08.20.25

IIDA SoCal’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Sector Launches New Sustainability Initiative

In July, IIDA SoCal launched a sustainability initiative under its EDI Sector. This critical step was marked by a series of events exploring the interconnection between sustainability and equity—issues that impact both our society and our planet.

Starting a new Podcast Series, sponsored by Bentley Mills, was one of the first efforts of this inaugural campaign. It addressed adaptive reuse, material health, and product production in the broader context of equity and sustainability.

As part of the campaign, participants joined a design tour of the recently completed adaptive reuse project for SAC Health in San Bernardino. Click here for more photos of the tour.

This was followed by a podcast featuring invited industry leaders and culminated in an in-person panel discussion on August 13th. The panel discussion was organized in partnership with IIDA SoCal’s EDI Sector and AIA LA’s Adaptive Reuse Committee.

The conversation, moderated by Christine Peter and David Martinez, included panelists Roberto Vazquez, Ines Ware, and Lona Rerick. Together, they explored themes of environment, governance, the role of adaptive reuse construction, building material production, and the impacts on human health, well-being, and community empowerment. Click here to see photos of the event.

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