CotE: Shift Zero and the Collective Push for Real Climate Action in Architecture
Presented by AIA Seattle’s Committee on the Environment
To transform buildings from climate problem to climate solution, diverse communities must align efforts around authentic change. This panel discussion will explore a local model for this alignment: Shift Zero, an alliance of AEC, green building, affordable housing, and climate action communities working from common ground (alarm about the climate crisis) to advance common cause (a zero net carbon built environment for all) and speak with collective voice to make change.
Registration encouraged. This event is free to attend.
Presenters: Shift Zero Co-Chairs Leah Missik, Matthew Combe, Zack Semke
Leah Missik, Built Green
Leah is the Program Manager of Built Green. During her time in this position, Leah has overseen the continued growth of the program, conducted studies that received national media attention, and collaborated on the expansion of municipal and utility incentives for green building in the region. Leah is also a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program and a member of Leadership Tomorrow Class of 2018. Leah holds her M.P.A. from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where she concentrated in Environmental Policy and International Affairs. She serves as co-chair of Shift Zero.
Matthew Combe, Seattle 2030 District
Matthew is the Program and Operations Director of the Seattle 2030 District and brings a passion for sustainability and the environment to all aspects of his work. He has a Master’s Degree in Architecture and the Environment and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design and Environmental Management, both from the University of Portsmouth in the UK. He serves as co-chair of Shift Zero.
Zack Semke, Passive House Northwest and NK Architects
Zack is a Principal at NK Architects, a Seattle and Pittsburgh-based architecture firm dedicated to accelerating the clean energy transition through zero carbon building design. He also serves on the Passive House Northwest board and chairs its Policy Committee. He studied human biology, with a focus on human ecology, at Stanford University (BA, ’93). Since then he’s worked as a policy advocate for progressive regional planning, a developer and leader of nonprofit community organizations, and an evangelist for Passive House design. He serves as co-chair of Shift Zero.
Program Questions?
Contact Connor Descheemaker, Membership & Volunteer Manager at AIA Seattle
