Ben Daugherty, Operations and Sustainability Project Manager, Cortex Innovation District
Member since 2022, Member of the Education Committee
Description of your work in green building:
I work for Cortex, the master developer of the 200 acre innovation district which has 42+ buildings ranging from bio and life science labs to offices, retail, and residential in both newly constructed and historically renovated buildings. As a sustainability project manager, I work on creating education and awareness on everything from recycling office electronics to native landscaping , sustainable site management and lowering the emissions our buildings are emitting. I also have the privilege of doing the green building work in the Cortex office location at 4240 Duncan which is a LEED Platinum certified historic building renovation designed by HOK and built by Tarlton.
Sustainability passion:
I’m fairly new to the world of sustainability but have developed several passions ever since. I’ve always been an avid gardener and enjoyed using the city’s LRA garden lease program when it was in existence and volunteering with FOOD Roof and SEED STL. About 5 years ago I transitioned into sustainability work and enjoyed finding ways to eliminate waste whether it be food, energy, or traditional grass lawns. I started getting into native landscaping about 3 years ago and was lucky to receive the MSD raingarden grant for my backyard. Additionally, the Cortex Commons has some great native prairies and bioretention basins that I get to manage vicariously through the great folks at Focal Pointe. I’m a big fan of alternative transportation and am lucky to be able to ride METRO or bike into work through Forest Park a few times a week. I couldn’t be more excited for the completion of the GRG Brickline Greenway and Tower Grover Connector which are both intersecting in Cortex. I love to support local food producers through the City Greens grocery store in the Grove and use the local composter, New Earth Farm, for my food waste. All of my passions have been fostered by individuals and professionals (big shout outs to earthday365, Cortex, and Colleen Autry to name a few) that took the time and effort to talk with me and help me grow in the green job industry. I’ve learned so much from them, and I’m eternally grateful for the knowledge they’ve shared. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in green jobs; everyone in the industry is so eager to help others grow in their professions.
Most meaningful experience with MGGBC Chapter:
I really enjoyed the Mass Timber Monthly Program held earlier this year. I met Luke Schuette, CEO and Founder of ReNuTeq, who uses bamboo for Mass Timber design and construction. We’re hoping to work together on a future project in Cortex. All of the MGGBC programs are always top notch with industry professionals and timely relevant topics. It’s a great group to be connected with and there’s a lot of incredible people from different backgrounds to network with.
What will most impact the future of green building:
I think implementing green building policies and regulations that have some teeth will greatly impact how we plan, develop, and build out our urban areas. Imposing stricter building regulation penalties and offering incentives to build greener buildings will help open up conversations with the major developers that have to make these initial investments. I really like the enhanced focus of embodied carbon in buildings from LEED V5. The more we can understand the impact our buildings make going from the old cradle to grave mindset to a more innovative cradle-to-cradle approach the more impactful the planning and design phases can become. Of course, “the greenest building is the one that is already built” is a strategy that must always be considered and one that I get to celebrate in the Cortex Innovation District.
Favorite LEED (or sustainability) Project:
CITY SC’s Energy Park – LEED Gold certification. This building offers a great opportunity to educate sports fans, and it makes the sometimes stuffy topic of sustainability more approachable. It’s a beautiful stadium and it really connects our region’s passion for food, sports, and sustainability all in one building.
Favorite place in the St. Louis region or Missouri Gateway GBC territory:
Forest Park. Forest Park Forever does such a great job managing the regenerative ecosystems in the park and there are so many little nooks and crannies and hidden gems to explore. I spend a lot of time here connecting with others, connecting with nature, or to get away from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis. The nature playscape and Kennedy Forest are some of my favorite spots, and the St. Louis Art Museum and History Museum are world class and free!