Senior Director, Sustainable Practice & Knowledge | American Institute of Architects
Melissa Wackerle is a climate action strategist with a 20+ years of experience in sustainable design and construction plus Master’s degree in Sustainability and Development. Her background ranges from green building certification management to enterprise and community consulting, Carbon Disclosure Project reporting, energy and water efficiency recommendations and green construction practices. She has contributed to numerous AIA programs, including the launch of the award-winning A&D Materials Pledge since joining the AIA in 2014.
Courses
Engaged Futures: Special Focus Session
This panel will explore historical and contemporary relationships between communities and landscapes, urban forests and coastline resilience concerns. Urban forestry, coastal wetlands and industrial landscapes will be interrogated and unpacked to discover impacts on surrounding communities. Challenges such as tackling gentrification, facilitating deep community engagement and providing equitable access to open spaces will be explored.
Course expires 1/25/2026