Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Austin & San Antonio Preservation Plans for Sustainable Decarbonization
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Virtual Session
12:00 - 1:00 PM
About the Presentation:
Join us for a power-packed hour-long webinar that delves into preservation initiatives in two vibrant cities, Austin and San Antonio. Explore the critical role of building preservation in contributing to sustainable decarbonization. This insightful session will bring together experts, city planners, architects, and sustainability advocates to discuss innovative strategies, challenges, and success stories in preserving older and historic buildings while advancing towards a low-carbon future.
View the City of Austin's plan here and the City of San Antonio's plan here.
Moderator:
Ashley Besic, the Senior Associate of Market Transformation at the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving impactful change. Leading initiatives that engage policymakers, the building industry, and consumers, she pioneers zero-emission lifestyle solutions, aiming to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduce climate pollution. In collaboration with the team, Ashley plays a pivotal role in convening state policymakers, manufacturers, and industry associations, working towards a comprehensive strategy for the phased transition away from gas appliances and implementing BDC's thermal network coalition organizing activities across the U.S.
Her influence extends to coordinating the Market Transformation working group, managing scheduling, preparing agendas, and securing commitments from diverse stakeholders. Acknowledged for her ability to solicit feedback and represent BDC's interests in national dialogues, Ashley serves as a relationship manager for critical stakeholder groups. Before her tenure at BDC, she led the implementation of the ULI Net Zero Imperative and played a key role in establishing sustainability initiatives at LivCor, showcasing her passion and precision. Ashley holds a Master of Science in Real Estate and a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, along with certifications as a LEED Green Associate, Fitwel Ambassador, and Green Globes Emerging Professional.
Speakers:
James B. Lindberg is Senior Policy Director at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He has more than 30 years of experience in preservation, planning, and sustainable development, including five years as director of the National Trust’s Preservation Green Lab. He has led nationally recognized preservation and sustainable development projects, including the adaptive use of a former dude ranch in Rocky Mountain National Park and the green rehabilitation of a historic school in Denver. Jim earned his BA in the Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College and his MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning.
Cara Bertron, the Program Manager at the City of Austin's Planning Department and works to shape more equitable cities through community and cultural preservation. She is currently managing Austin’s new Equity-Based Preservation Plan, which was drafted by a 26-member community working group. Previous work includes the development of a displacement prevention navigator program, facilitation of the Action Agenda for Historic Preservation in Legacy Cities with the Preservation Rightsizing Network, and community-focused planning in Seattle’s Chinatown International District. Cara serves as a National Trust Adviser and is a member of the Next City Vanguard. Her favorite public places are Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, Oslo’s central library, and Barton Springs at night.
Stephanie Phillips, AICP, Senior Program Manager - Deconstruction & Circular Economy at the City of San Antonio's Preservation Office, is an urban planner and policymaker working at the intersection of heritage conservation and the circular economy.
In her role as Senior Deconstruction and Circular Economy Manager for the City of San Antonio, she administers the largest deconstruction ordinance in the United States. Her role also focuses on strategic local partnership development, which has helped forge the Material Innovation Center at Port San Antonio; a research partnership with UT-San Antonio; and the integration of deconstruction contractor training into City workforce initiatives.
Outside of the City of San Antonio, Stephanie actively contributes to nonprofits and coalitions that focus on embodied carbon and circular economy policy and advocacy. She is the Waste and Consumption Issue Lead for the Climate Heritage Network and serves on the national boards of Build Reuse and Preservation Action.
Broadly, her work aims to foster collaborative, transdisciplinary, silo-busting partnerships that get us closer to creating a truly regenerative built environment.
