Just Transition - The Water We Swim In

Lisa Richmond, Hon. AIA, (Former) Executive Director, AIA Seattle + Design in Public, and Meghan Lewis, Senior Researcher, Carbon Leadership Forum, University of Washington, introduce us to the upstream and downstream impacts of decarbonization and how equity and social justice impact a transition to clean energy sources, materials, and processes.

Kristen Dotson, Assoc. AIA, Sustainability Services Director, The Miller Hull Partnership, and Brent Davies, Vice President, Forests and Ecosystem Services, Ecotrust, then discuss some of the upstream impacts of the built environment including how “Climate-Smart Forestry” and the complexities of timber sourcing aim to balance ecosystem health with strong local economies.

After viewing this course, you will understand how a massive mobilization of labor and resources are often locked into systems and processes that either prioritize equitable advancement or sustain the current systemic oppressions and privileges that have been in place for generations.

Presenter:
Lisa Richmond, Hon. AIA, Meghan Lewis, Kristen Dotson, Assoc. AIA, Brent Davies

Just Transition - Building as a Public Benefit?

This session explores the downstream impacts of decarbonization, focusing on how the shift to reducing emissions influences equity, community health, and community wellbeing. Moderator Amarpreet Sethi, Assoc. AIA, Enviro, introduces how buildings can serve as public benefit rather than perpetuating the inequities that pervade our current structures.

Clyde Abrahamson, Development Manager, Spokane Indian Housing Authority, then presents a case study “Children of the Sun Solar Initiative” that highlights the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ vision to lower its carbon footprint, reduce energy cost and become more energy self-reliant.

Miquel Maestas. Housing and Economic Development Director, El Centro De La Raza, presents a case study of “The Center of People of All Races” that inspires us to design buildings that benefit the public.

Jamie Stroble, Co-Chair, Seattle Planning Commission; Founder & EJ Educator, Noio Pathways Capacity Building, presents examples of project-based considerations for climate, health and equity co-benefits.

A short, insightful panel discussion explores how the shift to reducing emissions influences equity, community health, and community wellbeing.

Presenter:
Amarpreet Sethi, Assoc. AIA, Clyde Abrahamson, Miquel Maestas and Jamie Stroble

Just Transition - Upstream and Downstream Impacts of Decarbonization

Moderator Daniel Glenn, AIA, Principal, 7 Directions Architects/Planners and a Native American architect, sets the stage by posing the question: “How can building professionals and their clients respond to the impacts of decarbonization?”

Eileen V. Quigley, Executive Director of the Clean Energy Transition Institute, discusses applying the five pillars of deep decarbonization in Washington State to help accelerate the path to zero-carbon buildings.

Jonathan Heller, President, Ecotope, Inc. takes us on a deep dive into the world of electrification and illustrates how clean energy options were incorporated into several buildings in the Pacific Northwest.

Anyeley Hallova, an equity & sustainability-focused real estate developer, presents a case study of the Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, and how the design and process helped achieve its aggressive equity and sustainability goals.

Presenter:
Daniel Glenn, AIA, Eileen V. Quigley, Jonathan Heller, Anyeley Hallova

Just Transition - Building Equity, Now!

In this passionate keynote, Carlton Eley, Regional Equity Initiative Manager for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, explores the groundswell of activity that is compelling communities to "find their true North." He explores equitable development as an approach for meeting the needs of underserved communities through projects, programs, and/or policies that reduce disparities while fostering places that are healthy, vibrant and diverse. As Mr. Eley explains, the equity challenge in the built environment rises above false choices, encourages curiosity and requires design professionals, planners, local governments and the public to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Mr. Eley is introduced by Rico Quirindongo, AIA, Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development, who emphasizes how we must keep equity, community health, economic stability, and social context in mind as we transition to a more sustainable built environment.

Presenter:
Rico Quirindongo, AIA, Interim Director, Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development, and Carlton Ely, Regional Equity Initiative Manager for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission