Navigating Sustainability, Embodied Carbon, and Adaptive Reuse

Reusing, adapting, and renewing existing buildings is both the greatest challenge and greatest opportunity for quick and lasting climate impact. The issues of climate crisis and social inequity are inextricably linked and can only be solved through reimagining the built environment. That starts with understanding and leveraging the inherent value of existing places through transformational stewardship. In 2022, existing buildings accounted for 53% of architectural billings, and the proportion is rising. These projects represent more than financial opportunity—they are key to climate action. Because buildings account for 40% of global CO2 emissions, the existing built environment must adapt and decarbonize for us to realize 1.5°C climate targets by 2040. Existing structures harbor enormous value in the form of invested ideas, culture, material, and carbon. Every project is an opportunity to understand and work on a unique combination of social and performance issues. This webinar will discuss issues around sustainability, embodied carbon, and how take advantage of existing structures in the form of adaptive reuse, repair, and restoration.

Speaker Info

Nakita Reed, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC
Quinn Evans
nakita.reed@quinnevans.com
443-450-7036

Speaker Bio

Nakita Reed is an Associate at Quinn Evans and award-winning architect with experience in the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, with a focus on sustainable strategies in design and construction. She has a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. She is a registered architect, a LEED® Accredited Professional, and a certified Passive House Consultant. She serves on the board of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation and is a co-chair of the Zero Net Carbon Collaboration for Existing and Heritage Buildings (ZNCC). She is also the host of Tangible Remnants, a podcast for lovers of existing buildings that explores the intersection of architecture, preservation, sustainability, race and gender.