35 By Mark Kucera, AIA and Susan Menghini, Executive Director 2022 AIA WY Annual Fall Conference Green to Green AIA Wyoming hosted its Annual Fall Conference in Sheridan at Sheridan College Oct. 6-8, 2022. The theme and concept of the conference was Green to Green. With the current emphasis on embodied carbon by AIA at the national level, coupled with the volatility in cost and availability of materials, it seemed a comprehensive study of building materials could prove beneficial. The event explored Wyoming’s architectural practitioner’s role in Architecture 2030’s mission to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment. We examined how design professionals are advancing the development of sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities while demystifying the cost of sustainability. We discussed aspects of high-performing, sustainable design and construction in the context of what makes practical economic sense for Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. As the architecture and construction industry progresses, we continually encounter new environmental and economic pathways, and this conference seeks to provide a snapshot of viable elements that contribute to sustainable design during unsettled economic conditions. Having managed hybrid and virtual presentations over the last few years, an effort was made to offer in-person presentations for the entire conference. The conference began with a tour of the Mydland Market by Aimee Bolton, AIA. Following this tour, participants were invited to stay for a light meal and a chance to reconnect and network in a more casual setting. The speakers and presentations started the next morning in the Whitney Academic Center of Sheridan College. Attendees were greeted on Friday morning by the event emcees Jay Nelson of Pella and Scott Reyes of Allegion, two of our annual sponsors. The first speakers were Kam and Kim from the University of Wyoming. Dr. Kam Ng obtained his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and has building consulting and construction experience. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Wyoming and a Professional Engineer registered with the State of Wyoming. Kam is currently leading research projects funded by the UW School of Energy Resources and the Department of Energy to develop and manufacture coal-derived building materials. Kim Lau graduated with her B.Sc. and M.S. degrees in Architectural Engineering from the University of Wyoming. Kim developed coalderived char bricks and, along with two undergraduate students, manually manufactured more than 4,000 char bricks. A demonstration house has been constructed with these bricks and is being monitored for performance. She is currently a research scientist with the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming. The following is their presentation description: Pyrolysis char (PC) derived from the Powder River Basin Coal, WY, is one byproduct of an integrated solvent extraction and coal pyrolysis process. This process converts as-mined coal to functional carbon elements. PC is one of the functional carbon elements used in the research development and manufacturing of coal-derived char bricks (CCB). The research development of CCB involves experimental studies using different additives, PC contents and manufacturing procedures to optimize the engineering performance. The engineering performance includes compressive strength, density, thermal conductivity, burning characteristics, and durability. Compared with commercial clay bricks, CCB show advantages in terms of a lighter weight, lower thermal conductivity, and comparable compressive strength. Two demonstration houses were built, one using CCB and another using commercial clay bricks. The performances of these houses are being monitored for temperature, humidity, sound, volatile matters, and gases. Several patents CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 Emma Sorrell Greg Kingsley, Ph.D, PE Doug Bott Brian Bolton Kam Ng, Ph.D Laurel Christensen , AIA, WELL AP Christine Marez Kim Lau, MS
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