Sustainable Building Monthly

Join us for a presentation by PAE Engineers on Decarbonization for Portland Public Schools (PPS). This event will cover the strategic roadmap designed to achieve net-zero emissions across the entire district. We will discuss how PPS gained leadership support through a compelling case for long-term benefits, demonstrating the significant advantages of decarbonization.

The presentation will explore the creation of the roadmap, which involves recognizing needs at both the building and district levels. PAE Engineers will explain the holistic approach adopted by PPS, integrating energy management, net-zero engineering, and policy engagement to ensure comprehensive sustainability.

PAE will share their experiences and insights, detailing the path taken to develop this roadmap. The goal of this session is to inspire and equip other organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to create their district-wide decarbonization plans. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from PPS’s journey and discover how to take bold steps toward a sustainable future.

Aaron Presberg PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Aaron is the Senior Program Manager, Energy & Sustainability at Portland Public Schools where he leads the district’s effort to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our schools and promoting resilient, inclusive, sustainable buildings. He oversees energy management, waste reduction, green schoolyards, and climate resiliency programs. Aaron specializes in integrated projects, combining energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and maintenance needs to ensure the best outcomes for students, staff, and the climate.

Emma Riccardi NEW BUILDING INSTITUTE

Emma Riccardi is a Senior Project Analyst for NBI’s Leadership and Market Development team, where she provides guidance and technical assistance to help drive the adoption of sustainability initiatives in public schools across the nation. She also manages a program that engages college students in sustainability in the built environment to catalyze workforce development in this growing industry.

Ruwan Jayaweera PAE

Ruwan is a mechanical engineer with more than 25 years of experience in design and modeling of sustainable buildings. As a Principal at PAE, he leads teams in design and commissioning and has provided expertise for 20 LEED-rated or registered projects, as well as several passive, resilient, and Net Zero Energy projects. Ruwan is active in the community as a mentor with the ACE Mentorship Program and MESA, member of the Portland Green Schools Committee, and as an Advisory Council Member for the Design Museum of Portland. As an Adjunct Faculty member at the Portland State University Mechanical Engineering Department, Ruwan shares his passion for engineering with the next generation of designers. A well-traveled fellow, Ruwan was born in Sri Lanka, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland, and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2005. He has two children, is a backpacker and runner, and occasionally plays the violin.