EMPA Event Recap: Virtual Summer Picnic

Written by Kiersten Washle

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The evening of July 9th everyone gathered round their computers to enjoy a virtual summer picnic with several guest speakers to discuss ideas around the theme of “How to Green Your Life.”

The first guest speaker, Sarah Oakes, spoke about how she vermicomposts in her backyard. She shared some practical tips for how anyone can compost, even without a backyard. For instance, she suggested keeping compostable scraps in a bag in your freezer until you can drop them off at a compost point.  

The second speaker, Thea, discussed her goal of having a wardrobe that isn’t environmentally harmful. She has developed a vetting practice for the brands she works with and purchases from to make sure they have truly sustainable practices versus greenwashed marketing. Check out her YouTube channel here

The last speaker, Prachi Dhavale, showed us how she created her own urban garden on a petit apartment balcony. Her space featured many brightly colored flowers and edible plants as well as a hummingbird feeder to really bring a touch of nature to an otherwise completely urban apartment. Check out more on her instagram @theperennialgreenlab

From these speakers and the conversations thereafter, here are some ideas on how to be more sustainable in your own life:

  • Compost
  • Avoid single use coffee cups by bringing your own or asking for your drink to be “for here” 
  • Air drying your clothes rather than using a dryer
  • Purchasing food with as little packaging as possible
  • Try growing your own food, some vegetables can be grown from scraps
  • Walk instead of drive
  • Shop locally
  • Use things until their end of life

Lastly, be sure to join us at the next EMPA meeting to get to know like-minded young professionals and grow the sustainable network!

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts (EPMA) Committee is a community of ascending professionals cross the green building industry and allied fields helping drive sustainable and regenerative design, construction and operation of the built environment. The committee provides professional support, development and advocacy tools through active networking, monthly programming and community events.

Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting

** This month’s EPMA meeting will now be hosted virtually in response to the increasing spread of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19. A Google Hangouts invite will be sent through the EPMA newsletter and to registered attendees on Eventbrite. **

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS OF MASSACHUSETTS (EPMA)

The EPMA Committee is a great venue for becoming more engaged with green building community and forming meaningful connections with colleagues across the industry. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming more involved.

MEETING AGENDAS TYPICALLY INCLUDE: The meeting starts with a 45 minute discussion with the committee leaders regarding planning for upcoming EPMA events and USGBC MA Chapter 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

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE PRESENTATION:

Stay tuned for an update on the presentation!a

A BIT MORE ABOUT EPMA:

Chairs: Lindsey MachamerJasmine Abdollahi

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 (USGBC Emerging Professionals – MA) or send an email to emergingprofessionals@usgbcma.org.

EPMA Events Include:

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

Check out our calendar for the latest schedule!

Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting

Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS OF MASSACHUSETTS (EPMA)

The EPMA Committee is a great venue for becoming more engaged with green building community and forming meaningful connections with colleagues across the industry. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming more involved.

MEETING AGENDAS TYPICALLY INCLUDE: The meeting starts with a 45 minute discussion with the committee leaders regarding planning for upcoming EPMA events and USGBC MA Chapter 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

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE PRESENTATION:

Stay tuned for an update on the presentation!a

A BIT MORE ABOUT EPMA:

Chairs: Lindsey MachamerJasmine Abdollahi

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 (USGBC Emerging Professionals – MA) or send an email to emergingprofessionals@usgbcma.org.

EPMA Events Include:

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

Check out our calendar for the latest schedule!

Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting

Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Meeting

EMERGING PROFESSIONALS OF MASSACHUSETTS (EPMA)

The EPMA Committee is a great venue for becoming more engaged with green building community and forming meaningful connections with colleagues across the industry. Our monthly meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming more involved.

MEETING AGENDAS TYPICALLY INCLUDE: The meeting starts with a 45 minute discussion with the committee leaders regarding planning for upcoming EPMA events and USGBC MA Chapter 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

THIS MONTH’S FEATURE PRESENTATION:

Stay tuned for an update on the presentation!a

A BIT MORE ABOUT EPMA:

Chairs: Lindsey MachamerJasmine Abdollahi

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 (USGBC Emerging Professionals – MA) or send an email to emergingprofessionals@usgbcma.org.

EPMA Events Include:

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

Check out our calendar for the latest schedule!

EPMA Presentation Recap: Prefab Architecture

Written by Oliver Bautista and Lindsey Machamer

Oliver presents on Prefab Architecture in front of USGBC MA's Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts group.
Oliver presents on Prefab Architecture during November’s Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts meeting.

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With the October presentation we had Oliver Bautista, Designer III at Turkel Design, explain the exciting features of Prefab Architecture. The presentation began with an explanation of the definition of ‘prefab’ in architecture and the different types that exist.

Oliver’s presentation centered on modular homes built in components, in this case wall panels, and how the process works from the Schematic Design phase through the built core shell assembly. The process begins with the selection of either a standard home design, a modified standard home design, or a custom home design; the choice depends on client needs and site conditions.

Simulated design of prefab architecture
Simulated design of Prefab Architecture

During the presentation, Oliver explained the advantages of doing prefab, from the components built in a controlled environment to reductions made to the construction schedule. The sample project shown during the presentation displayed a timeline of one hundred days to complete the core shell assembly, which was elevated with piers due to a high flood elevation line. The two story single family residence was delivered in flatbed trucks and assembled on site; the visuals shown explained how a small crew was able to put together a fantastic home in a short period of time, along with the flexibility and quality prefab can bring to Architecture.