Blueprints for Change: Sustainable Building Structures
Kate MacDougall, e2 engineers
Trey Zaharek, e2 engineers
Structural engineers are not always involved in early discussions related to sustainable or green project approaches. Two critical aspects of carbon reduction are material selection and detailing for mitigation of energy loss, both of which benefit from the expertise of a structural engineer. This breakout session will discuss traditional concrete, steel, masonry, and wood structural systems, and alternative materials and products which can be used to reduce these systems’ embodied carbon. The presenters will also discuss structural detailing for thermal breaks. Case studies will be used to reinforce the topic, including the recently completed New Canaan Library, a pilot project for the Design for Freedom initiative.
About Kate
Kate MacDougall, P.E. is an Associate Principal with e2 engineers, a structural engineering firm specializing in the design of buildings. As the Studio Leader for the firm's Massachusetts Office, she manages a team of seven professionals and is bringing the branch into its third year of operation. In addition to her role as an Associate Principal with e2 engineers, MacDougall, has been participating in de-carbonizing concrete stakeholder workshops with the BSA’s Carbon Leadership Forum and is also associated with several professional organizations including ASCE, Construction Institute, PWC-MA, and SEAMASS. She serves on an advisory board for the Engineering program at Minuteman Technical High School. MacDougall has almost 15 years of experience in the design of small, medium, and large projects for municipal, residential, institutional, and cultural clients. Following several years of designing upgrades for nuclear facilities, she transitioned to traditional building design in order to build stronger client relationships and work on more community-based projects.
About Trey
Trey Zaharek, a Senior Engineer with e2 engineers, is a well-rounded professional with experience as both a consulting engineer and as a construction project manager. Zaharek has led in the design and construction of small, mid-sized, and large building projects in the residential, municipal, commercial sectors. Cross-trained within the industry, he adds value to every project in which he is involved. Zaharek holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License in MA and is trained in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle use and OSHA safety guidelines.