Kansas City Chapter Meetings

Date: Tuesday, September 10

Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: KU Edwards Campus, BEST Conference Center, Room 135 

Topic: Embodied Carbon 101 for Structural Engineers

Speaker: Erika Winters-Downy, SE

Abstract: Structural Engineers must balance a myriad of driving factors to have a project considered successful.  For most of our careers, our designs have been judged on cost, speed, and quality.  Incorporating the lens of embodied carbon can be intimidating.  What are the “low-hanging fruit” item design firms should incorporate to hit the sweet spot of lowering carbon but not sacrificing cost, schedule, and durability?  What are the items we need to add to specifications and verify in submittals?  Do we all need to be material science experts?  This presentation will touch on the basics of embodied carbon – defining vocabulary and metrics.  We will explore the current regulatory environment surrounding “Buy Clean” incentives.  We will end with a discussion surrounding current ongoing evolution, including material innovation and testing.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role structural material production plays in proportion to global climate emissions.
2. Define applicable material Life Cycle Stages of Structural Materials.
3. Compare tools for benchmarking Embodied Carbon.
4. Explore regulatory compliance measures in force across North America.
5. Discuss straightforward changes Structural Engineers can incorporate into Specifications and General Notes to provide realistic guidance to trade partners.

Fees:

SEAKM Member - $0.00

EIT (member/non-member) - $0.00

Non-Member - $25.00

This course satisfies 1.0 hour of PDH credit. Certificates will be emailed approximately one week after the meeting.

In-person attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 AM for lunch and networking/socializing with industry peers and colleagues. Virtual attendees should use the provided link to sign in at least five (5) minutes prior to the noon start time.