| Session | Title | CE Hours | |
| 8:00am | 1A | The Road to LEED and WELLv2 Certification: Successes and Lessons from The Ohio State University’s Jane E. Heminger Hall. (MA Design, The Ohio State University, Karpinski Engineering, Ruscilli Construction) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) WELL (pending) |
| 1B | Building Culture Through Sustainable Hotel Design OR Green Hotels as Community Change Makers (Greenluxe, Inc.) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 1C | Nature-Based Retrofitting: Enhancing Built Environments for
(Next Nature) | 1 GBCI CE (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 9:20 am | 2A | Experience Design for the Sonic Environment (IMEG) | 1 GBCI CE (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) |
| 2B | An Urban Hillside Home Case Study: Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Residential Solutions (Urban Green Design) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C and HOMES (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 2C | Catalyzing Change: A City Park Building Community and Environmental Sustainability (SmithGroup) | 1 GBCI CE (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 12pm | Keynote | CMH > NEXT (Scott Hurst with Gensler and Jonathan Moody with Moody Nolan) | 1 GBCI CE (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) |
| 1:30pm | 3A | The JAK: Making a difference (DLZ Architecture) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) |
| 3B | Sustainability in the design and construction of critical facilities: Collections Care Facility, Ohio History Connection (EA Energy Solutions) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 3C | Designing for Density: Advancing Equitable, Sustainable Growth Through Zoning and Transit in Ohio (MA Design / NOMA Columbus, All Aboard Ohio, City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
| 3:00pm | 4A | A LEED and Net Zero Energy story: The process behind bringing the Countryside Municipal Complex to LEED and Net Zero Energy certification (Dewberry) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) 1 WELL (pending) |
| 4B | An Integrated Approach to Climate-Ready Design (Moody Nolan, MKSK) | 1 GBCI LEED specific BD+C / ND (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
4C | Understanding the On-Site Solar Process through Lessons Learned with the City of Columbus
(Go Sustainable Energy and City of Columbus) | 1 GBCI CE (pending) 1 AIA LU / HSW (pending) | |
MA Design
Jessica Glorius-Dangelo is the Sustainability Manager at MA Design, where she leads sustainability initiatives and integrates sustainable and healthy building strategies across projects. A recognized leader in sustainable design and wellness, she has spoken at events like Design Columbus, Rebuild, and USGBC’s Women in Green. With credentials including AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, LFA, and SITES AP, Jessica is dedicated to advancing sustainability in the built environment.
MA Design
Ken Cleaver, a Registered Architect and Studio Lead at MA Design, specializes in transformative Higher Education and Community projects. With expertise in master planning, adaptive reuse, and innovative project delivery, he brings strategic vision and collaborative leadership to every stage of design and construction. As Project Manager for the Jane E. Heminger Hall project, Ken is known for creating impactful spaces that inspire and connect communities.
The Ohio State University
Lau
rel Van Dromme, MA, is the Chief of Strategic Partnerships & Special Projects for the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer at The Ohio State University. She leads national collaborations to promote health and well-being in higher education, including managing the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities and launching initiatives like the Check Your Stress website. Laurel oversaw the design, construction, and WELLv2 certification of Jane E. Heminger Hall and brings over 13 years of experience at Ohio State, with prior roles at Arizona State University and two major hospitals.
Karpinski Engineering
Kris Peterson is a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer at Karpinski Engineering with over a decade of experience specializing in educational facilities. He excels in designing mechanical and plumbing systems for K-12 and collegiate campuses, integrating constructability and phasing considerations to meet client objectives. A Member of ASHRAE and a licensed Professional Engineer, Kris is known for his hands-on approach, thorough problem-solving, and dedication to delivering effective, client-focused solutions.
Ruscilli Construction
As Vice President of Operations at Ruscilli, Mr. Beal oversees field operations, providing administrative support and management for select projects. He reviews bids, assists with staffing, manages budgets, and monitors project costs and schedules in collaboration with project teams, clients, and architects. Known for his strategic recommendations on materials and construction systems, Mr. Beal ensures projects align with client needs and objectives.
A multidisciplinary panel shares successes and lessons learned from achieving dual LEEDv4 and WELLv2 certifications at The Ohio State’s Jane E. Heminger Hall.
Explore the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from integrating LEEDv4 and WELLv2 certifications in the design and construction of Jane E. Heminger Hall at The Ohio State University. This session will highlight how the project team collaborated to balance certification requirements with institutional goals while creating a health-promoting, sustainable space. Attendees will gain insights into the innovative design elements that were implemented, and how they contributed to achieving dual certifications.
Through a panel discussion featuring perspectives from architecture, sustainability, university administration, engineering, and construction, this session will provide actionable insights into navigating the complexities of dual certifications. Learn how the team managed documentation, overcame challenges like staff turnover, and implemented strategies for maintaining continuity over a multi-year timeline. Attendees will leave equipped with practical approaches to pursuing LEED and WELL certifications while creating spaces that advance health, sustainability, and well-being.
Greenluxe Inc.
Amy Wald founded Greenluxe Inc. after her experience in cruise ship operations revealed the pressing need for sustainable hospitality and tourism practices. Her professional foundation combines degrees in Sustainable Business and Wildlife Management from The Ohio State University, along with industry-recognized certifications from LEED, ISSP, GSTC, and WELL.
Her research spans global markets, including focused study of successful ecotourism models in Southeast Asia. This hands-on experience, combined with her background in hospitality operations, sales, and marketing, provides practical insights into implementing sustainable practices that align with business objectives.
As a sustainability advisor, industry speaker, and co-creator of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, Amy works with hotel properties to develop and implement certification-aligned environmental strategies that meet global standards. Her approach drives measurable outcomes: improved operational efficiency and cost reductions, increased asset values, enhanced guest satisfaction, and stronger team engagement. Through Greenluxe Inc., she guides hospitality businesses in creating authentic sustainability cultures that deliver immediate business results; while building a legacy of positive environmental and social impact in order to align with the demands of today’s traveler.
Join us to discover how sustainable hotel design transforms hospitality workplace culture and positions Ohio as a destination leader.
Discover how LEED certified hotels drive positive change beyond their walls. From creating vibrant community partnerships to fostering biodiversity and employee engagement, learn how sustainable hospitality design builds lasting impact while strengthening brand loyalty. With hospitality employing 1 in 10 people globally, we’re transforming hotel stays into catalysts for good.
Next Nature
As a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Gavin Switzer founded Next Nature to address environmental challenges using nature-based solutions. With a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Kent State University and years of experience in ecological restoration, he specializes in prairie restoration, reforestation, and stream and wetland restoration. He designed the native landscape for The Boston Mill Visitor Center which was selected for the Outstanding Restoration of Historic Structures Award from the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland.
This presentation explores how a nature-based retrofit at The Wilderness Center transformed an existing building into a thriving bird habitat and stormwater treatment system, showcasing scalable solutions for ecological and community impact.
This presentation highlights the transformative power of nature-based solutions in retrofitting built environments. Focusing on a project completed at The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, Ohio, it details the conversion of an existing building into a vibrant bird habitat and stormwater management system. Through the integration of a series of streams, a two-tiered wetland system, and native plantings, the project not only enhanced biodiversity but also demonstrated the effectiveness of a natural treatment train in managing stormwater runoff from the site’s downspouts. The result is a functional, sustainable design that improves ecological health while serving as a model for similar retrofits.
Attendees will gain insight into the design and implementation process, including the challenges of integrating ecological systems with existing structures and the innovative solutions developed to overcome them. The presentation will also explore the measurable environmental and community benefits of the project, offering inspiration and practical guidance for professionals looking to incorporate sustainability into their own work.
Ryan is a Project Executive and Acoustics and Audiovisual Consultant at IMEG. He works with management, clients, suppliers, contractors, architects, and engineers to define and achieve the acoustics and vibration goals of the project. With his expertise in project management, Ryan focuses on project requirements and reference documents, industry standards, application guides from each engineering discipline, and applicable local, state and federal regulations. Once the requirements are known, he monitors the development of the project’s Site, Architectural, Interior, Engineering and Structural acoustics and vibration systems; analyzing how each system interacts to affect the ability of the whole project to meet acoustics and vibration goals. Ryan’s has expert knowledge working in higher education, arts and culture, commercial, government, and hospitality industries. His experience with performing arts design, building service noise analysis, room acoustic modeling and calculations, public address and audiovisual systems design provides valuable insight for projects. He strives to implement integrated acoustic solutions into the design using innovative tools and techniques.
Realizing a successful project in the built environment requires many different specialists on a design team. Their product is often drawings and specifications that clearly communicate the quality of the system, performance, and it’s experience. However, the expected outcomes from specialty areas like acoustics and audiovisual systems are often not clearly obvious. In the post-Covid era, the awareness of our acoustic environment and the integration of technology has been elevated. To create predictable environments and establish a clear understanding across the design team, Owner, and Builder experiential design processes and tools need to be leveraged that can preview the sonic environment. This presentation will explore how technology can aid in connecting the human experience within the acoustic and audiovisual design process to enhance inclusive design, wellness, and emotive experiences in the built environment.
Urban Green Design Ltd.
With over two-decades of experience in architecture and construction, Jeremy Schlicher is a progressive thinking Architect specializing in innovation, sustainability, and affordable design across typologies. He holds a BS Arch and M Arch from the University of Cincinnati, is NCARB Certified, and a LEED AP. His work has won notable competitions and awards, has been certified at the highest levels of sustainability, and he has presented on sustainability and affordability. Jeremy founded Urban Green Design Ltd. to provide distinctive, sustainable solutions, leveraging his diverse experiences to foster strong relationships, and approach projects from multiple user perspectives.
Exploring a complex urban site with an in-depth look into the design and construction methodologies of one of the highest scoring LEED v4.1 Platinum homes in Ohio.
Housing has taken on a central focus lately in lack of availability, affordability, and sustainability with urban density and infill development getting much closer looks as promising solutions. In this session, you will hear about the challenges and benefits of urban sites, and one project’s innovative solutions to provide a holistically sustainable home to the owner. You will hear in detail about the home’s approach to energy and water efficiency, IEQ, site development, materials, prefabricated construction and waste management, and passive design to achieve one of the highest scoring LEED v4.1 Residential Single-Family projects with a score of 88 points and Platinum certification.
Through this case study, we will discuss the tight urban infill hillside residential site, and its added layers of zoning code, difficult geotechnical conditions, and logistical difficulties as well as the design strategies used to mitigate those demands. The presentation will also detail the innovation in design and construction strategies for a residential project such as the use of prefabricated structural insulated and glue laminated timber panels and beams, cool roof and siding materials, on-site stormwater management, and a fully non-ducted HVAC system. The end result is a home that exceeds expectations in design quality, and environmental, social, and economic holistic sustainability.
Associate, SmithGroup
Brandon Woodle, an associate landscape architect at SmithGroup, is passionate about connecting people to the natural environment, their communities, and each other. His work has focused on creating spaces that truly resonate with local communities by actively engaging diverse voices in the design process. With extensive experience in urban areas, from large-scale district planning to small-scale site design, Brandon excels at crafting visionary and transformative spaces that are both functional and implementable. He is committed to blending sustainability, human experience, and beauty into every project, ensuring that each place he designs is not only great but also meaningful and inspiring.
Principal, SmithGroup
Allison Marusic is a principal and landscape architect with SmithGroup, an award-winning, integrated design firm. Throughout her varied portfolio of built work, Allison maintains a commitment to connecting communities through holistic public space design. She is especially adept at collaborating with owners, stakeholders, design teams, and communities to bring complex projects to life. In addition to her work as a landscape architect, Allison is an experienced teacher, facilitator, and public speaker.
Learn how Toledo’s Glass City Metropark combines innovative park elements, sustainable practices, and community engagement to enhance visitor experience, establish urban ecosystems, and stimulate local investment.
This presentation will be an in-depth exploration of how Toledo’s Glass City Metropark is redefining urban park spaces. Partially opened in 2020, and fully completed in June of 2023, this park is a catalyst for the larger Glass City Riverwalk project, aimed at rejuvenating Toledo’s waterfront. This presentation will highlight the park’s innovative and unique features, such as the interactive Mini Maumee Discovery Water Play, Grosbeak Discovery Play, The Ribbon, and the naturalized Cove area. Attendees will gain insights into the park’s sustainable practices for managing stormwater and creating diverse habitats on an urban waterfront brownfield site, showcasing how these efforts contribute to environmental resilience.
Additionally, the session will delve into how the park integrates community desires into its design and fosters connections to nature, local history, and the broader community. It will overview how Glass City Metropark serves as a catalyst for investment and revitalization in Toledo’s waterfront areas, driving both economic and environmental benefits. With its commitment to sustainability and community, Glass City Metropark stands as a model for urban parks nationwide.
Gensler 
Design Director, Principal
With a passion for community-driven projects, Scott is a Design Director who leads design for projects spanning innovative higher education spaces, civic and spiritual institutions, and health and wellness facilities. He has completed award-winning work for Fourth Presbyterian Church, Columbia College Chicago, and Kohler Co.
Scott’s commitment to the community extends far beyond his project work — as a member of the Chicago Loop Alliance’s placemaking committee, he is focused on making the Loop a better place to live, work, and play. His work with the Urban Land Institute explores creative solutions for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Scott’s work has been featured in publications including MIT’s The Journal of Architectural Education, Wired, GQ, and Fast Company. Additionally, his work has been exhibited in a number of local, national, and internal design competitions.
Moody Nolan
Jonathan’s work resides at the intersection of architecture and service—bringing transformational design to under-served communities. He believes architecture is a medium through which people can come together and participate in positive social change.
As CEO of Moody Nolan—the largest African American owned firm in the country—Jonathan is driven by a passion to continue his father’s legacy of diversifying the practice of architecture. His dedication to advancing diversity garners national attention, recently earning Moody Nolan the 2021 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Recognized among his peers as an exceptional leader and mentor, Jonathan recently received the AIA Young Architect Award.
Jonathan’s work focuses on integrating digital fabrication and social engagement into the design process. He approaches every project as an opportunity to create design solutions that positively impact the communities his clients serve. His community-oriented leadership approach results in transformational and award-winning design solutions across the nation.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and design of the new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Guided by the pioneering spirit of the region, the statement-making new John Glenn Columbus International Airport terminal builds on the promise that Columbus will continue to bloom as one of America’s great cities. Designed by Gensler, along with Columbus-based Moody Nolan and a team of other consultants, the new terminal will provide the region with a first-class facility to enhance the passenger experience, expand travel capabilities, increase functionality, and provide modern amenities. This presentation will expand on the planning and design of this state-of-the-art facility that will serve the region for generations to come. Our dual keynotes, Scott Hurst and Jonathan Moody, will explore key sustainability features in addition to landside and airside optimization, passenger flows, and structural design.
Demonstrate how the building design interprets the spirit of the region and translates it into a forward-looking modern aesthetic.
DLZ Architecture
Throughout the country, Eric is respected and recognized as an expert in Justice Architecture, Planning, and Design. With an emphasis on evidence based, program driven justice designs, Eric has developed over 90 studies and 150 Justice correctional projects to meet specific Owner requests as well as creating a positive environment for the users.
The Franklin County Commissioners envisioned their new jail facility as being an opportunity to approach corrections differently – to provide true and lasting benefit and value to the community by developing a building program that responds to detention rehabilitation, mental health, behavioral management, and being an environmentally friendly/energy efficient facility. The DLZ Architecture design responds to that building program by including spaces such as direct supervision housing pods, ample program classrooms, indoor/outdoor recreation, de-escalation rooms, medical areas, etc. The LEED Silver project emphasized an abundance of natural light, views of nature, and the use of textures and color to create a normalized environment. The National Institute of Corrections recognizes the new project as a “Center for Innovation” and the best new jail facility in the country.
EA Energy Solutions
Marcus, the Principal and Director of Building Optimization at EA Energy, brings 15 years of industry experience with a deep expertise in energy management. He leads a wide array of energy and sustainability services, enhancing energy efficiency in commercial, mission-critical, higher education, and municipal systems. Marcus guides clients through energy audits, building simulations, benchmarking, green building certifications, measurement and verification, and commissioning. He also analyzes energy efficiency-related tax rebates and utility incentives. Previously, Marcus was a project manager at two national engineering firms and an Energy Analyst at Harvard University.
Perform energy audits to analyze and potentially improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings. LEED administration in obtaining design credits for LEED certification.
Associate, Senior Project Architect, DesignGroup
Jeff’s work as a Senior Project Architect and spans from large projects, such as hospital and residential complexes, to small interior renovations. Working thoughtfully to find detailed solutions that support a project’s design intent, Jeff has focused his career on the technical aspects of architecture, contributing greatly to the success of every project. He approaches details first from a holistic perspective, taking into account the overarching goals and standards in consideration to each detail, maintaining design sensitivity. Jeff is also a thought leader in setting BIM technology standards. He leads understanding in implementing client standards in details, remaining on the cutting edge of how to detail and deliver projects.
Architecture Services, Ohio History Connection
Carlos’s career has revolved around various aspects of the built environment including facilities management, architecture, interior design, and sustainability. His 30-year work experience includes serving as an in-house facilities staff member at Ohio History Connection and The Ohio State University’s Office of Student Life, as well as work in architecture firms in Columbus, OH and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Project involvement ranges from small scale renovations to multimillion dollar projects in the institutional, hospitality and higher education markets.
DuWayne, the Director of Sustainability Services at EA Energy Solutions, is a LEED Accredited Professional with over a decade of experience in securing LEED certifications for various construction projects. He has certified over 3 million square feet of retail, healthcare, K-12, and higher education facilities across the U.S. DuWayne guides project stakeholders through the LEED compliance process, ensuring meticulous documentation and navigating LEED credit strategies. He also collaborates on business development initiatives with architectural and engineering firms, facility owners, and operators. His expertise includes EnergyStar, federal tax incentives, utility rebates, and green funding sources. Previously, DuWayne was a Technical Account Manager at AEP Ohio, leading business development efforts and ensuring compliance with the Ohio Public Utilities Commission.
Balancing LEED sustainability requirements and the environmental conditions needed to store Ohio’s historic artifacts presents a unique opportunity for innovation to achieve silver level certification.
The Ohio History Connection’s new Collections Care Center is a 16,500-square-foot facility designed to provide a modern and environmentally sustainable storage area for many of the 1.8 million collection items held for the state. This project aimed to integrate sustainability into the design and construction processes to achieve LEED certification. The sustainability consulting efforts included energy modeling, LEED administration, commissioning and guidance on maximizing LEED points while maintaining budget constraints. This project not only enhanced the building’s energy efficiency but also ensured a safe working environment for the preservationists and curators who care for these artifacts.
EA Energy Solutions played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Collections Care Center met the stringent requirements of the LEED certification process. By focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials, the project set a benchmark for future sustainability initiatives in new construction projects.
MA Design / NOMAColumbus
Cameron Guthrie is a Project Captain and Sustainability Specialist at MA Design and Vice President of NOMAColumbus. Known for his forward-thinking and impactful approach, he champions diversity in design and prioritizes the well-being of those interacting with the spaces he develops. As the NOMAColumbus Vice President and a Habitat for Humanity MidOhio Young Professionals board member, Cameron drives initiatives that foster connections, amplify minority voices, and create lasting change in the design community.
MA Design / NOMAColumbus
Montel is a Registered Architect and Project Captain at MA Design and serves as President of NOMAColumbus. Passionate about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, he empowers minority voices and celebrates diverse perspectives in the built environment. Known for his dynamic leadership and innovative problem-solving, Montel is a respected advocate dedicated to fostering equity and creating exceptional user experiences in design.
MA Design
Ben Paulus is a Registered Architect and Project Coordinator at MA Design, holding dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and Business Administration. His work focuses on the intersection of design, sustainability, and community connectivity, exemplified by his thesis, “A Guide to Highway Removal,” which explored equitable urban land reclamation. Dedicated to creating walkable communities and bridging neighborhood divides, Ben believes in the power of architecture to build more connected and sustainable cities and is a member of All Aboard Ohio.
All Aboard Ohio
John Esterly, a former locomotive engineer and leader in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, brings extensive experience in the railroad industry to his role as Executive Director of All Aboard Ohio (AAO). He has contributed to key initiatives like the Corridor ID Program and Whistle Stop Tour, while also engaging in entrepreneurship through Rare Buzz Effects, Ltd., and community advocacy with the Pumpkin Pedaler Foundation supporting Central Ohio’s autism community. With degrees in Computer Science and Marketing, Esterly is dedicated to promoting rail transportation and advancing AAO’s mission to create a more connected Ohio.
City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services
Shannon Pine, Chief Zoning Official for the City of Columbus, has built a career spanning over two decades in urban planning and development. Since joining the city in 1998, she has advanced zoning policies, led public hearings, managed rezoning initiatives, and played a key role in developing the 2024 Zoning Code, Zone In. A former Village of Plain City Council Member and Planning Commission member, Shannon’s dedication extends to community development, where she has supported small businesses, uptown revitalization, and comprehensive planning efforts.
Learn how zoning policies, transit initiatives, and DEI-driven design strategies are transforming Ohio’s neighborhoods into vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities through thoughtful densification and infrastructure alignment.
Explore how zoning policies like ZoneIn Columbus and transportation initiatives, such as LinkUS and Amtrak systems, are reshaping Ohio’s neighborhoods through thoughtful densification. This session will highlight the intersection of housing, transit, zoning and design, focusing on creating vibrant, accessible communities while addressing housing shortages and promoting sustainable development. Attendees will gain insights into how zoning changes align with transit corridors to foster equitable growth. Panelists will discuss the importance of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into design practices, ensuring these projects serve all community members effectively.
Join industry experts and local leaders, from MA Design, City of Columbus, NOMA Columbus and All Aboard Ohio, as they share case studies and actionable strategies to advocate for impactful development. From leveraging transportation infrastructure to designing community-centered spaces, this session will provide a blueprint for creating livable, equitable neighborhoods across Ohio. Learn how to align density, alternative transit, and placemaking with sustainability goals while amplifying social equity and usability for the end-user.
Dewberry 
Jenni is a Licensed Architect, Associate Principal, and Director of Sustainability for Dewberry with over 24 years of experience in architecture and sustainability. In addition to having managed complex commercial, higher education, library, and civic projects, she now provides consulting services to teams around the country for projects with high-level sustainability, net-zero energy, decarbonization and human health/wellness goals.
Dewberry 
Beth is a Registered, Senior Interior Designer for Dewberry with over 20 years of experience in designing various community facilities, including police stations, fire stations, public libraries, village halls and recreation centers. Beth is passionate about bringing health and wellbeing strategies into the built environment, and advocating for spaces that prioritize both environmental and human health. She is both a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional, a WELL Faculty member, and sits as a Mind Concept Advisor for the International WELL Building Institute.
Hear the story behind the LEED Gold and first Net Zero Energy Certified municipal facility in Illinois. Learn the process behind application and funding work done behind scenes to bring the project into fruition, as well as the process behind achieving Net Zero Energy certification. Learn about the LEED features within the facility and how they were implemented. As a bonus, we’ll discuss the WELL Building Standard, and it’s benefits to human health & wellness in the built environment.
Moody Nolan
Lindsey serves as the Director of High-Performance Design for Moody Nolan. She is responsible for facilitating low carbon, resilient, equitable design strategies across Moody Nolan’s national portfolio of projects.
Lindsey has been practicing in the field of sustainability for 15 years, focused on advancing multi-disciplinary approaches to the complex components of high performance design. Her experience includes related strategy development, administration, and oversight of projects in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Lindsey is a member of the National Sustainable Design Leaders Cohort and has served on a variety of local and national committees to guide priorities in the built environment, including Smart Columbus Sustainability Leaders and the Department of Energy & National Renewable Energy Laboratory Allies Group. Lindsey is certified as a LEED, WELL, and Living Future Accredited Professional.
Moody Nolan
Allen serves as both the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer for Moody Nolan. Allen leverages this dual expertise to inform synergies of operations/planning with high performance design, health/wellness, and resilience.
Allen has more than 25 years of experience both as a project manager and architect. His background encompasses and diverse portfolio including higher education, corporate office space, government and healthcare on a national and international level. In addition to his role as the Chief Operating Officer, Allen serves as the Director of Sustainable Design. He is also a member of the national Architectural Sustainable Design Leaders’ Forum, participating in the ongoing advancement of the Architecture/Engineering industry, led by the top firms around the world.
MKSK
Joe Chambers is a licensed Landscape Architect with over thirty years of experience creating landscapes of all types and sizes. He is passionate about the craft of detailing and about how landscapes can make cities more livable and ecologically sustainable. Over his career, Joe has designed many projects. large and small – from urban master plans to urban plazas, from university campuses to parks. He is the leader of MKSK’s Lab for Climate and Biodiversity Resilience, Research Studio, and the quality control officer and Principal in Charge for many of LAB’s public projects in Washington, DC.
MKSK
Matt McGrath has more than 23 years’ experience on diverse projects ranging from large scale master planning and public open space design to detailed site design. Recently his efforts have been on large-scale transformative-based projects, with a focus on sustainability and placemaking. As a project lead his responsibilities include client relations, contract management, budget oversight, consultant coordination, and design review. He has a demonstrated ability to successfully provide design oversight on often complex projects.
This session discusses an integrated design approach between the architect and the landscape architect to implement climate-ready, carbon conscious, equitable design.
Our ambition is to focus on an integrated design process we feel is currently less articulated – improving understanding of the carbon impact of site decisions, contextualizing the importance of thinking beyond the limit of work, and exploring the co-benefits of related solutions. Within this context, we will also highlight pending updates to LEEDv5 and their regional relevance.
MKSK and Moody Nolan collectively represent regional and national expertise in the fields of landscape architecture and architecture – with design philosophy which serves to elevate the role of the community and environment in the design process.
Go Sustainable Energy
Milena is a core member of Go’s Distributed Energy Resources team, working with renewable energy, demand response, energy storage and grid interactive technologies. Milena has helped government, non-profit, utility, university, and other entities study the technical and economic feasibility for renewable energy and energy storage projects, assisted them with market engagement, and helped them to navigate the complex world of renewable energy procurement for both on-site and off-site opportunities. To do so, Milena analyzes complex data, performs in-depth research and documentation, assists in RFP writing, and helps to effectively communicate our findings.
Milena graduated from the University of Dayton (UD) with a Master of Science in Renewable and Clean Energy. Milena worked as a Graduate Assistant for the UD Hanley Sustainability Institute where she led the Campus Waste Team, participated in the campus carbon neutrality planning, and worked with students and staff on a wide range of sustainability initiatives. For her master’s project, Milena developed an energy model for her own home and used it to design solar Photovoltaic and geothermal systems to make it zero energy. Her roof is now adorned with solar panels and she hopes some version of her “pipe dream” might follow soon.
Milena has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree also from the University of Dayton. Inspired by her ETHOS experiences in Honduras and Cameroon as an undergraduate, Milena obtained a U.S. Fulbright Scholarship to return to Honduras for a year after graduation to work as a Community Development Coordinator for the non-profit, Heart to Honduras. She then moved to Austin, TX to discover a new part of the world and work as an Engineer in Training at Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC. In this role, she designed and permitted infrastructure for water quality measures, detention facilities, streets, and stormwater and wastewater lines.
Before moving to Ohio, Milena and her husband took the opportunity to hike much of the western United States. They explored nineteen National Parks, camping and living out of their Prius, on a three-month adventure. Escaping into nature is still one of Milena’s favorite activities, especially with her husband, little dog, and two young kiddos. Milena also enjoys throwing pottery, tending their backyard garden, and cooking with the fresh eggs provided by one of their hens!
Go Sustainable Energy
Greg oversees business development and client relations for Go. His vast energy engineering experience lets him effectively guide clients in understanding and navigating their options in complex energy scenarios. He is driven by his passion to empower people and organizations to make decisions that align their goals and effectively decarbonize in an ever-shifting utility landscape. As a natural facilitator and coordinator, Greg approaches each interaction with curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to share knowledge.
Greg received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton. His curiosity led him to focus on the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy in zero-energy buildings. This enabled him to author or co-author eleven technical papers in the fields of zero energy, energy efficiency and multi-site analysis.
Greg, a fan of Ultimate frisbee and coaching kids soccer, encourages staff and visitors to take a running or walking break each afternoon. You’d be surprised how many walking meetings we’ve had! He hosts a community-supported agriculture (CSA) drop-off at his home, providing easy year-round access to local produce to around 40 families. He’ll try to recruit you and teach you about cooking if you ask about it! He also serves on the board of Red Oak Community School, which educates students through nature immersion and prepares them to be environmental stewards and champions of social justice.
City of Columbus
Executive-level municipal leader with expertise in sustainability, regulatory compliance, and environmental advocacy. Leads a diverse team of sustainability and environmental professionals, regulatory compliance advisors, and communications and outreach coordinators. Implements ambitious climate change policies and programs centered on community collaboration, equity, anti-racism, and environmental justice.
In 2024, the City of Columbus completed a ~30 MW solar project, one of the largest of its kind in the US. How can lessons learned help you with solar at your facility or on your projects?
The City of Columbus is pursuing municipal owned on-site renewable energy as part of its Climate Action Plan and its commitment to carbon neutrality. After studying the technical, economic, and regulatory feasibility of multiple projects, construction of a ~30 MW solar plant at the Parsons Water Plant finished in 2024. The City is now one step closer to its carbon goal and on-site solar will eventually be deployed at other sites! Like the City, facilities and organizations across Ohio and the nation are considering on-site renewable energy to hedge future energy costs, reduce carbon footprints, and to improve resiliency.
Unfortunately, many existing barriers across the technical, economic, and regulatory spaces prevent customers from receiving the full value of their investment or significantly limit a customer’s ability to install systems behind the meter. Also, it takes a lot of stakeholder engagement across many different departments within an organization to get decision makers comfortable with on-site solar and work together for multiple years to make the projects happen! Drawing from this highly visible case study and a dozen others, our team will introduce the audience to the critical elements of solar project feasibility, market engagement, and contract negotiations. We will inform and empower the audience to bring these lessons to their projects to advance the adoption of on-site solar energy across our state and region.
