Brief Writeup of Presentation: The climate change crisis has shifted the conversation about sustainability from energy efficiency to net zero and the urgent need for decarbonization. As design teams and building owners consider the carbon footprint of new construction projects, embodied carbon – the amount of greenhouse gases released by extracting, transporting, manufacturing, and installing building materials on site, as well as the operational and end-of-life emissions associated with those materials – has become a critical consideration. Structural systems are an important focus area, as lessons learned from life cycle assessments conclude that they can contribute up to 80% of the embodied carbon of a new building.

In this presentation we will evaluate the challenges and opportunities of different structural systems, including traditional construction methods, as well as innovative solutions that have emerged in recent years, to give attendees the tools to make an informed decision as they evaluate structural system options that best fit the project goals of buildings.

Learning Objectives

•    Understand the key drivers behind the need for decarbonization and how thoughtful structural design can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of new construction.
•    Learn about the unique considerations and strategies that impact the selection and design of structural systems.
•    Evaluate the opportunities and challenges of diverse structural systems to balance performance requirements with decarbonization goals;
•    Explore innovative concepts and technologies in development towards carbon neutral structures of the future. 

Speakers:

Harshda Prasad, SE, LEED AP, Managing Director Structural Engineering, LPA Design Studios

Harshda Prasad leads LPA’s structural engineering practice in San Diego, San Jose & Sacramento spearheading major civic, education, commercial and life science projects. She is a proven leader on complex projects, using her technical expertise and experience to help develop innovative and efficient structural strategies that support the larger project goals.

Harshda brings a wide range of experience to her role. She has lead teams on a wide spectrum of steel, concrete, wood and CMU structures, establishing a reputation for collaboration, solving design problems and understanding and interpreting relevant codes.

In addition to her leadership role at LPA, she was elected president of the Structural Engineers Association of San Diego (SEAOSD), where she leads efforts to improve industry standards and communication, and the public’s understanding of the profession.  She is also a vocal advocate to advance women in the engineering profession. She founded San Diego’s Women in Structural Engineering (WiSE) committee and was named a Woman of Influence in Engineering by the San Diego Business Journal.

Harshda earned a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is LEED accredited.

Eric Jones, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Managing Director Architecture, LPA Design Studios
Eric serves as project director for many of LPA’s largest laboratory and R&D projects, and oversees operations, strategic planning, and financial management for the San Diego studio. He is involved from the earliest stages of project design, from conceptual design to project completion, providing quality control and emphasis on collaboration and communication. His organizational, analytical, and creative skills have led to a seamless delivery process on diverse and complex projects, including more than 80 laboratory and research projects.

Eric specializes in tailoring client services to the unique needs of each project, based on his more than 20 years of project experience and design expertise. On a wide variety of life science, corporate, and education projects, he has drawn praise for his positive attitude, thoughtful approach, and clear direction. His attention to detail and deep knowledge of the science and technology industry is essential in his role as account manager for LPA’s work with a national life science and technology REIT, as well as his leadership in developing the firm’s lab planning discipline.

Career highlights for Eric include working on multiple award-winning life science facilities, such as 9625 Towne Center, which pioneered the use of cross-laminated timber in San Diego, and 3215 Merryfield Row, a project focused on sustainability, enhancing collaboration and wellness for the scientists. He has also worked to develop enriching learning environments on multiple high school and college campus renovations, including the E3 Civic High, a prototype urban charter school within San Diego’s Central Library. 

A member of the AIA, Eric received his Bachelor of Architecture in Environmental Design from Cal Poly Pomona and is LEED and NCARB Accredited.

Thank you to our silver sponsors:

Thank you to our GOLD sponsors:

SEAOSD SPONSORSHIPS

Sponsorship opportunities are now available! Along with our gratitude and appreciation, sponsors receive:

• Your company logo on weekly announcements for the event you sponsor
• Visibility within the SEAOSD community, reaching over 700 (and counting!) structural engineers, companies and industry representatives
• 4 registration tickets for the event, to be distributed as you see fit

Annual and event-specific sponsorships are available, as well.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON THURSDAY BEFORE AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT WALKINS OR LATE REGISTRATION AT THE RESTAURANT REQUEST!

For more information, please contact Heather Caya at 619-733-2734 or [email protected].