Skanska's Journey to Net-Zero Construction - Jimmy Mitchell

Jimmy Mitchell serves as a project manager at Skanska Construction, a leading U.S.-based company in construction and development. Skanska caters to diverse clients in transportation, power, industrial sectors, and more, emphasizing their commitment to building what truly holds significance. Their focus lies in delivering low-carbon solutions, collaborating with various entities to exchange insights, and pioneering net-zero innovations for the built environment. With an ambitious target of achieving net-zero construction across all projects by 2045, Skanska aims to transform the industry. Enjoy their journey!

This podcast is presented by Creative Interface Architecture and Interiors.
Visit our podcast website at NotComplicatedJustGreen.com.
To learn more about the ideas of this podcast, visit www.creativeinterface.design.

Find helpful articles, download your free Project Planning Packet, even schedule your free Ask The Expert consultation. Whether you're an experienced developer, you just have an idea for a project, or you're simply curious what architects do, visit www.creativeinterface.design , Making Greener Design Practically Impactful.

Transcript

 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.