Lightning Talks: Afternoon Session

One just wasn’t enough! Join GBA and our partners for additional “lightning” fast and thought-provoking presentations spotlighting leadership and innovation in the use of materials and products, priming us to what’s possible for our region. Attendees will also enjoy light refreshments and opportunities for networking with peers and speakers. 

Speakers & Topics

Reducing Municipal Waste Through Procurement

A zero-waste city begins with municipal operations. From policy conception to on-the-ground action, this talk explores how establishing a dedicated sustainability role focused on procurement can reduce municipal waste and embedded environmental resilience across everyday city functions. Omoye Aikhuele will discuss how purchasing decisions influence material use, waste generation, cost, and how cities can shift from business-as-usual to more intentional, sustainable practices. Omoye will share insight into practical strategies for aligning procurement with zero-waste goals while navigating municipal systems. 

Omoye Aikhuele, Sustainable Procurement Specialist, City of Pittsburgh

Omoye, an environmental specialist, is a Georgia native who cultivated her appreciation for nature through hikes and bike rides with her mother. She holds a Master’s in Sustainability and Business Administration from Chatham’s Falk School and Bachelor’s in Geology with an Environmental Geology focus from Georgia State University. Originally relocating to Pittsburgh for the energy industry, she rediscovered her passion for environmental justice and waste reduction, guided by zero waste principles. As the City’s first Sustainable Procurement Specialist, she advances waste diversion programs by implementing policies through internal and external stakeholder partnerships. 

Debriefing the Common Materials Framework Implementation Toolkit

In this talk, Ian Cook will provide an overview of the Common Materials Framework (CMF) and Implementation Toolkit, developed by mindful MATERIALS to align materials selection criteria across the building industry. The CMF establishes a shared language for evaluating materials across five impact categories: human health, ecosystem health, social health & equity, circularity, and climate health. Learn why this alignment matters and how consistent evaluation supports more informed, transparent materials decisions, and how the CMF Implementation Toolkit aligns with major green building frameworks including LEED v5, WELL, the Living Building Challenge, and the AIA Materials Pledge. 

Ian Cook, AIA, LEED BD+C, ND, EcoDistricts AP, LFA, evolveEA

Ian works with community members, institutions, and developers to document, certify, and advance high-performance sustainable building projects. With an early background in mathematics, Ian emphasizes quantitative data and analysis to establish a local design process that is integrated with certification frameworks and benchmarking. A building rating systems project manager and architect with evolvEA, Ian has worked on significant projects that include Pittsburgh International Airport, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank renovation and projects for PGH20, several projects at Hazelwood Green including CMU’s Robotics Innovation Center, and University of Pittsburgh’s Recreation & Wellness Center. 

What’s Underfoot Matters: Material Innovation in Flooring

This talk explores how flooring choices can actively support healthier buildings, circular material strategies, and long-term performance in high-demand spaces. Using examples from Forbo’s advanced carpet and resilient flooring systems manufactured right here in Pennsylvania, David Skoloda highlights how durability, cleanability, and material transparency can work together to reduce waste and improve indoor environments. Learn how next-generation flooring materials address human health, climate impact, and lifecycle longevity, without sacrificing comfort or design flexibility. Connect material innovation to actionable flexibility. Connect material innovation to actionable decision-making for designers, owners, and facility teams navigating increasingly complex sustainability goals, and how smarter material choices can drive measurable impact. 

David Skoloda, President, Skoloda Sales Group, LLC

David is a graduate of St. Vincent College, a WPA native from Latrobe, PA, with 30+ years of flooring installation, brand marketing, and sales experience. David started his business, Skoloda Sales Group, LLC, over 25 years ago. He and his brother Daniel consult and provide high-performance commercial and industrial flooring solutions by Forbo Flooring Systems, a manufacturer with headquarters in Hazleton, PA.

No Pain, No Grain: Beyond the Buzz of Mass Timber

From forest stewardship and carbon reduction, to construction speed and biophilic appeal, Mass Timber offers compelling reasons to rethink how we build. At the same time, successful implementation depends on addressing a set of practical, real-world constraints early in the process. In this session, Stephen Mrdjenovich examines four key factors that help determine whether Mass Timber is a suitable solution for a given project: building code pathways, material sourcing, structural grid strategies, and MEP and acoustic coordination. Drawing from design experience, he highlights lessons learned that influence performance, cost, and constructability. 

Stephen Mrdjenovich, AIA, CPHC, Principal, Project Architect, GBBN Architects

As a leader in the firm’s long-term sustainability initiatives, particularly the AIA 2030 Commitment and high-performance Passive House detailing, Stephen helps focus the design process to advance ambitious sustainability and resilience goals across all projects, big or small. Stephen’s passion for sustainable design has shaped a diverse portfolio, with projects achieving LEED and Passive House certifications and Mass Timber structures. A Certified Passive House Consultant and member of the North American Passive House Network, Stephen applies these rigorous design principles, whether pursuing formal certification or not, to deliver resilient, healthy, and durable design on every project. 

Appalachian Sustainable Building Products Market Analysis: A Blueprint for Action

In this Lightning Talk, GBA President & CEO Jenna Cramer will share highlights of the Market Analysis prepared for GBA and its partners in the Appalachian Sustainable Products Network (ASPN). Incorporating a range of data, as well as information and perspectives gathered through interviews with a range of stakeholders, this project examined the sustainable and smart building and construction product ecosystem in the 115 counties in PA, WV, and OH to make up the current ASPN region. The resulting Market Analysis demonstrates the significant growth opportunity that the building product sector holds for the region, the evolution to and rising demand for more sustainable products and manufacturing processes, and the needs and challenges that must be addressed to fully realize the economic potential of this industry. Jenna will discuss market drivers for sustainable products and buildings, data and insight on how the product market is driving the Appalachia regional economy, and recommended next steps to advance opportunity that sustainable and smart building products provide. 

Jenna Cramer, President & CEO, Green Building Alliance 

Jenna is a nationally recognized leader in green building, sustainable development, and climate action. As Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Alliance, she brings more than 17 years of experience with the organization, driving bold initiatives that reimagine the built environment as a catalyst for a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world. Under her leadership, GBA has advanced award-winning programs across Western PA and beyond, building transformative partnerships that center climate resilience, human health, equity, and economic vitality. Jenna works across sectors and communities with a steadfast commitment to compassion, collaboration, and impact. 

Check back for more speakers as they are added to the lineup. 

More About Materials & Resources Week

Join GBA for a week-long focus on the materials, products, systems, and innovations that are shaping the built environment. Throughout the week, participants will engage in expert-led deep dives, interactive sessions, and site- or product- focused learning opportunities that spotlight the lifecycle of building materials, from sourcing to performance, reuse, and impact. 

Discover more events happening this week by visiting the Materials & Resources Week Home Page.

Geared toward architects, designers, builders, and sustainability professionals, this week offers rich opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders, share challenges and solutions, and discover emerging strategies that support a healthier, more resilient, and more responsible built environment.