Yesterday's sessions were good enough to make up for the exhausting lines (but enough about lines).
First, the Women in Green session was inspirational, provocative, and enlightening. Sitting amongst women that were actively making a difference in sustainable construction and design is something every woman in the industry should do at some point.
On the panel: Christine Ervin from the Christine Ervin Company, Rebecca Flora with the Green Building Alliance (and Chair-elect of USGBC), Sandra Mendler with HOK, Tracie Rider with Trace Collatorative, and Kira Gould, co-author of _Women in Green_.
The panel format was informal open discussion with questions about women's leadership roles in the design and construction industry, how our passions and values determine how we drive projects, what are our challenges in what is still considered a predominantly male industry, and how we're going to make the next step in sustainability.
Comments made:
1. Women seem to use a collaborative approach to their work and leadership practices, which will lend itself very well to the integrated design process. Women may be the natural fit for the future of sustainable design.
2. Step forward, be strong. Take leadership positions and don't self-doubt.
3. It's about having the right people and the right process.
4. "Feminine sensibilities": we are mediators, we listen, we are willing to change our mind and be open to other solutions, protective nature, partner our work with our core values.
5. Once we successfully marry our core values with green passion, the work will take on a "Deep green".
6. Share the "story" behind green projects, and you will better convince. People like to hear about the process or the journey.
7. Our challenges: We're too busy, we say yes far too often, we want it to happen "right now" which often involves a lot of work "right now", we have 'obligations' that we feel we need to do.
8. Parenting: The industry of the built environment (and arguably most others) does not foster a family-friendly workplace. Women propogate the species and that must be addressed for a healthy culture. We should not forget, though, that men deserve an opportunity for support as a father as well.
9. How do we foster a sustainable work environment? Be mentors, take positions of authority, clarify your corporate culture, influence your leadership.
(A sidenote: these thoughts are an overview of those presented by the panel and the audience, and do not necessary reflect those of the writer. This should give you a picture of what went on.)
On that note, off to my last educational session. More updates to come
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