Inspiring the Next Generation: TGE’s Engagement with BIPOC Students at Walden Pond

Inspiring the Next Generation: TGE’s Engagement with BIPOC Students at Walden Pond

On November 14, 2023, The Green Engineer will host an inspiring event at Walden Pond for BIPOC students from Concord Carlisle High School. This initiative aims to introduce students to the impactful field of sustainability consulting, showcasing TGE’s project, and the various career pathways available in this vital industry.

Event Agenda

Introduction to TGE and Sustainability Careers

The event will kick off with an overview of TGE’s work, highlighting the personal educational and professional journeys of team members that led them to careers in sustainability. This segment will emphasize the importance of addressing sustainability and social equity in the built environment, aiming to inspire students to consider these fields as viable and rewarding career options.

Showcasing the Walden Pond Visitor Center

TGE will highlight the sustainable design features of the Walden Pond Visitor Center, a project that exemplifies TGE’s commitment to sustainability. The Visitor Center is LEED-NCv3 Gold certified and boasts numerous eco-friendly features:

• Net Zero Energy Building: The center operates entirely on electricity, with no fossil fuel usage. All energy use is offset by renewable energy generated on-site.

• High-Performance Windows and Insulation: Triple-pane windows and enhanced insulation for roofs, walls, and windows ensure energy efficiency.

• Solar Energy Systems: A 105-kW photovoltaic solar canopy provides all the energy needs for the building and the state reservation, while a 4.5 kW solar hot water heating system further reduces energy consumption.

• Sustainable Materials: The building uses FSC-certified framing and sheathing materials.

• Educational Displays: Interpretive displays educate visitors about the building’s energy-saving features and its net-zero energy use.

This segment will also cover the roles of various project consultants and stakeholders, illustrating the integrative process that brings such sustainable projects to life.

Educational Pathway Resources

To further support students’ interest in sustainability, TGE will provide information on educational pathways and resources. This includes an updated list of pre-college AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) programs available in 2024, such as:

• Sustainable Projects In Your Backyard: Potential future tours of TGE projects.

• Boston Public Library and UMass Boston General Academic Building: Examples of sustainable projects.

• ACE Mentorship: Opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and guidance in the field.

• USGBC - Green Building Careers: Resources for exploring careers in green building and sustainability.

This event at Walden Pond represents TGE’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the sustainability field. By engaging with students in the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) program as well as other BIPOC students, TGE aimed to foster and inspire the next generation of diverse sustainability leaders by providing  the students with valuable insights and resources into the sustainability field. The event not only highlights the importance of sustainable practices but also underscores the critical role of social equity in creating a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.

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