Urban Acupuncture: Redefining Community Vitality | March 13, 2014
See All Photos From The EventA true pioneer in regenerative design, Bob Berkebile’s goal is to integrate social, environmental, and economic vitality. This green building legend helped develop both LEED and the Living Building Challenge (LBC), and also created the first building to achieve both LEED Platinum and LBC certifications. At this Inspire Speakers Series, Bob shared his vision of Urban Acupuncture. “In this critical time for America, the human family, and the planet, can urban acupuncture provide the ‘new manner of thinking’ Einstein was requesting, and become the catalyst for community vitality and resilience?”
Joining Bob Berkebile on stage were local community champions Amy Piccirilli and Bill Pricener. These two leaders in the local pioneering branches of the YMCA shared inspiring stories of how the organization’s people, places, and programs are transforming hundreds of lives throughout the region.
Amy Piccirilli shared examples of her work as the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Sustainability Coordinator, which include expanding the YMCA’s urban garden program, launching an aggressive utility monitoring system, creating a robust green building policy, and adopting the Materials Red List (which Bob Berkebile helped introduce through the Living Building Challenge).
Bill Pricener, executive director of the Allegheny YMCA, shared the moving story of his branch’s urban garden. With the help of Grow Pittsburgh, the Allegheny YMCA built a garden that is tended by its 105 male residents, offering them a sense of independence and purpose.
About Our Speakers:
Bob Berkebile
Amy George (Piccirilli)
