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ULI Idaho Sustainability Conference 2024
Join ULI-Idaho and several industry partners for a half-day conference discussing sustainability initiatives in the built environment and real estate industry. Program will consist of a national keynote speaker, several topic-specific breakout sessions and an industry social.
We have developed a wide range of resources and discussion topics to help ULI members and the broader real estate and land use community better understand net zero practices, decarbonization, green building and sustainability efforts.
Keynote Session:
Inflation Reduction Act: Business Case for Real Estate Decarbonization & Green Finance
Speaker: Ben Evans, Federal Legislative Director for U.S. Green Building Council
The Inflation Reduction Act is the latest reason that the business case for real estate decarbonization has never been stronger. The bill was signed into law after months of negotiation and anticipation, dedicating almost $370 billion to address climate change over the next 10 years
In his keynote presentation, Ben Evans will deliver a broad explanation of IRA, overview of the bill's relevant provisions, and provide real examples of projects and ways to receive significant savings for upcoming development projects.
Example topics covered:
- Incentives
- Federal Dollars
- Financing / Green Finance
- Common Financial tools being used to make green buildings pencil
BREAK OUT SESSION TOPICS:
BLOCK 1
- Mass Timber 201: Shifting the Mindset from “Material” to “Prefabricated System” : ROOM 410A
Kathryn Carrigg, Woodworks and Susan Bouthillette, Andersen Construction
Mass Timber 201: Shifting the Mindset from “Material” to “Prefabricated System”. Wood as a material has many environmental and health benefits for occupants, communities, project teams and investors. Wood products can also economically support healthy forests and rural economies. As a prefabricated system, mass timber offers faster construction, improved material efficiency, enhanced worker safety and quality assurance. So why is it that some mass timber projects never pass preconstruction? – To achieve these benefits, certain critical decisions must be made in early stages that rely on key interactions between the manufacturer/fabricator and design/construction teams. This session will help attendees understand why and when to select mass timber for sustainable projects. Learn the top “rules of the road” for successful planning and construction of mass timber buildings from an experienced general contractor’s perspective; and the value of an integrated team towards reducing financial and environmental costs with prefabricated systems.
- Embodied Carbon 201: ROOM 410B
Lyndsay Watkins, GGLO
- Infrastructure & Utilities - Geothermal in Boise & Future Energy Technology: ROOM 410C
Tina Riley, City of Boise and Megan Ronk, Idaho Power. Moderator: Vanessa Fry
Join Idaho Power and the City of Boise in a discussion about clean energy, the story of Geothermal in Idaho, future energy technologies, and what this means for your project.
- State and Local Policy Discussion: Bringing it Local: ROOM 400A
Amber Bieg- Warmsprings Consulting, Steve Hubble- City of Boise, Emily Her – Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Moderator: Charlie Woodruff, USGBC
BLOCK 2
- Sustainability Practices for Projects and Building Operations: Case Studies: ROOM 410B
Jeri Brittin, HDR and Scott Schoenherr, Rafanelli &Nahas
Looking from both project design and building operations perspectives, this discussion will look at why, and how, someone would make sustainability or certification considerations for their projects. We will dive in to the outcomes of well-designed and well operational workplace environments and buildings, and how that plays in to larger picture wellness for employees, tenants, and community. Both speakers have navigated large projects, building/ project certifications, and have implemented sustainable practices on relevant projects
- Low Carbon Concrete: Case Study of Boise project State & Arthur : ROOM 400A
Lyndsay Watkins- GGLO, Emma Ellrich -KPFF, and Ashley Thompson, KPFF
- Electrification of the Built Environment: Local Case Studies: ROOM 410A
Tim Johnson-Cushing Terrell, Patti Best -Idaho Power, and Adrian Gallo – Idaho Conservation
The term electrification frequently arises in discussions surrounding decarbonization, but what does it mean to Idahoans and is it a viable path forward? Join us for an insightful discussion delving into the unique impacts of climate change in Idaho and how electrification strategies are being implemented in our region to combat its effects. Through compelling case studies and data, we’ll highlight current technologies, obstacles to electrification, and examine the ramifications for our local utilities. Bring your questions and join us for this “electrifying” discussion!
- Mass Timber in Higher Education: Past and Future Case Studies: ROOM 410C
Alexis Townsend- Lombard Conrad Architects, Curtis Eck – Boise Cascade, Susan Bouthillette – Andersen Construction. Moderator: Kate Carrigg
Mass Timber in Higher Education: Past and Future Case Studies. As universities continue to improve campus sustainability programs, more and more are weighing the benefits of innovative new technologies like mass timber construction. Buildings are being leveraged as a teaching tool for educating the future generation about new construction methods, prefabrication, embodied carbon, and natural resources. In this session we’ll learn about the University of Washington Tacoma’s Milgard Hall, University of Idaho’s ICCU Arena, and the newly planned ESI Construction Management building at Boise State University, from the perspective of the architect, contractor, and mass timber manufacturer. Emphasis will be placed on the key early team interactions that are essential to the success of prefabricated mass timber projects.
Schedule outline:
11:30-12:30: Registration opens / Vendor Booths / Networking
12:30 - 1:45: Welcome / Lunch / Keynote Session
2:00 - 2:45: Break out Session Block 1
3:00 - 3:45: Break out Session Block 2
4:00-5:30: Networking Reception / Vendor Booths
Group registration tickets are still available! Reach out to karlee.may at ULI.org
ADD-ON MASS TIMBER TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT:
open to attendees, Thanks to our partners at WoodWorks, we have an exciting private tour of the new mass timber project in Boise. Attendees will receive the opportunity to register, first come first served, after signing up for the conference.
Speakers
Panelist
Megan Ronk
Moderator
Amber Bieg
Panelist
Kate Carrigg
WoodWorks – Wood Products Council
Panelist
Adrian Gallo
Idaho Conservation League
Adrian grew up with oil refineries in his sights, but his parents regularly took him to the mountains for hiking and backpacking adventures. His love for the outdoors led to him working for the Forest Service in Alaska and Oregon while pursuing a degree in soil science and geology. Adrian’s curiosity of the world around him then led him to earn a master’s in sustainable forest management, and eventually a PhD in ecosystems sciences looking at places across North America including deserts, grasslands, agricultural fields, permafrost areas, and many forests pre/post-fires.
Adrian also hosted a science communication podcast where he explored all the vexing problems his fellow scientists were trying to solve. It was through those interviews that Adrian decided the biggest positive impact he could make is to help advance the renewable energy transition in the most equitable way possible. As ICL’s Climate Program Manager, Adrian focuses on making Idaho carbon neutral through the climate, energy, and transportation sectors. Adrian hopes he can one day watch the oil refineries disappear from his hometown.
In his free time, Adrian enjoys mountain biking, running big miles in the mountains, soccer, and rock climbing. You can probably find him bike commuting along the Boise Greenbelt, or at the bar cheering for Liverpool F.C
Panelist
Tim Johnson
Engineer, Cushing Terrell
Panelist
Susan Bouthillette
Andersen Construction
Susan Bouthillette is a Project Manager and Design Manager at Andersen Construction and manages primarily design-build projects. She obtained a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University in 2011 and practiced architecture prior to shifting into construction. As an architect, she managed projects across the country including science & technology, higher education, commercial office, and multifamily residential.
Panelist
Emma Ellrich
KPFF Consulting Engineers
Emma Ellrich is a structural engineer in KPFF’s Mountain West office with a passion for sustainable design. Beyond leading the Sustainability Committee at KPFF Mountain West, Emma has driven environmentally focused design by conducting life cycle assessments, implementing material sustainable performance requirements, and advising clients on successful implementation of green building materials. Emma completed a life cycle assessment in conjunction with GGLO for the State and Arthur Affordable Housing project in Boise.
Panelist
Patti Best
Idaho Power
Renewables and Wise Growth Leader
Panelist
Curtis Eck
Boise Cascade
Curtis Eck, P.E.
Sr. EWP Area Sales Manager
Curtis began his career in the EWP industry in 1989 after graduating with Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Idaho. He has served in a variety of roles including engineering, new product development and sales management. For the past 21 years, he has served as a Senior EWP Area Sales Manager in New England and the Inland West. Curtis is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California and has served as an Advisory Board Member for the Department of Civil and Environment Engineering at the University of Idaho.
Keynote Speaker
Ben Evans
U.S. Green Building Council
Ben Evans is federal legislative director at the U.S. Green Building Council, helping lead the council’s advocacy work in Washington promoting green buildings and sustainable communities. Ben brings more than 20 years of experience working in politics, government affairs and communications, mostly in the energy sector. He has extensive experience developing policy, creating strategic advocacy campaigns, building stakeholder coalitions, and engaging with Congress and the executive branch. He has been quoted or published in national media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Politico and Reuters. Prior to joining USGBC, Ben was vice president of public affairs at the Alliance to Save Energy, overseeing the Alliance’s work to advance energy efficiency policy. Previously, he was a reporter covering politics in the Washington bureau of The Associated Press and at Congressional Quarterly, where he covered the landmark Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Panelist
Tina Riley
City of Boise Planning & Development Services
Visionary and inclusive energy transition leader. Substantial experience leading world class teams, working collaboratively with peers and external stakeholders to identify synergies, remove barriers and accomplish great goals. Board member of team that set industry records. Adept at learning the business, key issues, challenges, and linkages. Very good at understanding goals and empowering team members to play to their strengths to meet or exceed the goals and feel great about their own personal growth and have fun in the process. Good conflict resolution skills and diplomatic decision maker. Negotiation experience. Kind and empathetic. Have become passionate about decarbonization and understand some of the big questions and reality of the challenges around the energy transition.
Panelist
Emily Her
State of Idaho
Emily Her is the Energy Program Manager at the Idaho Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Prior to her role at OEMR, Emily worked in sustainability in higher education and the nonprofit sector. She holds a degree in global studies and sustainability from Boise State University.
Local Speaker
Hilary Vaughn
Real Estate Attorney, WinCo Foods, LLC
Moderator
Charlie Woodruff
U.S. Green Building Council
Panelist
Ashley Thompson
Associate, KPFF Consulting Engineers
Ashley Thompson, PE, SE is a mixed-use and multi-family project specialist who finds joy in designing spaces for families and friends to unite. With Masters’ degrees in structural engineering and human centered design, she sees the built environment as more than just a building – she is passionate about creating spaces for families to break bread and make lasting memories. Ashley is the structural senior project manager for the State and Arthur Affordable Housing project. She worked with the architect and contractor to successfully incorporate type IL cement into the concrete mix designs, which reduced the embodied carbon in the building.
Panelist
Lyndsay Watkins
Architectural Designer, GGLO
Lyndsay is a Climate Specialist and Architectural Designer at GGLO. She focuses on research, analysis, and implementation of regenerative design solutions in regards to operational energy, embodied carbon, and material health. Lyndsay works with teams to build hyper localized Climate Positive solutions for each unique site- running whole building life cycle assessments, early design energy modeling, and building resources to help inform passive design and material selection. In her free time she’s either volunteering on the board of ACE Idaho, getting folks together the Treasure Valley’s newly founded Climate Club, or spending time outdoors biking or skiing.
Moderator
Joe Bruce
City of Boise Planning & Development Services
As a project manager for the City of Boise Planning and Development Services Department, Joe Bruce leads the efforts to create affordable and green housing solutions for the City he lives. He brings 13 years of architectural expertise from his previous roles as a licensed architect at Insight Architects and Pivot North Architecture before he joined the City of Boise’s Building Department in 2018. Joe has been an active member of AIA Idaho – Central section since September of 2016 to stay current on architectural practices. He has a solid understanding of green building standards and regulations, having worked as the Assistant Building Official for 3.5 years. Joe’s vision is to make Boise a more livable and sustainable place for everyone, and to assist the public with their development needs.
Panelist
Scott Schoenherr
Director of Development, Rafanelli and Nahas LLP
Scott Schoenherr leads Rafanelli and Nahas’ Intermountain operation and has developed or acquired nearly two million square feet of property in the Boise Area, including Boise’s largest office building, a 320 unit apartment complex, several suburban office buildings and a light industrial park. Scott received his B.A. from Michigan State University and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. After business school, Scott relocated to the west coast where he joined Spieker Properties. At Spieker, Scott handled leasing, construction, acquisitions, and management of office and industrial properties in San Francisco’s East Bay. In 1997, Scott started Crucial Technology, a division of Micron Technology (NYSE:MU). Under his leadership, Crucial’s sales grew to over $500 million annually. Scott has competed in several Ironman Triathlons, climbed the tallest peak in the Americas and finished in the top 1% in the Portland Marathon. He spends his free time playing hockey, riding his bike and coaching his kids’ sports. Scott is also actively involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Children’s Home Society of Idaho. He is also active in BOMA, the Downtown Boise Association and the Urban Land Institute.
Panelist
Steven Hubble
Climate Action Senior, City of Boise Public Works
Steve Hubble is the Climate Action Manager for the City of Boise. Steve leads the city’s climate, energy, materials management and water resources programs. Prior to his time with the city, Steve worked for thirteen years at his home county (Stafford, Virginia), in various Planning and Public Works roles. Steve has a Bachelors in Geography from Radford University and a Masters in Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Steve lives in Boise with his wife, Sarah.
Moderator
Marta Schantz
Co-Executive Director of the Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate, Urban Land Institute
Marta Schantz is the Co-Executive Director of the Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate at the Urban Land Institute (ULI), which leads the global real estate industry in creating buildings and places where people and the environment thrive. Marta brings deep experience in the real estate sustainability market to lead and collaborate across organizations and stakeholders to achieve program goals and successes. Recent focus areas range from Building Electrification, to City/Real Estate Partnerships for Climate Policy, to Net Zero Buildings. Prior to this role, Marta was the Senior Vice President for the Greenprint Center for Building Performance at ULI, a research center and worldwide alliance of leading real estate leaders committed to improving the environmental performance of the global real estate industry – reducing carbon emissions, and increasing building value. Before her time at ULI, Marta worked at Waypoint Energy providing energy efficiency services to utilities and real estate, at Booz Allen Hamilton on the federal energy consulting team, and at the US Department of Energy’s Office of Cost Analysis. Marta is a LEED Green Associate and a Fitwel Ambassador. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Carbon Leadership Forum and is a Commissioner on the Alexandria VA Environmental Policy Commission. Marta has been recognized as an Energy + Environmental Leader 100, as well as an Association of Energy Services Professionals “One to Watch.” She holds a B.S. in Biological Engineering with a minor in Science Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Panelist
Jeri Brittin
Director of Research, HDR, Inc.
As Director of Research at HDR, I lead a transdisciplinary team of researchers and strategists whose mandate is, very simply, to make the world better for people through design. I trained as a public health research scientist in the realm of social and behavioral health promotion, and have a design and business background encompassing senior-level strategic and client service roles. I believe that planning, design, and development, as they define and shape our places and spaces, can and should be leveraged to achieve outcomes that matter to individuals, families, organizations, and communities. My professional portfolio has focused on health and behavioral outcomes in healthcare facilities, learning environments, workplaces, and community settings. My team designs and conducts rigorous and actionable studies, from systematic reviews to empirical research, for clients across multiple industry and government sectors. We are well-versed in advanced statistical methods, qualitative and ethnographic research, as well as perspectives and approaches from systems science. We routinely help our clients do the following: • Catalyze collaborations across disciplines toward innovative solutions • Hone questions that are critical to development and achievement of strategic business objectives • Translate data to actionable strategies • Generate hypotheses about the effects decisions may have • Develop appropriate methods and measures to address relevant questions • Conduct qualitative and statistical analyses • Synthesize and translate both new findings and current evidence to practical recommendations As a researcher, I strive to maintain an active national and international collaboration network, and to disseminate work in both scientific and practice communities. My service includes engagement related to design and health at national and local levels, including the AIA’s Design and Health Leadership Group and the Fitwel
Moderator
Vanessa Fry
Director, Idaho Policy Institute/Boise State University
Dr. Vanessa Crossgrove Fry is Director at Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) where she leads students, staff, and faculty in providing innovative and objective research to help public, private, and nonprofit leaders overcome challenges and navigate change. She serves as Associate Research Professor in the School of Public Service where she teaches the MPA Capstone and co-teaches the Vertically Integrated Project Housing Opportunities for All. Dr. Fry has focused both her work and education on utilizing multi-sector, evidenced-based solutions to address persistent social, environmental, and economic issues and meet the current and critical needs in communities across Idaho and beyond. Dr. Fry is also an Adjunct Faculty Member at Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco where she received her MBA in Sustainable Management. Vanessa also holds a BA in Biology and Fine Art from Wittenberg University in Ohio and a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Boise State. In addition, Vanessa serves on the board of the Red Cross of Greater Idaho and City Club of Boise.
