Ed Stokes
"we have a responsibility to sustain — if not enhance — our natural environment and our nation's economy for future generations." —steve johnson, u.s. environmental protection agency administrator
About Ed
Boston College has made a commitment to sustainability in its future plans. As Senior Construction Project Manager in Capital Projects Management, Ed manages construction projects for BC, including those in the Institutional Master Plan, all of which must be at least LEED certified.
About LEED Certification
LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is an independent, non-profit organization which certifies that buildings meet LEED standards. A LEED-certified project approved by the USGBC may attain a Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level rating, based on how many total points it has achieved. Points are accrued in six different categories for performance in sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
The quest for LEED certification begins when a building is in the design stage. The architect ensures the criteria for certification are met. When the contractor is selected, Ed reviews product information and ensures that building materials supplied by the contractor meet the criteria.
BC's First LEED Project
Ed is the project manager for the Weston Jesuit Community construction project. The residences there are targeting a LEED Silver rating. The design includes several high-performance features like R-21 and R-45 insulation for walls and attic space, Energy Star appliances, and a window system that lets in plenty of sunlight during the day. The design will reduce heating and electric consumption, resulting in lower emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Other benefits include a non-toxic interior, thanks to the use of environmentally friendly paints and sealants.
The project is still in a very early stage but has already realized environmental benefits by diverting the waste from demolition of the existing houses from landfill. All of the construction debris was recycled!
Why Ed is Involved
Considering how many resources go into the planning and construction of a building, Ed is concerned about the immediate and future impact of construction. Ed agrees with the University’s plan for a sustainable institution.
“The University made a decision that it’s the proper thing to do. We all know that in the long term it will provide better buildings, and it’s better for the environment. The LEED process has helped us to be more aware of everything that goes into our buildings.”
The buildings will incorporate energy and water saving features into a comfortable, well-lit space. You can see what else the university is looking to do in its Institutional Master Plan.
What You Can Do
"The LEED practices that you can easily incorporate into your own home are the purchases of Energy Star items. By adding insulation, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, installing weather stripping, and caulking drafty windows, you can improve the sustainability of your home." For everything you buy, you can research in advance what the Energy Star ratings are. If you are renovating, take a look at the mechanical systems, recovery systems, and windows to see if investment in an upgrade will pay for itself through reduced energy costs. "It's a matter of being more conscious when you're putting things in, as opposed to just shopping for the cheapest windows. In the end, you'll save money."
Become a conscious consumer. Visit the Energy Star website to learn more about what products can make a difference. Qualified products include appliances, heating and cooling systems, water heaters, home electronics, lighting, and office equipment.