Sustainable Champion of the Month – Jeremy Dowling

Jeremy Dowling, a member of Mohawk’s class of 2003 in Architectural Technology, has played a pivotal role in the success of one of the largest projects in Mohawk’s history, the Fennell Renewal Project. As part of his current role as Project Manager of the Mohawk Recreation Centre, Jeremy ensures that the construction of the Mohawk Recreation Centre adheres to LEED standards. A building achieves LEED certification by accumulating point across five major credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, plus additional points for Innovation in Design and Regional Priority.

Dowling conducts ongoing monitoring to ensure that all the targeted LEED points are met. Dowling says, “Every point is important to achieve LEED Gold status, including all the waste and recycling. For example, we receive two LEED points for diverting at least 75% of  construction waste from going to landfill. This requires constant attention to make sure all the waste is sorted properly, all the time. Our diversion rate is at 96% right now.” Dowling also takes the time to educate those involved in the project about the LEED system to ensure that everyone is on track.

Outside his normal duties, Dowling also helps tend a garden located in the Mohawk Recreation Centre Construction Offices. Dowling says, “We mainly had tomatoes, with some lettuce, cucumbers, peppers and peppermint mixed in. We have two office trailers side by side, with an open area that is covered with a plexi material, so it made a great greenhouse.”

Jeremy has previously held a number of other important titles at the college including Engineering Services Assistant, and Assistant Construction Manager for the Fennell Renewal Learning Exchange Project. He has also been previously been recognized with the Mohawk Award of Excellence and the 2011 Mohawk President’s Award. And now, Sustainable Champion of the month!