(I12) Pioneering Sustainability in Mission Critical Facilities: Balancing Continuity, Efficiency, and Resilience

In the face of escalating global environmental concerns, this session will illuminate the pathway to greener, more resilient infrastructure without compromising operational continuity. We will discuss cutting-edge strategies for incorporating sustainable practices into mission critical facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and transit hubs -- and where sustainable certifications play a role in moving this sector forward.

Recognizing the value of interdisciplinary cooperation, the panel aims to cultivate a collaborative environment where panelists (and attendees) can share their unique experiences, challenges, and solutions. Greenbuild’s focus to inspire wide-scale adoption of sustainable practices is the perfect backdrop to discuss this in mission critical facilities, and shape an industry that is as sustainable as it is operationally efficient. The collective opportunity of these facility types to drive responsible practices is a crucial piece to a long-term climate change solution.

Our subject matter experts will tackle key topics (including energy efficiency, use of renewable resources, waste management, and innovative cooling systems), and explore the vital intersection of sustainability with redundancy planning and disaster recovery, presenting approaches that weave together environmental responsibility and operational robustness. We will showcase real-world case studies (Van Buren US Land Port of Entry and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge Plaza Land Port of Entry), novel research (a renewable microgrid study for Sandia National Laboratory), and interactive discussion for attendees to gain actionable insights into sustainable facility management. The session aims to foster a collaborative environment, encouraging attendees to also share experiences, solutions and challenges to inspire the adoption of these practices industry-wide, and beyond.

Panelists include Kyleen Rockwell (Sr. Building Performance Analyst, Interface Engineering), Mary Springer (Assoc. Principal, Snow Kreilich Architects), and Amanda Atkins (VP Sustainable Services, Holder Construction), and will be moderated by Miranda Gardiner (Executive Director, iMasons Climate Accord).

By bridging the gap between environmental stewardship and operational stability, we are forging a future that balances our technological demands with our ecological responsibilities.