From Waste to Resource: Increasing Circularity in Engineered Soils Through Renewable Materials - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Recorded On: 10/06/2024

Manufactured soils rely on extracting virgin materials. This session delves into an EPA-funded multisector research study on the production and performance of glass-based soil. This research illustrates how the innovative use of renewable materials in public works and GSI projects can reduce their environmental footprints while creating local circular economies.

Learning objectives:

Understand the impacts of material sourcing for engineered soils.
Contextualize opportunities and barriers to adoption of renewable materials in public works projects and private development.
Understand the properties of glass-sand as a component in engineered soils, including its performance in comparison to mined sand.
Demonstrate strategies for connecting local nonprofits, city departments, and small businesses with landscape architects and with each other.

Pia von Barby, ASLA, PLA

Landscape Architect

OLIN

Pia von Barby is a licensed landscape architect at OLIN and has been practicing landscape architecture since 2018. Her experience includes private, public, and institutional projects such as healthcare and corporate campuses, universities, multi-family housing, and high end residential projects. In addition to project-based work, Pia is deeply involved with OLIN's research and development group, OLIN Labs. Her research focuses on waste-based material design, including OLIN's Circular Soil and Biochar Initiatives. Pia's research involves a constellation of collaborators in the fields of soil science, engineering, geochemistry, biology, horticulture, economics, and more.

Nic Esposito

Director of Policy and Engagement

Circular Philadelphia

Nic Esposito is an accomplished writer, entrepreneur, urban farmer and circular economy professional. Nic served as the City of Philadelphia's Zero Waste and Litter Director from 2016-2020. He is currently the Director of Policy and Engagement for Circular Philadelphia and is the founder of Circa Systems, which is dedicated to building the circular retail platforms of the future. Nic also founded the non-profit bookstore and publishing company The Head & The Hand and co-manages Emerald Street Community Farm in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Nic was named one of the top 150 most influential Philadelphians in 2023 by Philadelphia Magazine.

Lindsay Reul, ASLA

Landscape Design Supervisor

Philadelphia Water Department

Lindsay Reul is the Landscape Design Supervisor of the Philadelphia Water Department’s Green Cities Clean Waters Program. The Landscape Design group develops and quality-assures all green components of the green stormwater infrastructure systems. Lindsay has specialized in public sector green infrastructure landscape architecture since 2009, initially working in the Washington DC RiversSmart Schools program before joining PWD in 2013. As a Philadelphia resident, Lindsay guest lectured at the landscape architecture programs of University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, and Jefferson University, and served as an adjunct professor for Temple. Lindsay holds a BSLA from Cornell University and an MCP from MIT.