SE 2050 Commitment
Structural Sustainability
Degenkolb Engineers signed on to the SE 2050 Commitment Program in 2020.
The program’s vision: All structural engineers shall understand, reduce, and ultimately eliminate embodied carbon in their projects by 2050.
Global warming is one of the most significant engineering challenges and societal challenges facing us today.
According to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature between 1880 and 2012 has risen more than 0.85 C. This has led to calls from the scientific community for immediate action to avoid the most damaging, irreversible effects of the phenomena, “including increases in droughts, floods, and some other types of extreme weather; sea level rise; and biodiversity loss […] causing unprecedented risks to vulnerable persons and populations.” Estimates show we will need to limit the global average temperature change to 1.5 C by the end of the 21st century to avoid these effects.
Achieving this lofty goal requires drastic reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050; however, this would still only grant a 50% chance of meeting the 1.5C goal.
Additionally, the challenge to reduce emissions will be coupled with a drive to increase global building stock as developing nations join the global stage. Between construction and operation, buildings account for nearly two-thirds of global carbon emissions, with over 50% of them being upfront, which are known as embodied emissions. This presents engineers, architects, and contractors alike with a heavy burden to reduce their carbon footprints, but also an opportunity to lead the charge on combating global warming.
Embodied carbon is important for architects, structural engineers, and contractors to address. Building construction and operation contribute significantly to the global carbon emissions, constituting an estimated 38% each year. Of this contribution, 10% of global carbon emissions are estimated to be a result of the building construction industry. This portion is embodied carbon.
Read below for the latest news, ideas, and resources related to the intersection of structural engineering and sustainability and, for more information, check out SE2050.org.
Our Experts
Ariane Rosario
Design Engineer
The intersection of math and design, along with drawing production, ke...
Morgan Michna
Marketing Specialist
I once swam in the Amazon River while studying abroad in Peru. Luckily...
Kyle Steuck
Associate Principal
I got to ride my bike alongside Robin Williams for a short stretch....
Elena Good
Project Engineer
I love spending time outside – hiking, running, climbing, anything!...
Corey Beck
Designer
Oakland
- (510) 250-1252
- cbeck@degenkolb.com
- B.S., Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 2017
- M.S., Civil Engineering, Purdue University, 2020
Why did you go into Engineering?
I've always had a strong appreciation for building architecture - particularly how beautiful the exterior of a building can look. At the same time, I never excelled in art or design but rather always found interest in math, science, and behavior. Structural engineering is the overlap between all of these interests.
Little Known Fact
Growing up I spent six years competing nationally in trampoline and tumbling. I then stopped and grew an entire foot in one year.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Growing up with horses I always thought I'd become a veterinarian.
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
Travel the world.
Ryan White
Design Engineer
San Francisco
- (415) 354-6486
- rwhite@degenkolb.com
- M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, 2019
- B.S., Civil Engineering, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, 2017
Why did you go into the AEC industry?
I was obsessed with LEGOs when I was a kid and have always enjoyed working with numbers and shapes more than anything else. Looking at structures built by others made me want to do the same!
Little Known Fact
Before grad school, I spent 7 months living in New Zealand where I worked in a ski resort, worked construction, and spent the rest of the time mountain biking and backpacking around the country.
What’s your favorite team?
Seattle Seahawks all the way!
Community
New Year, New Promotions
Ariane Rosario
Design Engineer
San Francisco
- (415) 354-6477
- arosario@degenkolb.com
- M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of South Florida, 2016
- CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 91382
Why did you go into the AEC industry?
A love of legos, drawing, and planning initially piqued my curiosity of engineering. Though I have many interests, the intersection of math and design, along with drawing production, ultimately pulled me into the structural engineering field.
Little Known Fact
I grew up as a miltiary child—I lived and hopped between 4 different states and several parts of Germany growing up!
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
If it's not reading on my Kindle on the bus, it's cruising down Market Street on my road bike!
Vincent Wenzel
Design Engineer
San Francisco
- (415) 354-6462
- vwenzel@degenkolb.com
- M.S., Structural Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2017
Why did you go into Engineering?
Engrossed with theater carpentry in high school and college, I enjoyed building ambitious sets for shows. I wanted to create larger, more permanent structures to be enjoyed by even more people.
Little Known Fact
In addition to studying structural engineering during my masters degree, I completed a research project in supplementary cementitious materials for concrete which involved making and breaking a lot of concrete.
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
I can't wait for the Bay Bridge bike path.
Congratulations to our 2022 Mid-Year Promotions
Morgan Michna
Marketing Specialist
San Francisco
- (415) 354-6499
- mmichna@degenkolb.com
- B.A., Journalism, University of Oregon, 2015
Why did you go into the AEC industry?
I was curious about the inner workings of our built world and helping others improve the safety and resilience of our communities.
Little Known Fact
I once swam in the Amazon River while studying abroad in Peru. Luckily, no hordes of piranhas joined—but a few pink dolphins did stop by to say "hello."
Kyle Steuck
Associate Principal
Seattle
- (206) 340-8108
- ksteuck@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Washington, 2007
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 2004
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5965
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 76269
WA, Structural Engineer, License No. 48423
Why did you go into structural engineering?
Problem solving has always been a good fit for me, and in school I loved working in a field where we can touch the materials that we’re working with. Being entrusted with solving problems in the buildings where people live and work and run their businesses is a privilege.
Little Known Fact
I got to ride my bike alongside Robin Williams for a short stretch. He was funnier than I could ever hope to be, and it turns out he could ride faster too.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
By bike – especially on a Tuesday night in the summer passing by Lake Union.
Elena Good
Project Engineer
Oakland
- (510) 250-1235
- egood@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials, UC Berkeley
B.S., Architectural Engineering, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Why did you go into structural engineering?
After experiencing the 2001 Nisqually earthquake first-hand, I was amazed at the power of earthquakes and the possibility that buildings and structures could be designed to withstand them. I think seismic design is fascinating and it is rewarding to be a part of a field that aims to save lives and prevent destruction.
Little Known Fact
I love spending time outside – hiking, running, climbing, anything! Before beginning my career as an engineer, I was a trip leader for multi-day sea kayak expeditions for teens in the San Juan Islands.
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
Biking!
