Life Explorers Series: The Sustainable Residential Environment

The Life Explorers Speaker Series will feature programs for adults interested in expanding and sharing their knowledge on a variety of environmental and cultural topics. Topic: – The Sustainable Residential Environment – Suggestions for Creating a More Healthful and Economical Interior and Exterior Residential Environment Speaker: Ron Blair Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 Doors open: 9:45 A.M. Program Time: 10:00 - 11:30 A.M. Location: Azaela Lodge, Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive Winter Park, FL Cost: Free - Join us for refreshments and conversation Ron will discuss concepts you may wish to implement as we all move forward in these changing climate and economic times. How can you develop a residential landscape that conserves energy and is healthier for you, your neighbors, and for the planet? Ron will also talk about some ways that you can start making changes to you home, such as the residential building envelope, solar orientation, heat gain and loss, and other tips for making your home more comfortable and efficient. Ron is a senior architect, an ecological consultant, and LEED accredited professional. He has a Bachelor of Design and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida and is a licensed Florida Architect (AR0010185). His work as an architect includes federal sector work with projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security, functioning as lead project architect and manager. Ron has been recognized as a Design Quality Control Manager by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. As a staff architect for the Florida Park Service, Ron was involved in development and redevelopment at various State parks and designed numerous building types for these unique resources. He was also engaged in new park planning. His additional education includes a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Rollins College and a Certificate in Natural Lands Management from the University of Florida IFAS, which supports his varied ecological work which includes wetland delineation and assessment, upland and wetland habitat restoration designs, gopher tortoise surveys, and bald eagle monitoring. Ron spends a portion of his working life as an ecological consultant, providing AutoCAD, GIS, and graphics for ecological services and architectural projects.