2022/23 Efficient and Healthy Schools Webinar
Decarbonization for Schools
Recording and Slides
November 2022: Paul Torcellini from National Renewable Energy Laboratory discussed resources for decarbonization of existing schools, including tools and guides from DOE’s Better Buildings Initiative, best practices, and practical examples from school districts. Additionally, Jess Farber and Kiersten Washle from CMTA shared an example of a successful school retrofit project that is directly applicable to existing schools.
Speakers
Paul Torcellini is a Principal Engineer for commercial buildings research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Paul is a key contributor in the development of the Advanced Energy Design Guides (ASHRAE/AIA/IES/USGBC) including chairing the technical committees that produce the zero energy AEDGs including the guide for K-12 schools. Paul has been at NREL for 28 years and is a registered Professional Engineer holding a PhD from Purdue University. He is an ASHRAE Fellow and ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer. Paul has authored or co-authored more than 50 papers and articles related to energy efficiency and zero-energy commercial buildings.
Jess Farber, PE, WELL AP: Mr. Farber is a Vice President at CMTA. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He co-leads CMTA’s Boston office and has a reputation of providing excellent service to his clients and is well respected for his responsiveness to project related issues. He has 28 years of mechanical engineering experience and CMTA’s national expertise in high performance design including geothermal and net-zero design.
Kiersten Washle, CEM, LEED Green Associate: Ms. Washle is a Building Science Engineer. She supports HVAC systems and design primarily in energy modeling and with LEED. She is a graduate of George Washington University where she holds a Master Degree in Engineering Management. Ms. Washle is passionate about sustainability in the built environment and WELL building standards for healthy buildings. She brings tremendous passion to supporting decarbonatization and electrification of new and existing buildings.
Alexandra (Allie) Johnson is a Senior Research Associate in the Indoor Environment Group at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. She has a BSChE in Chemical Engineering and a Masters of Public Health with an emphasis in epidemiology and biostatistics. Alexandra previously worked as an engineer in industry and energy before moving into research within the field of environmental health sciences. While at Berkeley Lab, her focus has been on air quality in various indoor environments.