EDC Magazine 2013 Perspectives features Pope Architects’ Director of Interior Design

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

EDC’s December edition featured an opinion piece, 2013 Perspectives in Sustainability in the Built Environment. Pope Architects’ Director of Interior Design and Sustainability Coordinator, Erica Larson, CID, LEED AP BD+C, contributed to the article.

Here is an excerpt from the piece. To read the entire article, please visit the EDC Magazine’s website.

It’s a sad fact of life, but sometimes tragedy can lead to opportunity. The 2007 tornado that destroyed Greensburg, Kan., offered that community a heavy-hearted chance to rebuild sustainably. While the U.S. didn’t see any major hurricanes or storms on par with what was experienced in 2012, the tragedies of last year and beyond have led to opportunities for 2013. Pope Architects’ Director of Interior Design, Erica Larson, CID, LEED AP BD+C, and Kessler agree the harsh weather is indicative of climate change and the built environment needs to adapt as awareness grows, spurring the AEC industry.

 “Now more than ever, communities, governments and assistance programs are banding together to commit resources and time to reducing the environmental impact in the built environment,” says Larson. “As a result, many real estate companies and executives are being asked to address their company’s preparedness for another event, resiliency and how they are responding to all climate change risks. Ultimately, the economic development puts a strain on our natural resources as we as an industry work to clean up our communities.

 “Today, many programs are encouraging business owners and communities to rebuild using green techniques that save energy, conserve water and improve indoor air quality,” Larson adds. “Addressing sustainability and a company’s environmental impact in the built environment is essential, and the AEC industry is able to provide leadership and guidance on many of these issues.”