA) or send an email to emergingprofessionals@builtenvironmentplus.org.
EPMA Events Include:

Building Tours
Sustainable Bike Tour
Networking Nights
Neighborhood Clean-Ups
Student Programming

Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings - STUDENT LIFE
2021-07-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Register with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA)

Build the will around higher education existing building work! Join a presentation and interactive discussion with designer-and-client teams about projects at Boston University and Emerson College.

The Little Buildingdesigned by Elkus Manfredi Architectsfor Emerson College
Presenters:Ross Cameron RIBAvice president, Elkus Manfredi Architects
Margaret Ingsinterim vice president for Government & Community Relations, Emerson College
Michelle Lambertfounding principal, Lambert Sustainability
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Alan and Sherry Leventhal Centerdesigned by Goody Clancyfor Boston University
Presenters:Dennis Carlberg AIAdirector of Sustainability, Boston University
Lori Ferriss AIAdirector of Sustainability and Climate Action, Goody Clancy
Arjun Mande AIAassociate principal, Goody Clancy
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Interested in the rest of the Matter & Opinion: Existing Buildings series? Learn more here.

Emerging Professionals Book Club: The Drawdown Review
2021-07-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
The Emerging Professionals invite you to a book club discussion of the Drawdown Review. Let’s gather together to discuss these critical climate solutions and our reactions, feelings, and thoughts. This event will be a chance to chat with friends over a good and important book.
The Drawdown Review is the follow up publication to the initial Drawdown Review published by the Drawdown Project. These books address research and strategies to reach a “drawdown” point where the levels of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere start to decline instead of increase. The Drawdown Review is an update to the original which represents nimble and timely updates to research and analysis of climate solutions.
The Drawdown Review is FREE to download here
Can’t finish the reading material in time for the event? Don’t Fret! We will start our discussion with a recap to get everyone on the same page. All are welcome. No qualifications for participation are required!

This event was planned, and is hosted, by the BE+ Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts (EPMA) Committee
This event is FREE for BE+ EPMA Members and Emerging Professionals who have been in the green building industry for 3 years or less.
