From Planning to Approval: A Net Zero Solution

Join us for this free webinar replay that will examine Forest Hills’ decision to build a state-of-the-art municipal building.

When Forest Hills Borough was faced with the declination of various municipal buildings, it was time to take action. The borough building has stood since 1922, but suffers from a multitude of costly energy and structural issues. Adjustments to the heating and cooling system had little impact on the increasing costs, and accessibility, storage, and spaces for citizen services were limited. Repairs and adjustments were simply not the cure.

A plan emerged to build a new Forest Hills Borough Building, budgeted to consolidate administrative offices, council functions, the police department, and the library and community space without increasing the tax mill rate. During the planning stages, the borough tackled sustainable efficiency and functionality, taking the approach to “Reduce Consumption Before Renewables.” With design parameters focused around energy, water, materials and indoor quality, the borough also undertook reflecting the borough’s history, incorporating citizen designs and ideas, and preference for natural and locally sourced materials. Design plans were approved and construction has begun on the new “Net Zero” municipal building.

Join the Sustainable Development Academy and the Sustainable Community Development Network for this free lunchtime webinar. Patrcia DeMarco, Ph.D. will discuss the process from initial discussions to final approval, as well as planning for resilience and sustainability as a fiduciary responsibility for government officials.

Patricia M. DeMarco is a native of Pittsburgh with a doctorate in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has spent a thirty-year career in energy and environmental policy in both private and public sector positions, including Commissioner of the Regulatory Commission of Alaska and Demand Side Manager for the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative. She was the Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Homestead Association and Director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University.

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