Building the SCSU School of Business: CT’s First State-Owned Net-Zero Design

August 5th, 2024 | 3:00 – 4:30pm

SCSU School of Business | Wintergreen Ave. & Farnham Ave., New Haven, CT 06515

Southern Connecticut State University’s (SCSU) new School of Business opened in 2023 as CT’s first state-built, net-zero energy building. Featuring solar and geothermal systems, this 64,000 square foot, all-electric building represents visionary leadership in CT’s executive branch and more than a decade of commitment at SCSU to respond to the climate crisis and reduce the carbon footprint of university buildings.

In this program you’ll hear from:

  • Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman
  • DAS Chief Architect & Chief Sustainability Officer, David Barkin
  • SCSU Associate Director of Sustainability, Suzanne Huminski

These inspiring leaders will discuss how DAS supports the state of Connecticut’s climate goals relative to building the next generation of state facilities & describe how the new School of Business supports the University’s Master Plan to:

  • Reduce its carbon emissions from operations
  • Promote sustainable practices on campus
  • Help educate the next generation workforce 

The program will include an overview of how DAS and SCSU representatives worked together during the design and construction phase. The event will conclude with a tour to showcase building features/spaces within the facility and the systems deployed to meet 100% of the building’s energy needs.

Join us for a presentation and guided tour of this next generation of state facilities, followed by an opportunity to ask questions, network and enjoy light snacks and refreshments.

Food

Light snacks will be provided. In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your reusable water bottles as we will not be providing plastic water bottles. The school has drinking fountains and water bottle fillers.


Tickets:

Members Only, Complimentary

Event Agenda:

2:30 | Arrival & Check-In

3:00 | Project Overview Presentation

3:20 | Building Tour

4:00 | Q & A, Networking, Refreshments & Snacks


**Promo Code found in BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER & in BuildGreenCT Events tab on “More” dropdown Menu in Member Portal Homepage**


Your Speakers:

Michelle Gilman

State of Connecticut | Dept. of Administrative Services

Commissioner

Michelle Halloran Gilman was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont in February 2022. In her capacity as Commissioner, Gilman has overseen ambitious climate sustainability measures across the department and collaborated with federal, state, and non-profit partners to expand agency capacity in support of small and minority businesses engaging with the state.

In her role as Commissioner, Gilman actively participates in several policy boards, including the State Bond Commission, the Connecticut Paid Family Leave Authority, the IT Capital Investment Committee, and the GreenerGovCT Steering Committee on State Sustainability.

Before joining the Lamont Administration, Gilman acted as an advisor to various elected officials, including United States Senator Christopher Dodd and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo. A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Gilman is a proud graduate of Central Connecticut State University.

David Barkin

State of Connecticut | Dept. of Administrative Services | Construction Services

Chief Architect

David has been a consistent advocate for sustainability and decarbonization throughout his career. As Chief Architect for the State since 2013, David has organizational responsibility for construction project management, and technical services for the state’s $1.4B construction program and oversees plan review for the states $3B in active municipal school grants.

He is responsible for developing and monitoring design and quality standards for new and renovated construction and participates in the selection of AEC consultants to the State.

Additionally, he is Director of Operational and Process Planning within DAS and has recently been designated the agency Sustainability Officer.

David graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and from the University of Connecticut with a Master of Public Administration.

Suzanne Huminski

Southern Connecticut State University

Associate Director of Sustainability

Suzanne Huminski is Southern CT State University’s first Sustainability Coordinator. In 2010, she proposed to the university’s administration that she serve in this role for a pilot semester as her Master’s capstone project, and she has been there ever since.

Working across almost all sectors of SCSU’s operations, Suzanne helps plan and implement projects in energy and other resource efficiencies, renewable energy, waste reduction, curriculum development, experiential learning, community outreach, land stewardship, and strategic planning.

She oversees SCSU’s involvement in the national Climate Leadership Commitment for colleges and universities and created an award-winning interdisciplinary internship program for undergraduate and graduate students with sustainability-focused career goals.


Event Partners:


Continuing Education Credits

1.5 AIA LU Credits Available

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discuss how the collaboration between the State’s DAS and SCSU from design through construction yielded a project that aligns with the State’s climate goals.
  2. Describe how 100% of the building’s energy needs are being met by geothermal wells and photovoltaics, with no additional fossil fuels.
  3. Summarize how an institution’s mission to reduce carbon emissions can drive design objectives to meet climate goals, user needs, and support campus-wide sustainable practices. 
  4. Describe why sustainable buildings on campuses are important to students, faculty, the institution, and the community.

To Receive AIA Credit:

While registering, provide your AIA number in the relevant field to enable BuildGreenCT to report your attendance

OR

Self-report via the AIA site with your AIA number & supplementary Certificate of Completion (to be sent by BuildGreenCT following the event) granted your positive response to the question, “Would you like a Certificate of Completion? If you provide your AIA #, they will be reported for you” during registration.

Haven’t received your certificate of completion or other CEU questions? Email Us


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