Past Event Summary April 28th

Held on April 28th at Brickworks Design Studios in NYC, we had three panels that focused on topics that are top of mind. Common themes from all three panels included the importance of collaboration and risk management with stakeholders on each level and contribution for true progress towards a more sustainable industry. Recordings of the first two panels will be made available in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, due to an AV issue, the third panel was not recorded successfully. We had approximately 70 attendees, including speakers.

Our first panel focused on Sustainability and was called Whole Carbon Approach to Facades. Moderator Laura Karnath kicked off the discussion, positioning the importance of cross-industry collaboration. Panelists Sigal Shemesh, Tali Mejicovsky, and Andrea Zani presented examples of studies and actions of their firms. The discussion kicked off with discussing strategies to incorporate whole-life carbon into decision-making as well as dealing with uncertainty when considering embodied carbon.

The second panel explored the process and challenges of developing Innovative Materials and bringing them to market, including identifying appropriate projects and clients. Moderator Kat Chan positioned the panel to discuss challenges and parallels among the experiences of the panelists Lisa Rammig, Michael Engelmann, and Steven Sorrentino. Looking ahead, finding collaborators in owners is not only imperative for innovative materials or innovative uses of materials but also for addressing how to reuse and recycle materials past their useful lifetime.

The last panel, Globalization and Procurement, moderated by Teel Riggs explored the supply chain, the effects of the pandemic on procurement, and impacts of specified finishes and products through panelist presentations and discussions from Stephen Katz, Eleonora Tonelli, Michael Signorile. Discussions touched upon the importance of mock ups and tracking for carbon accounting and also risk management (which here includes increases of cost and time).

Thank you to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors formaking this event possible! This event was sponsored by Permasteelisa, Walter PMoore, Focchi, Arup, and Eckersley O’Callaghan.

Please scroll down for speaker and additional panel information.