By Luke Lombardi, PE, Co-Chair, SEAOSC Sustainability Committee

You may have noticed the increasing number of news articles about climate change or have received increasingly frequent client communications inquiring about embodied carbon, LCAs, and net-zero buildings--topics generally unfamiliar to the traditional day-to-day activities of structural engineering. If you’ve been buried in calculations, coordination, and construction administration, these topics and endlessly new acronyms might feel a bit overwhelming. Let’s break it down and explain why these issues are important and relevant for structural engineers and why structural engineers play a vital role in guiding this pivotal transition towards sustainable building design.

Full disclosure: we are sharing a lot of links. The intent isn’t to overload you, but to provide an ongoing resource. There is an abundance of foundational research and case studies available. Understanding a few basics is really all you need to know to start making an immediate impact. For quick reference, the most important points are underlined and bolded. Summary / action items are at the end.

Climate science has been around for decades along with the corresponding calls to mitigate emissions. We’ve recently seen increasingly alarming reports from scientists and calls for action in Paris, Glasgow (Arch 2030 1.5°C COP26 Communiqué), and most recently with the IPCC’s Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability report. Governments, clients, and our industry member organizations have joined in this call for action by declaring a state of emergency around climate change (e.g. Engineers Declare). 

Globally, we have a limited “carbon budget” of approximately 460bn tonnes of CO2 (GtCO2) to have a 50% chance of keeping warming below 1.5C – that’s just 11.5 years of current (2020) emissions. Every fraction of a degree matters as cities and communities around the world are at risk (negative impacts outlined by Nasa and Carbon Brief). It is simply not feasible to adapt our building code provisions - think wind speeds or temperature ranges - at the same pace as  climate change.

Aggressive reductions are needed now for emissions to be reduced in half by 2030 to realistically meet this budget. The shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is important, but buildings are also a pillar of the U.S. decarbonization plan.

Buildings are responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions (EIA report, 2018) with about three quarters coming from building operations and the remaining quarter resulting from  materials and construction. In Los Angeles, this proportion is 43% of greenhouse gas emissions—more than any other sector in the city, including transportation. Globally, the emissions from cement, steel, and aluminum manufacturing represent a staggering 23% of all emissions. 

By 2060, the global building stock is projected to double. This is the equivalent of constructing an entire New York City every month. Embodied carbon emissions between now and 2050 are expected to be the source of the majority of emissions from this projected new construction.

This is the purview of structural engineers. We specify the size and type of material needed for safe construction and have a responsibility to understand these elements best. Material quantity and the specified material, which has a corresponding global warming potential (GWP), form the basis for embodied carbon calculation. Though some might suggest this consideration is “out of scope,” has our industry not previously expanded other aspects of our expertise as new information is discovered? For example, every significant earthquake provides a new learning opportunity to access and adapt to better protect and serve our communities. We no longer use pre-Northridge steel moment connections. Management of embodied carbon in our structures is similarly an extension of practicing this responsibility to public safety.

Is it even possible? SEI has published How to Get to Zero outlining different paths of design change, electrification, material innovation, and purchased offsets--some more costly than others.

In the past year and a half, 75 structural engineering firms have joined SE 2050 to “support the vision that all structural engineers shall understand, reduce, and ultimately eliminate embodied carbon in their projects by 2050.” This list of progressive companies includes 18 local structural engineering firms in the SEAOSC region. 

What is the next step? Get informed about strategies for reduction from AIA, CLF, or LETI (UK). Using less carbon-intensive materials in new-builds and finding ways to extend the functional life of structures (e.g. circular economy).

There is a growing precedent driving new policies that address embodied carbon similar to building operational emissions. Take the London Tulip for example. Embodied carbon legislation has now been introduced on the floor of British parliament, and as of this past February has been proposed in California as well.

As structural engineers, we have a collective leadership opportunity to embrace this transition during the climate crisis. We can choose to support the responsible use of natural resources in design through resilient seismic design as well as adaptive reuse. Moving towards using materials that contribute to ecosystems and carbon sequestration is a challenge structural engineers are trained to meet.

Summary: Carbon emissions generated from buildings, both old and new, significantly contribute to climate change. Structural engineers are in a key position to facilitate, rather than incumber, the mitigation of these emissions through the systems we design and materials we specify. Public perception, closely followed by public policy, is rapidly changing. By taking action now, as structural engineers, we can choose to define our leadership role rather than rely on others in the industry to prescribe changes to structural elements and design.

How you can get started:

• Less than 20 minutes

• 1. Read an Embodied Carbon Action Plan from an SE 2050 Signatory Firm

  2. Learn about the Top 10 Ways to Reduce Carbon in Concrete from NRMCA / AIA

  3. Look up the difference in GWP between hollow and hot-rolled steel on EC3

• Less than an hour

• 1. Start a conversation - with an architect, owner, contractor, community leader. 

  2. Attend a CLF-LA meeting or read a post from the Community Forum

  3. Read up on high-impact materials on Carbon Smart Materials Palette

• More than an hour (est. 4-8 hrs)

• 1. Review and update your specifications

  2. Complete an LCA for an existing project

  3. Attend SEAOSC's Education Summit March 18th

• Long term:

• 1. Join SE 2050 - learn from others and make a plan.

  2. Engage in the policy discussion around embodied carbon

Dear Members,

It was great connecting with so many of you this past month at the SEAOSC Trivia Night and SLO Structured Connections. The conversations were energizing to say the least. A big congratulations goes out to MHP’s trivia team for their amazing win, taking home the SEAOSC perpetual trivia trophy. I would be remiss if I didn’t share my sincerest gratitude to CSI for their unwavering support of SEAOSC and the trivia evening.

February also brought us an engaging webinar on Business Development. This upbeat presentation by Lindsay Diven provided participants with networking tips and a gameplan to grow your connections. One of Lindsay’s nuggets of advice was to polish and refine your personal elevator pitch. If this is something you would like to work on, our Public Speaking Workshop is the place for you. Open to members of all age and experience levels, this workshop will allow you to develop effective communication techniques for client interactions, new business development, and internal collaboration and presentations. 

Over this past month, I also had the opportunity to attend the Structural Forum, put on by the active students of Cal Poly SLO. While chatting with students, I found myself answering one question in particular many times: what got me involved in SEAOSC? Well…

My first introduction to SEAOSC was as a student in the undergrad ARCE program at Cal Poly. Although smaller at that time, we had an active student SEAOC chapter that promoted mentorship, networking (or parties), and field trip opportunities. Ultimately, this student club gave me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and lead. I held the Secretary position and Structural Forum Chair, two positions I embraced and made my own.

The transition into SEAOSC as an emerging professional wasn’t an automatic step for me. When I graduated and started working, I wasn’t immediately surrounded by fellow SEAOSC members. Working in San Luis Obispo made regular participation in dinner meetings or committee work unrealistic (remember, this was long before Zoom). What ultimately led me back to SEAOSC was the technical expertise and educational opportunities the Association – and its connection with SEAOC/SEAONC – provided. As the industry transitioned out of the familiar 1997 UBC, SEAOSC’s resources are what helped me advance.

So, the technical expertise is what brought me in, but the community is really what hooked me to become active. I believe that SEAOSC has given me the opportunity to cross paths with some of the most outstanding and interesting engineers – people that I don’t think I would have met any other way. The Association has also given me opportunities that I wouldn’t have been available in my firm alone. Opportunities to advocate for the profession while connecting with local and state governments. Opportunities to lead and manage on a very different scale from my intimate office setting. Opportunities to speak and present in an array of different forums. I can say with the utmost sincerity that SEAOSC has given me much more than I could ever give in return.

If you are looking for some inspiration or an avenue to get more involved in our SEAOSC community, I invite you to join us this Wednesday for a virtual Night of Engineering Inspiration where we will introduce you to change-makers and trendsetters. Alexis Clark of HILTI North America will remind us what this profession is all about and the benefits that open up to us when we give back. Hear how some of our community members are leading the industry towards a more diverse and inclusive workplace environment. And if that’s not enough, you will also hear from the eloquent recipients of the 2022 SEAOSC Foundation Student Scholarships. Just to wet your appetite, here a few words of inspiration from some of my SEAOSC friends:

By learning from and mentoring others, I find that SEAOSC is a great platform to foster community and gain visibility within the structural engineering profession.
- Jessica Chen, S.E., SEAOSC Young Member Committee Co-Chair

I am involved with SEAOSC because it is a great organization of individuals dedicated to the profession of structural engineering. It is a privilege to learn from those at the pinnacle of our profession and inspiring to engage with the next generation and future leaders of our profession. I encourage everyone to get involved. - Kevin O’Connell, S.E., SEAOSC President 2014-15

Actively participating in SEAOSC allows me to make a difference in the structural engineering community and give back to my fellow engineers who also work hard to improve the built environment. - Maria Mohammed, S.E., SEAOSC 2021-22 Board Director

I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Warmest Regards,

Kelsey Anne Parolini, S.E.
SEAOSC President, 2021-22

Dear Members,

Wow!  2022 is off to quite a start. I don’t know about you, but my calendar is filled with some really exciting opportunities in the coming months. 2022 for SEAOSC started off strong with the SEAOSC Student Career Fair. I would like to thank all the firms who participated to make the event successful,  and allowed us to connect with over 200 students. If you haven’t done so yet, I would encourage you to check out the 2022 SEAOSC Program Year; it is not just a calendar of membership meetings but a true reflection of the initiatives our committees and board are undertaking.

SEAOSC does have a full schedule, and that is thanks to our dedicated members - volunteers with a passion to enhance our structural engineering community. All of the new programs on our agenda are brought to you by your peers, because it is a topic or resource that they are passionate about – events that our SEAOSC community can and will grow from. There are three new programs in particular that I would like to share with you:

• SEAOSC Mentorship Program - Thoughtfully fostered out of our Women in Structural Engineering committee, and in collaboration with the Young Members committee, the D&I committee, and some of our Student Chapters, the inaugural pilot program is being launched in Spring of 2022. This structured program will offer opportunities for one-on-one mentoring as well as small group mentoring. I am excited to participate as a mentor not only to support the future of the profession but because it will surely foster new authentic relationships and grow my professional network. I expect that it will give me some feedback and insight on how to be a better manager. And, I am hoping it will help improve communication and leadership skills. If you would like to learn more about the SEAOSC Mentorship Program, please reach out to our SEAOSC office.

• SEAOSC Public Speaking Workshop (March 19th) - Open to all members, this program is brought to you by our Young Member committee. The workshop is designed to give attendees the fundamentals of public speaking and effective communication for client interactions, new business development, and internal collaboration and presentations. These are valuable skills for all engineers as they work to advance in their career.  We are excited to offer this experience to our members at a reduced cost, thanks in part to grant support by the NCSEA Foundation.

• Education Summit (March 18th) - Our Education Committee and Sustainability Committee have teamed up to bring you a day-long education program focused on Sustainability in Structural Design. In both the public sector and in private development, the industry is looking towards the future, and that future is “green.” The technical summit will kick off with "Embodied Carbon 101", address the life-cycle impact our main building materials have on the environment, and explore some successful case studies right here in California. Become familiar with emerging trends so that you can better serve your clients and our community.

Please stay tuned to our weekly email announcements, for the latest in event news. With the current surge in COVID cases, our schedule has been fluid. The health and safety of our members and staff is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust our schedule.

I hope you all find at least one new SEAOSC event that peaks your interest, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Warmest Regards,

Kelsey Anne Parolini, S.E.
SEAOSC President, 2021-22

This month, two SEAOSC members were recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as Women of Influence: Construction, Architecture, & Engineering. This 4th annual distinction recognized 44 women from across Southern California.

SEAOSC’s president-elect, Patti Harburg-Petrich of Buro Happold, was recognized for her professional work and leadership, highlighting her work in sustainability within her project portfolio.

Member Liz Mahlow of Nous Engineering was also recognized as a leader for her project work around the globe and her work promoting the collaboration between architectural intent and structural performance.

You can read more about Liz and Patti (as well as the other 42 honorees) here.

Two of SEAOSC's members will be honored in February for their dedication to the next generation of structural engineers. The ACE Spotlight Awards honors outstanding mentors for their dedication, leadership, and support of high school students in the ACE Mentor Program.  ACE brings Architecture, Construction and Engineering professionals into high schools twice a month to teach students and mentor them. This year, SEAOSC members Josh Rojo and Carmen O'Rourke, both of Degenkolb, are being recognized.

Josh supports STEM Academy of Boyle Heights. This year, he stepped up as Team Leader and did everything possible to make sure he met with his students in person, knowing how much being there in person helps keep the students engaged.

Carmen has served as Team Leader for the Downtown L.A. Team for many years and is one of ACE’s most involved mentors. This team includes students from three different schools which requires additional effort to coordinate, but Carmen is always there for her students.

Congratulations to both of these members who represent the association and profession with dignity and esteem.

Dear Members,

It's that time again… when we put a bow on our accomplishments of this year and prepare to ring in the new one.  No matter your traditions this holiday season, I wish you all the best in your celebrations.

As I prepare my New Year's resolutions, the campaign tagline We SEE Above and Beyond keeps popping to mind. This is the slogan of the NCSEA marketing campaign that kicked off this fall, and something I want to make sure I promote in my work (both with my clients and within our community). The campaign is designed to draw awareness to the structural engineering profession and its vital role in society.  Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) is more than through drawings and well executed calculations; it is the unique way we bring our communities to life. The campaign website, www.weseeaboveandbeyond.com, outlines key campaign messages which include:

• We SEE our role in helping to form resilient communities.

• We SEE the “big picture” vision of a project: its desired outcomes and its intended impact.

• We SEE construction solutions using proactive leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving.

• We SEE the integrity of building components and systems that create safety and security.

I hope there are a few words here that speak to you; themes that encourage you to show and share how you SEE Above and Beyond.  Whether you share your experiences with colleagues in a staff meeting, show it to your clients at your next project kick off meeting, or teach it to our next generation; I hope you find a way to celebrate all that you do in 2022.

Warmest Regards,

Dear Members,

On June 13, 2021 Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors approved a motion regarding the assessment and safety of high-rise buildings in their jurisdiction. The motion directs the Department of Public Works (DPW) to take six actions; with Actions 3 and 4 having a direct impact on the practice of structural engineering.

• Action 3 would require owners of certain buildings in select areas “to hire a structural engineer and to prepare engineering assessments.”

• Action 4 directs a study of the “feasibility of requiring a certification inspection program for all similar type (high-rise) buildings in the unincorporated Los Angeles County area”. We understand a “certification inspection program” to involve engineering assessments beyond the normal scope of routine maintenance inspections.

Over the past two months SEAOSC has had the opportunity to collaborate with DPW as the department prepares a formal response to the motion. Our members prepared and presented case studies that helped to illustrate the history and rarity of building failures under modern building codes. Our Safer Cities Advisory Group also created and distributed a survey to help DPW understand the current process used by Structural Engineers to assess existing buildings.  (You can read more about the survey findings here.)

During our weekly meetings with DPW, SEAOSC was asked that we utilize our contacts and connections across the state as we consider the motion - which we were able to do through the support of SEAOC. Understanding that multiple California jurisdictions are contemplating similar questions to those posed in Los Angeles County, SEAOC convened an ad hoc committee of members from across the state to provide insight and perspective on this topic.  On October 13, 2021 SEAOSC, together with SEAOC, provided a formal position statement to DPW. Some key themes of the statement include:

• For buildings with reported or known deficiencies, we encourage the County to achieve their objects using existing regulations to the extent possible. Relevant existing regulations include the CEBC (which requires the abatement of unsafe and dangerous buildings), the California Health and Safety Code, and the International Property Maintenance Code.

• At present, we find that a new program of mandatory engineering assessments would be premature, and possibly counter-productive:

• 1. Without an inventory, and while the causes of the Champlain Towers South collapse are still under investigation, there is no equitable or reliable definition of "similar type (high-rise) buildings."

  2. Without an extreme event like an earthquake, the sudden collapse of an occupied, maintained building in California is rare. We have no data that indicates mandatory “certification” prevents collapse. 

• The County can develop outreach materials to remind building owners of their responsibility to maintain their buildings, to inform them of the resources available through DPW, and to explain the applicable existing codes, regulations, and legal precedents.

We are expecting that DPW will be reporting to the Board of Supervisors in November, and will share additional information as it becomes available. 

I would like to extend my gratitude to SEAOSC members Wayne Chang, Susan Dowty, Daniel Zepeda, Patti Harburg-Petrich, and our entire Safer Cities Advisory Group for their efforts in responding to this call in a timely fashion.  It is our community of passionate engineers that positions SEAOSC as a resource to our community leaders.  If advocacy, policy, and legislation is something that interests you, I would encourage you to check out the next scheduled Legislative Action Committee meeting.

With that, I wish you all a wonderful November, and look forward to seeing you at our ‘Structured Connections’ membership meeting on November 3rd.

Warmest Regards,

To aid the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works in responding to the Board of Supervisors’ approved motion of July 13, 2021: Assessing the Safety of High-Rise Buildings In Los Angeles County,  SEAOSC’s Safer Cities Advisory group distributed a survey to understand the current process used by Structural Engineers to assess existing buildings. Licensed PE and SE members were asked to respond based on recent experiences conducting condition assessments of existing buildings five or more stories in height. The survey included a series of questions with two scenarios: where no structural failure is observed and when a failure occurs. Ninety (90) SEAOSC/SEAOC Members responded, and the majority of respondents practice in Southern California (78%).

A key finding from the survey reported that due diligence for a transaction (real estate, insurance, etc) or a broader evaluation due to a voluntary upgrade or mandatory ordinance-related upgrade are reasons why Condition Assessments are frequently performed. The survey also concluded that Condition Assessments were rarely performed due to specific failure or concerned occupant. 

In the scenario where assessments are not due to an observed failure, most of the survey participants noted that they look for deterioration or damage when performing condition assessments. The most common deficiency observed in this scenario is concrete deterioration; however, steel deterioration and design deficiencies were also reported. Furthermore, nearly all respondents reported performing a job walk and review of as-built documentation as part of the condition assessment scope. 92% of respondents also reported prioritizing their findings, with life safety being the overwhelming top priority. 

In the scenario where assessments are due to observed failure, the vast majority of respondents reported looking for the cause of damage, checking for conformance with as-build plans, and looking for deterioration when performing condition assessments after a failure. Reported deficiencies from assessments due to observed failure were similar to the previous scenario with concrete deterioration as the most common deficiency observed. However, failure of foundations is reported more frequently in this scenario. In line with the previous scenario, nearly all respondents (96%) reported performing a job walk and review of as-built documentation as part of the condition assessment scope. The majority of respondents prioritized their findings and life safety was again the top priority. Finally, many respondents reported that they will notify the jurisdiction if there are life safety issues or if issues are not addressed in a timely manner.

SEAOSC thanks those who participated in the survey.  We value your time and input on this matter.

Over the past several months, SEAOSC members have been discussing the Los Angeles City Council’s proposed expansion of Fire District 1. On October 18, SEAOSC formally responded to Council President Nury Martinez and the LA City Council stating that SEAOSC will not be taking a position on the expansion of Fire District 1.

The current Fire District 1 is composed of dense, urban areas in the City.  Within its boundaries, additional fire life safety regulations are required for new construction and additions.  Fire District 1 limits the type of construction as defined in the California Building Code (CBC) to Types I, II and III, prohibits Types IV and V construction, and provides for additional fire life safety requirements.  Fire District 1 is a building code provision found in Chapter 9, Article 1, Division 72 of the LAMC (Section 91.7201.1).  

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and Councilmember Monica Rodriguez made a motion on June 5, 2019 to expand Fire District 1 to include all areas within the City covered by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Very High Fire Severity Zone and City’s High Wind Velocity Zone as well as high density population centers with a population density of at least 5,000 residents per square mile. The proposal was brought to SEAOSC’s attention in March 2021. At that time, the SEAOSC Board and SEAOSC Committees began discussing a response.  

In August 2021, SEAOSC representatives had the opportunity to meet with John Popoch, Deputy Chief of Staff to Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield. This interaction set the stage for collaboration with the Councilman on this and future topics. Mr. Popoch explained the public safety intent behind Councilmember Blumenfeld’s proposal and invited SEAOSC to provide comments and recommendations.

This is an interesting issue with diverse perspectives from our members. We discussed many different matters like the vulnerability of existing buildings, sustainability implications, the cost of various construction types, other hazards like earthquakes, and the importance of allowing structural engineers to make decisions on appropriate structural systems and materials. Many committees provided volunteers who participated in the discussion and contributed to SEAOSC’s response, including Seismology & Hazards, Codes & Standards, Wood, Concrete, Steel, Existing Buildings, Sustainability, and Communications. Thank you all, your contributions were extremely valuable.

Our members assess public risk and design to ensure safety. Department of Building and Safety issued a report on May 27, 2021 in response to the proposed expansion which states that 4.72% of “Building fire” incidents in 2015-2020 in Los Angeles occurred in Fire District 1, however Fire District 1 encompasses less than 1.5% of parcels citywide. This caused us to examine the question: Is Fire District 1 a tool that is making our city safer? There does not appear to be evidence to demonstrate that Fire District 1 has improved public safety in the past or that its expansion will lead to greater safety.  In addition, we recognize that our current building codes are robust and effective. Therefore, while SEAOSC supports efforts to increase public safety, we were not able to take a position on this issue.

On October 6, 2021, more than 100 SEAOSC members gathered together for our first member meeting of 2021 for the annual Committee Showcase and Member Meeting. Attendees came from as far away as San Diego and San Luis Obispo to enjoy a clear night outdoors in LA’s South Bay. They all came with a clear purpose: to reconnect, become more engaged in the Association, make new connections, and to have fun.

Each of SEAOSC’s 15 committees were present to talk one-on-one about their important work and invite new members to join in their work. Nearly every attendee signed up for at least one committee!

This event set a new standard for post-pandemic SEAOSC activities: innovative, member-centric events. This year, the Annual Committee Showcase featured 15 carnival-style games, burgers and fries from The Habit Burger truck, and two autumn-themed beers on tap for a memorable and fun evening. Games of chance brought laughs and prizes for attendees including past board presidents, long-time members, and new members alike. 

And besides the winners of the various games, the association came out a winner as the attendees responded with: “What a great event.” “This was so much fun!” “Can’t wait for the next one!”

SEAOSC is taking the approach that if we’re going to be together, we need to make it meaningful for our members. Plan to join us at our next member meeting: our first Structured Connections happy hour event at Los Angeles Union Station on November 3, 2021.