The Evolution of LEED: Local Stakeholders & Project Showcase

Join us for a discussion on the Evolution of LEED in partnership with USGBC. As LEED v5 progresses into its second public comment period, USGBC staff, local experts and volunteers will outline the next version of the rating system and discuss ways to engage. We’re excited to feature an overview and update on the LEED v5 O+M Beta Project at Kansas City Missouri’s City Hall.

View a list of attendees. 

SPEAKERS:

Sheri Brezinka, USGBC Regional Director, West North Central
Sheri oversees USGBC market transformation and development activities across the Midwest. An experienced senior leader in sustainability with a focus on the built environment, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement and organizational management, Sheri is a resource to policy makers at the state and local level. She raises awareness about USGBC’s work through public speaking and serving on stakeholder groups. Prior to this role, Sheri was appointed Executive Director of the USGBC Minnesota Chapter in February 2009, working with the Board of Directors to strengthen and expand the organization. Before joining USGBC as staff, Sheri was actively involved as a volunteer leader when she helped form USGBC Minnesota in 2002. With a background in the construction industry, Sheri brings over 25 years of experience in the building industry. In her previous positions as Director of Marketing for Weis Builders, Inc. and Adolfson & Peterson Construction, she developed and led the general contractor’s sustainability programs.

Kacey Eis, Sustainable Buildings Coordinator, Office of Environmental Quality, City of Kansas City, Missouri
Kacey Eis is the Sustainable Buildings Coordinator for the City of Kansas City, Missouri where she is responsible for implementing the Homes & Buildings Strategies outlined in the City’s Climate Protection & Resiliency Plan. Kacey has worked in the private, non-profit, and public sectors and is a LEED Green Associate. She holds a Bachelor’s in Community Health from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability and Certificate in Science, Technology and Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Kacey is leading a LEED v5 Beta project to certify Kansas City, Missouri’s City Hall building.

Ed Soltero, Assistant Vice Chancellor and University Architect, Facilities Planning & Management, Washington University
Ed Soltero, Ph.D., FAIA is the Assistant Vice-Chancellor, FPM, and University Architect at Washington University in St. Louis, where he leads the planning and design team and manages initiatives for long-term campus planning, collaborates with the university’s capital projects team and provides leadership as the university works to reach infrastructure-related sustainability goals. In his previous position at Arizona State University (ASU), he led a comprehensive annual capital project portfolio of $1.5B with a strong focus on sustainability, which garnered local, regional and national design and sustainability awards. His varied career includes design leadership, management of multi-functional teams in both private sector firms and institutions, business development, project management, strategic leadership and customer service. Ed has developed an exceptional background in architecture and construction project management during the course of his 39 years of professional experience. Fellowship was conferred upon him by the American Institute of Architects in 2016 for his contributions to the practice of architecture. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional since October 2008.

Sara Greenwood, The Greenwood Consulting Group
Sara Greenwood is a LEED Fellow and sustainability consultant with over 16 years of experience. Her expertise and insight into emerging green building practices and technologies provide a unique perspective for clients pursuing green building certification and sustainable business initiatives. She helps teams manage the certification process to achieve their performance goals. Her projects range in building type and are located nationwide. She has supported the US Green Building Council to inform updates to the last two versions of the LEED rating system, participated on the LEED Steering Committee, and served as one of a few LEED project reviewers for GBCI. Ms. Greenwood currently serves on the LEED Advisory Committee. GCG has demonstrated experience managing projects that pursue LEED, SITES, the WELL Building Standard, Fitwel, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR, and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS). Ms. Greenwood founded her consulting firm, the Greenwood Consulting Group based here in Kansas City in 2012 and it is a certified Women’s Owned Business. She is passionate about improving the health and lifestyle of building occupants through the WELL Building Standard and has had several speaking engagements on the topic. Sara is a LEED-Fellow. Green Globes Fellow and WELL Faculty.

Ralph Bicknese, Principal, Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects
Ralph Bicknese, AIA is an architect, LEED BD+C, LEED Fellow and principal at Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects. Ralph is passionate about integrating design excellence with exemplary environmental performance to evoke positive impact and enrich life – at scale. Ralph is a mentor to students and professionals and a frequent lecturer/presenter on sustainability in design. He has served on several sustainability committees locally and nationally and has participated in several sustainability master plans, 55 LEED projects, including at several of the region’s major cultural and educational institutions, and several seeking Living Building Challenge, zero-positive energy, and SITES certifications.