Defining Sustainability

On October 6, the EWB-USA San Diego Professional Chapter held our annual fall fundraiser. This year's topic was “Defining Sustainability,” in which we explored the concept of sustainable design and its centrality in each of EWB’s three project phases: Assessment, Design & Implementation, and Monitoring. The program focused on utilizing local resources to solve problems, with solutions designed around the communities’ needs and strengths.

The evening featured three presentations and a Q&A session with the presenters. Cody Hooven, Chief of Sustainability for the City of San Diego, presented on the Assessment phase. Her presentation focused on sustainability planning and policy for San Diego, exploring how transportation, green buildings, renewable energy, climate adaptation and resilience, and social equity are included in the city's approach to sustainable communities.

Brandon Reynante, Professor of Humanitarian Engineering at UCSD, presented on the Design & Implementation phase. His presentation highlighted the importance of appropriate technology and cultural understanding to the long-term sustainability and success of projects.

Dr. Harold Bailey, a local leader in the water industry and active member of Water for People, presented insights from his trip to Peru with a Water for People Impact Tour in 2014 to discuss the Monitoring phase of projects. His presentation emphasized the significance of maintaining relationships with communities beyond project completion to ensure their ongoing success.

The event was catered by Kitchens for Good, a San Diego social enterprise aiming to break the cycles of food waste, poverty and hunger through innovative programs in workforce training and healthy food production.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's fundraiser! Click here to view photos from the event.