Be Loud and Question Norms – Implementing Sustainable Innovation in Construction
Michael Orbank
STO Building Group
Sustainability Manager
ABSTRACT:
As one of the largest sources of carbon emissions across the globe, the construction industry struggles to tackle the climate crisis and reduce their staggering carbon impacts. This doesn’t need to be the case though, and simplifying long held beliefs around sustainable construction can oftentimes lead to surprising progress. Come hear how persistent action, a focus on collaboration, and a passion for circularity has helped Michael Orbank (NU ’15, ’18) inject innovation into the construction process, and how students and professionals can help move the needle in the fight to decarbonize the built environment.
BIO:
Michael Orbank works as the Sustainability Manager for the Northeast Region at the STO Building Group. Through the development of construction site separation programs, C&D waste reduction and diversion trainings, paperless jobsites, and other innovative decarbonization efforts, Michael endeavors to prove that circularity and construction sustainability should be considered as emerging best practice. He holds professional accreditations as a LEED AP, TRUE Zero Waste Advisor and PHIUS Builder, and is a double graduate from Northeastern University, holding a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Civil Engineering/Construction Management. In addition, Michael serves as the chair for the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) Boston’s Reuse Working Group, where he helps to educate, promote and facilitate discussions on building material reuse and deconstruction.