Principal Matthew Lella featured on Advancements with Ted Danson
Diamond Schmitt Principal Matthew Lella discusses green building materials and the important role of architects, designers and suppliers in making the built environment more sustainable on the series Advancement, alongside Sierra Forest Founder and CEO Warren Spitz, and Sierra Forest Senior Representative Pat French.
The construction industry is a major contributor to climate change, using 50% of raw materials and generating 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While material selection was often based on availability, affordability, and durability, the focus is increasingly shifting to using sustainable, low-carbon alternatives. What has changed is that now, architects understand the impact of the choices they make in terms of which materials to use in their buildings.
Matthew emphasizes the importance of repurposing existing buildings as a key strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. Diamond Schmitt's reimagined David Geffen Hall in New York serves as a prime example of this approach where sustainable materials like wood were used to build a new concert theatre within the historical architecture rather than demolishing it and building from the ground up.