COURSE: Tackling Embodied Carbon: Lessons from the Boulder Community Hospital Deconstruction Project

Welcome to the Gābl Media Continuing Education podcast feed! Each podcast is approved for continuing education credits.Tackling Embodied Carbon: Lessons from the Boulder Community Hospital Deconstruction ProjectAIA CES program ID: GMG.0018Approved LUs: 1 LU|HSWPrerequisites: NoneProgram level: EntryAdvance learner preparation: NoneWhat if the greenest building is the one that already exists—but in pieces?This course goes inside a groundbreaking case study where architectural salvage becomes a tool for climate justice. Learn how one team dismantled an entire hospital—not to destroy it, but to build something new. This is what carbon-conscious construction really looks like.Program DescriptionIn this AIA-approved LU|HSW course, structural engineer Alexis Vitello, Director of the Team Carbon Unit at Kalani Engineers and Builders, takes us behind the scenes of one of the most ambitious deconstruction efforts in the country.At the center of the conversation: the Boulder Community Hospital, a facility methodically disassembled for parts—not scrap. The structural bones of this building found new life in civic infrastructure, including a fire station, turning demolition into regeneration. Through Vitello’s lens, we get the unfiltered reality of testing reclaimed beams for integrity, cataloging hundreds of components, and overcoming regulatory, logistical, and cultural resistance.But this isn't just a story about sustainability. It's about rethinking how architecture engages with climate, cost, and community. From embodied carbon accounting to supply chain disruption, from architectural reuse to lifecycle innovation—this episode offers real tools for design professionals ready to act, not just talk, on sustainability.Learning ObjectivesParticipants will be able to:Identify the processes and challenges involved in deconstructing buildings for material reuse.Analyze the impact of embodied carbon on the construction industry's environmental footprint.Develop strategies for integrating material reuse into new construction projects.Evaluate the benefits of a circular economy approach within municipal and private construction projects.Who Should Take This CourseThis course was made for architects, engineers, and construction leaders who:Want to move beyond sustainability as a buzzword and engage with real-world carbon reduction strategiesWork on municipal, institutional, or commercial projects where circular economy approaches can reduce waste and costAre involved in design, documentation, or planning and need to understand the practical application of reuse logisticsWant to stay ahead of regulatory shifts and client expectations around decarbonization and green building mandatesIf you're serious about climate-conscious design that doesn’t just check boxes but redefines the future of building, this course is for you.Why It MattersEarn AIA LU|HSW credit while exploring one of the most ambitious reuse case studies in U.S. design historyGet inspired by a project that turned waste into opportunity—and carbon into currencyLearn how to design for disassembly, integrate salvaged materials, and cut carbon at scaleWalk away with immediately applicable insights on reuse inventories, lifecycle documentation, and embodied carbon metricsThis isn’t about theory. It’s about what your next project could look like if you had the tools, team, and mindset to make every decision count.HSW JustificationThe podcast addresses the protection of health, safety, and welfare through its exploration of sustainable construction practices, specifically the reuse of structural materials. These practices reduce the environmental impact of construction, promoting physical health by decreasing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change effects. Additionally, the reuse of materials supports equitable access to resources and elevates the human experience by reducing costs and fostering innovative practices in the built environment. The podcast covers multiple AIA CES-approved HSW topics, including: - Programming and Analysis: Evaluation of material reuse opportunities, site constraints, and embodied carbon impacts. - Project Planning and Design: Strategies for integrating salvaged materials into new designs, addressing lifecycle considerations and end-of-life planning. - Project Development and Documentation: Documentation of reused materials, including inventories, material testing, and cut sheets, ensuring structural integrity and project feasibility. - Construction and Evaluation: Implementation of deconstruction practices to preserve materials for reuse, emphasizing safety in removal, cataloging, and future utilization. This learning program effectively demonstrates how architects and design professionals can protect public health, safety, and welfare by embracing sustainable construction practices. It provides actionable insights into the reuse of materials, aligns with multiple HSW topics, and dedicates more than 75% of its content to these critical areas. By encouraging innovative approaches and reducing environmental impact, the program supports the long-term viability of the built environment while enhancing the human experience.Take the Quiz for your CertificateAIA CES Provider statementGābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.Mentioned in this episode:Gabl Membership