UMass Amherst Professor Named to National Academies Panel on Energy and Sustainability Issues at U.S. Capitol Complex
June 17, 2009
| Contact: | Daniel J. Fitzgibbons 413/545-0444 |
AMHERST, Mass. – Paul Fisette, professor and head of the natural resources conservation department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has been invited by the National Academies to serve on an expert panel to explore the scientific and technical issues related to implementing energy and sustainability initiatives throughout the U.S. Capitol Complex.
The complex comprises 25 major buildings on Capitol Hill, including the Capitol, House and Senate office buildings, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, U.S. Botanic Gardens and various support facilities.
Since 2004, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has been undertaking the development of a new Capitol Complex Master Plan. The review will include an in-depth critique and evaluation of a draft sustainability framework plan and the identification of energy efficiency and sustainability opportunities in two new projects to be accomplished in the near future: a whole building renewal of the Cannon House Office Building and a new parking garage for the Senate. The AOC is seeking to learn more about state-of-the-art methods and technologies for enhancing the sustainability of its facilities and surrounding grounds.
Approximately 15 experts are being invited to meet from June 22-24 with the AOC staff to assist with the development of energy efficiency and sustainability strategies and plans for the entire Capitol Complex and for individual types of structures.
The invitees have expertise in architecture, engineering, historic preservation, sustainable design, energy efficiency, urban planning, building performance, engineering economics, building materials and technologies. The evaluation will be devoted to overviews of the current status of the Capitol Complex Master Plan, current legislation and other guidance regarding energy and sustainability, and planned and ongoing initiatives in this regard. There will be an in-depth discussion on the draft sustainability framework plan, including site visits to the new Capitol Visitors Center, Cannon House Office Building and the location of the planned Senate garage.
Fisette joined UMass Amherst in 1988 as a faculty member in building materials and wood technology. His research and professional focus involves the performance of building systems, primarily in the area of energy efficient construction and sustainable building practices.
Fisette’s primary interest is “green building,” which involves the sustainable integration of natural and built environments. He has taught a variety of courses that focus on the performance of structures, materials and construction practices.
He frequently contributes articles to various regional and national publications regarding building systems performance and construction practices. Fisette served on the National Academy of Sciences, Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment and has been on several National Research Council panels, most recently one charged with reviewing and assessing the health and productivity benefits of green schools.
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