Will Highlight Building Science Education, U.S. Capitol Renovation, Resilience Initiatives

Each year for its conference, the National Institute of Building Sciences staff looks to enlist expert keynote speakers that will build on the event’s theme while engaging and educating conference attendees. For Building Innovation 2016: The Institute’s Fourth Annual Conference & Expo, scheduled for Monday-Friday, January 11-15, 2016, at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C., the keynote lineup is set to present diverse and informative perspectives on Achieving a Resilient Future.

President Emeritus of Virginia Tech

On Monday, January 11, educators from across the continent will attend the Workshop on Building Science Education in North America to explore the state of building science education in North America and collaborate on improving educational training and curriculum development. During this one-day workshop, co-hosted by the Institute and ASTM, experts in education from universities in Canada and the United States will present a critical view of graduate-level curriculum. For his keynote address, Charles W. Steger, PhD, FAIA, President Emeritus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (otherwise known as Virginia Tech) and Member of the National Institute of Building Sciences Board of Directors, will talk about the value of including building science as part of the higher education curriculum, as well as the importance of highlighting the application of related standards to the industry’s future professionals. Dr. Steger will bring his unique, multi-faceted perspective as an educator, architect and university president to the workshop discussion.

Chairman of the National Institute of Building Sciences

On Tuesday, January 12, the Institute’s various councils and committees will hold their individual annual board and leadership meetings, as well as come together for a joint meeting to expand opportunities for innovation and coordination. James "Tim” T. Ryan, CBO, Chairman of the Institute's Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Building Officials and Code Administrator for the city of Overland Park, Kansas, will give the keynote during the day’s luncheon. Chairman Ryan has worked for Overland Park for the past three decades, and has helped guide the city, ranked sixth in Money magazine’s 2006 "Top 10 Best Places to Live in America,” through periods of substantial growth.  He will highlight the importance of leadership and community engagement to achieve resilience goals and highlight ways his jurisdiction has addressed mitigation to reduce the impact of natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods. He also will talk about ways the Institute is working collaboratively to promote high-performance buildings and improve community resilience.

Architect of the Capitol

On Thursday, January 14, the Institute will host its annual FEDCon® event, which provides an open forum for federal agency representatives to speak about their respective programs, challenges and opportunities. This year the event is scheduled as a keynote breakfast. As the keynote speaker, the Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP, Architect of the Capitol and Vice Chair of the Institute’s Board, will share his insights into the work currently underway to revitalize the U.S. Capitol and discuss how the various renovation projects will make the edifice more resilient and sustainable for future generations. The U.S. Capitol currently is undergoing significant renovation work, including restoration of the Capitol dome and rotunda interior; repairs to masonry walls of the Olmsted Terrace; and preservation of the Grant Memorial located in Union Square by the reflecting pool on the west side of the Capitol grounds. In addition, the Cannon House Office Building, the oldest Congressional office building, is undergoing a multi-year renewal project that includes a comprehensive systems upgrade.

Along with these great keynote speakers, Building Innovation 2016 will include two tracks, five symposia, the Workshop on Building Science Education, the Academy for Healthcare Infrastructure Forum, the Beyond Green™ Awards Luncheon, an exhibit hall, a banquet and numerous opportunities to network with industry leaders and experts in their fields.