Sam De Jong and Jeremy Knoll discuss Mass Timber
As sustainable building materials gain popularity, mass timber construction is emerging as a key player in the industry. To explore the opportunities and challenges presented by mass timber in the Midwest, Kansas City Business Journal hosted a panel discussion titled "Timber Talks: Exploring the Environmental, Economic, and Aesthetic Impacts of Mass Timber Construction in the Midwest.' Two BNIM Associate Principals Sam De Jong and Jeremy Knoll provided valuable perspectives on the environmental benefits, economic feasibility, and aesthetic possibilities of mass timber.
Sam brings a wealth of experience in designing high-quality, innovative architecture with a strong focus on social impact. He has played a pivotal role in several high-performance projects, such as the award-winning AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Project, Asilong Christian High School. He is currently working on a project in Georgia that utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to minimize concrete use and reduce emissions. Jeremy is BNIM’s Director of Sustainable and Regenerative Design and brings deep expertise in green building, historic preservation, and social equity. He leads BNIM’s efforts in setting ambitious sustainability goals, reducing both operational and embodied carbon, and sequestering carbon through innovative design practices. As a regional climate action leader, his involvement in BNIM’s Sustainability Action Plan provides him with unique insights into the broader implications of mass timber construction on environmental impact and climate action.
