Advancing Masonry Design for a Sustainable Future
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. Eastern Time
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO AIA FOR CREDIT.
Join us to discuss how to design with structural masonry to achieve energy efficiency, carbon neutrality, and resiliency. We'll examine the SE 2050 Challenge and tools to help structural engineers reduce the embodied carbon of masonry buildings. Plus, review the types of carbon, how we measure carbon, net zero, Embodied Carbon Action Plans (ECAP), and more. Finally, we'll cover adaptive reuse practices, showcasing how existing structures can be repurposed to meet today’s standards while minimizing environmental impact. Walk away with resources and strategies to support sustainability goals on your next masonry project.
Image by Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Association
Learning Objectives:
- See how efficiently designed masonry wall systems can lower embodied carbon.
- Discuss the SE2050 Challenge and resources and tools that can help structural engineers reduce the embodied carbon of masonry buildings.
- Learn how low carbon concrete masonry mixes can improve building efficiencies as we design toward net zero energy and net zero carbon.
- Explore adaptive reuse as a sustainable way to repurpose existing masonry buildings.
About the Speaker
Beth Suminski, pe, se
structural engineer, forse consulting
Beth has worked for 25 years as a structural engineer in consulting engineering, software, and continuing education. During her first few years, her experiences in construction defect litigation cemented her understanding of how and how NOT to design a structure. She spent the following years as a practicing consulting engineer in San Diego and later as a director of structural software sales and development. In her current position with FORSE Consulting, she continues to pursue both the design and educational aspects of structural engineering. One topic Beth highlights is structural masonry design, in partnership with IMI (the International Masonry Institute). Beth is a licensed PE and SE in California and a licensed PE in Arkansas.
