Speaker: James A. D'Aloisio, P.E., SECB, LEED AP
Abstract
Engineers have a unique part to play in mitigating the effects of anthropogenic climate change which has not been widely acknowledged. Simply put, we need to facilitate the reduction of the 110 million tons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that humans annually put into the atmosphere down to zero, and to draw down some of what has already been emitted, as soon as we can. This is a global engineering challenge! Jim will discuss the requisite skills and understanding to quantify and implement engineering solutions, first by considering the magnitude of the problem, then by quantifying emissions from various materials and operations, including concrete, steel, wood, and other materials. Jim will discuss some technologies and policies that could dramatically change the landscape of carbon emissions. Finally, he’ll circle back to the role of the engineer - to hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public - and what we might do to encourage the professional engineering institutions to take this responsibility seriously.
About the Speaker...
Jim is a practicing consulting engineer, specializing in building structures and thermal envelopes. He is a Principal with Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt of East Syracuse. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he is a Professional Engineer, Structural Engineering Certification Board (SECB) Certified, and a LEED Accredited Professional.