Last week, I attended the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital for my second year, and I'm excited by how their programming—especially around Built Environment themes—continues to grow and evolve. Events like this remind me how vital it is to step beyond industry silos and connect our construction and design conversations to broader environmental dialogues.
Read MoreAs we continue to see data center demand surge, the conversations sparked here at the Building Transformation Forum must evolve into tangible actions. By embracing these sustainable practices, we can redefine how technology and cities coexist for the benefit of society.
Read MoreThe construction industry plays a critical role in shaping the built environment. However, it also has a significant impact on the environment. According to a 2020 study by McKinsey & Company, approximately 26 percent of all GHG emissions and 37 percent of combustion-related emissions come from the construction and operation of the built environment. And, according to a 2021 report from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the construction industry is responsible for 38% (14 gigatons) of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions each year.
So, as the world grapples with climate change, this sector presents a tremendous opportunity for decarbonization. LEED certification plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable building practices and reducing the construction industry's environmental impact.
Read MoreAs we observe Earth Month, my story is a testament to the impact of individual actions. It's a call to embrace innovation, from heat pumps to smart thermostats and electric vehicles, recognizing that the path to sustainability is one of collective effort and shared responsibility. This narrative is not just about sharing my journey but about inspiring others to reflect on their choices and their potential to contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and comfortable world.
Read MoreSunday unfolded into an unexpectedly reflective journey at the Navy Memorial Visitor Center, where the DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) was in full swing.
Read MoreIn an era defined by transformative policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the landscape of infrastructure and construction stands on the cusp of a major shift.
Read MoreReflecting upon my six-year tenure at Clark Construction, I've witnessed seismic shifts in our industry. As Director of Sustainability, my mission was propelled by an indomitable will to transition towards a more sustainable, low-carbon future—both an environmental imperative and a financial opportunity.
Read MoreExplore key strategies for reducing embodied carbon across design, operations, development, and construction. This four-part series, hosted by Clark Construction Group in partnership with IMT’s Building Innovation Hub, features expert insights on decarbonizing the built environment by 2050. From electrification and green financing to circular construction practices and policy incentives, the series uncovers what it will take to build a carbon-free future. Watch the videos and discover actionable takeaways for architects, developers, contractors, and building operators.
Read MoreAs the Biden Administration starts to take action to address the climate change crisis, I get excited thinking about how “green building” will be a more prosperous industry because of its future workforce. Let me tell you why.
Read MoreCan asphalt be sustainable? Well, after talking with Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir from ReSource International about her grant-winning research into the durability and performance of plastics in asphalt, I was inspired to think that yes, asphalt can be “green,” too.
Read MoreIt’s been a vital time to think holistically about the many ways in which improving the efficiency of construction materials is a win-win for all construction project stakeholders.
Read MoreEarlier this summer, I mentored a team of 10 Clark Summer Associates to produce research and analysis presentations about Clark’s Sustainable Buildings Portfolio.
Read MoreSustainability research conducted by Paul Gallardo from Cardiff University under my mentorship during his internship semester at Clark Construction in the Fall of 2019.
Read MoreThe American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture this year prompted me to think about the scale we’re living in, and whether we’re doing enough to anticipate the shocks that will come with stronger climate impacts.
Read MoreAs we consider Earth Day 2019 and its message to protect endangered species, I am hopeful about all progressive developments in the waste and recycling landscape over the past two years, and active efforts to reduce the trash in the environment.
Read MoreSustainability research conducted by Rob Longland from the University of Lethbridge under my mentorship during his internship semester at Clark Construction in the Spring of 2020.
Read MoreRecently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Clark Construction Group communications team to share a bit about me and to discuss some of the top issues our Sustainability practice will focus on going forward.
Read MoreEIA Administrator Adam Sieminski announced the newly published Drilling Productivity Report at Columbia University this week, and the key takeaway is that fewer wells have been needed to sustain production growth levels due to mechanical, technological, and operational efficiencies by drilling companies.
Read MoreAlthough the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards began as very modest, insufficient regulations to improve fuel economy without any additional regulation of CO2 emissions from privately owned vehicles, political and economic events through the course of its enactment converged to catapult the CAFÉ regulations toward new milestones in reducing carbon pollution.
As a result of the 2009 Obama administration’s mandates for a new national fuel economy standard that redrafted the calculations for carbon pollution per vehicle on a “footprint” calculus, and a strong shift in public approval of lower costs in transportation expenses in a high unemployment economy, CAFÉ standards paved the way for innovative market solutions to meet aggressive new CO2 reduction goals for the next 13 years.
The U.S. endeavors to include all energy sources in it's policy approach to a competitive marketplace for fuels and power. This academic memorandum addressed to President Barack Obama is intended to drive sustainable action on key issues of energy policy.
Mr. President, per your request, after careful consideration of effective means to develop and implement a forward-looking energy policy in the United States, I recommend creating a new Energy Management Committee [EMC] to coordinate a multi-agency taskforce that will oversee the policy, management, technology, and public relations of energy resources.
COPYRIGHT © 2000 - 2025 Fernando Arias. Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)
