Show Notes: Common Sense for Better Construction
Intro:
- Welcome to another installment of "Common Sense for Better Construction," bridging the information gap to help you create a brighter future in the built world.
- Today's episode is sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors, making sustainable construction practically impactful. Visit www.creativeinterface.design.
Interview with Jimmy Mitchell from Skanska Construction Company:
- Skanska Construction Company: One of the largest construction and development companies in the U.S., serving diverse clients in transportation, power, industrial, water, wastewater, healthcare, education, sports, data centers, government, aviation, and commercial.
- Skanska's purpose: To build what matters, offering transformative low carbon solutions and aiming for net zero construction across all projects by 2045.
Background and Entry into Construction:
- Jimmy Mitchell's journey into construction started at Georgia Tech, where he found his passion for civil engineering and sustainability.
- Skanska's focus on sustainability: Rooted in the care for life values and a commitment to being carbon neutral and positive by 2045.
Code of Conduct and Sustainability:
- Skanska's code of conduct: Aligned with the brand's values, emphasizing sustainability and originating from the company's headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.
- The importance of presenting values well and fostering a culture that supports sustainability initiatives.
Obstacles and Challenges:
- Overcoming individual friction rather than major obstacles in the industry.
- A story of introducing waterless urinals and overcoming challenges to embrace sustainable practices.
Missed Opportunities and Client Objectives:
- Choosing not to pursue projects that conflict with Skanska's sustainability values.
- Challenges with clients who lack sustainability goals and the importance of aligning contractual documents with sustainable practices.
Skanska's Focus on Sustainability:
- Declaring a focus on sustainability: Driven by care for life values, global warming concerns, and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045.
- Initiatives like the EC3 tool: Evaluating embodied carbon in products and creating a market for low-carbon options in the construction industry.
Marquee Projects and Achievements:
- Skanska's involvement in the Candida Building at Georgia Tech: A Living Building Challenge project with regenerative design principles.
- Salvaging materials from movie sets and incorporating them into the Candida Building, showcasing innovation in sustainable construction.
Involvement with Lifecycle Building Center:
- Jimmy Mitchell's personal involvement with Lifecycle Building Center and Skanska's support for salvage and reuse initiatives.
- Examples of salvaging materials and supporting other nonprofits with recycled materials.
Feedback and Impact:
- Positive feedback from end users on projects with unexpected improvements and impacts.
- The challenge of sustainability initiatives becoming normalized and losing attention once achieved.
Future of Sustainability in Construction:
- Addressing carbon emissions as a current challenge in the industry.
- Anticipating future challenges and staying vigilant to new sustainability opportunities.
- Skanska's role in solving global warming issues and becoming a corporate partner in responsible practices.
Ideal Projects and Opportunities:
- Matching project tasks with enthusiastic project teams and clients who positively impact communities.
- The importance of a holistic approach to sustainability and considering the entire building system.
- Encouraging individuals to find an extra cause in their work for a deeper connection to sustainability.
Getting Involved with Skanska:
- For collaboration inquiries or interest in projects, reach out to local Skanska offices through the website.
- For advocates or those interested in sustainability events, support Lifecycle Building Center's celebration on October 18th. Contact Jimmy Mitchell at jimmy.mitchell@skanska.com for more information.
Outro:
- Thank you for joining "Common Sense for Better Construction," sponsored by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors. Redefining the impact of great design, one client at a time. Visit www.creativeinterface.design.