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.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 3rd Chief AI Officer Summit in Washington, D.C., where AI thought leaders and innovators gathered to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The conversations were insightful, and I walked away with three major takeaways that resonated deeply with me. These insights address some of the most pressing challenges and exciting opportunities facing AI today—particularly around trust, workforce empowerment, and the evolving role of AI in real-time decision-making.

On September 26th, industry leaders and AI experts gathered for the GBAC Public Meeting to discuss how AI is transforming federal buildings. With a focus on project delivery, facility operations, and sustainable renovations, this event showcased the practical applications of AI across these critical areas. As the moderator of the AI in Facilities panel, I had the privilege of leading a discussion with distinguished industry experts, diving into strategies for integrating AI into building operations while driving long-term sustainability. This listicle highlights five key takeaways from that conversation.

As 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.

Sunday unfolded into an unexpectedly reflective journey at the Navy Memorial Visitor Center, where the DC Environmental Film Festival (DCEFF) was in full swing.

Reflecting on my transformative journey with the Urban Design Program and the impactful project in Kumasi, Ghana, this experience marks a pivotal point in both my professional development and personal commitment to sustainable urban design. Addressing urban poverty through innovative waste management and sanitation, our work aimed to foster equitable and sustainable environments, while empowering local communities.

In 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.

Reflecting 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.

Explore 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.

As 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.

Can 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.

It’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.

Sustainability research conducted by Paul Gallardo from Cardiff University under my mentorship during his internship semester at Clark Construction in the Fall of 2019.

Sustainability 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.