Architectural, Engineering, & Construction (Virtual) Forum - 220308

Webinar

"HEMPCRETE: Learning from the Past to Preserve the Future" presented by Bob Escher, AIA & Alex Escher of Escher Design and Hemp Hollow Processing

The PMI Atlanta AEC Forum is a focus group that hosts regular events with ranging topics in the architectural, engineering, and construction fields. We will show the importance of solid project management in these related fields of study.

Presentation Details          

The global plea to reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable, environmentally friendly products has sparked renewed interest in industrial hemp.

In January 2022, the US Hemp Building Foundation, the non-profit arm of the US Hemp Building Association (USHBA), has filed the necessary paperwork to begin the process of certifying hempcrete as a US natural building material for use in residential construction projects. Designated as a “certified natural building material” and listed in the International Residential Codes (IRC) creates the necessary roadmap to build with hempcrete without having to apply for an “alternative material variance.” The streamlined process will create innumerable benefits for the green building industry, the hemp farmer, the homeowner, and the environment.

Over the centuries, hemp use and innovation evolved to meet human needs such as caulk for fishing vessels (200 BCE) a hemp-based mortar strong enough to reinforce the abutments of French Merovingian bridges (500-751 CE) and soil remediation after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

From food, clothing, medicine and shelter to geotextiles, bio-composites, soil remediation and sustainable, carbon neutral building products the diverse properties of industrial hemp have captured the imagination of the Construction Industry.

The presentation will highlight:

• What makes industrial hemp fiber unique?
• Why is hemp critical for sustainable development?
• What is hempcrete?
• How is it used in construction?
• How does hempcrete compare with synthetic materials?
• What are some of the bottlenecks to mainstream implementation?
• Present real-world examples of construction with hempcrete and hemp-based materials such as insulation, plaster, and textiles.

There will also be a discussion on how contemporary innovation and legislative activity will impact future economic development and opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and current and future building professionals.

PMI Atlanta Toastmasters (Virtual) Meeting - 220310

Webinar

If you would like to earn PDUs while improving your communications and leadership skills, this opportunity is for you! PMI Atlanta has teamed up with Toastmasters International to offer you a chance to hone your public speaking, critical listening, and leadership skills in a supportive environment. You will also have an opportunity to practice speaking off-the-cuff, giving and receiving feedback, emceeing a meeting, and many other valuable business skills. Since this club is exclusively for PMI Atlanta members, you will also have an opportunity to develop bonds within the PMI community.