It’s been over a decade since we first began publishing our Annual Green Supplement. Back then, my father, Michael Barnes, was still High-Profile’s publisher. I have always been proud of this supplement, where we feature the companies that are providing solutions to the biggest, and most important, challenges we face as humans.
Anastasia Barnes
Seventeen months ago, I became the official owner of High-Profile. When I decided to buy the company from my dad, I knew I wanted to continue growing the Green Supplement, in addition to sharing in every issue the project teams that are making a positive impact on our world by prioritizing green and sustainable building practices. This year’s supplement reflects the attitude that is consistent all across our industry and throughout New England: Every project, no matter how big or small, should contribute in a positive way to the surrounding community, and should be executed with thoughtful consideration for the environment and for future generations.
The last year and a half have not been easy. We’ve all been given a chance to, at times, slow down and look at the world around us with care and reflection. Out of this time have come innovative and groundbreaking projects that are redefining the transformative impact our built environment can have on our health and wellness, and in combating climate change. In the face of adversity, professionals from every corner of our industry have doubled down on the effort to reverse the damage we, as humans, have inflicted on our planet, and developed ways to protect our coastlines, utilize more sustainable building materials, and educate and motivate others to do the same.
A piece from Weston & Sampson on page 10 talks about how a community in Charleston, S.C. is using a “managed retreat” approach when dealing with stormwater flooding. The idea is to revert “developed land back into pervious areas that can infiltrate water while also increasing basin storage capacity.” The authors point out that “here in New England, many communities are also taking a similar proactive approach by planning for the impacts of climate change ahead of time.”
An article by architect John Moore on page 13 highlights The Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), a company that is committed to developing sustainably and responsibly. Read how its recent installation of solar hot water systems on five different properties in Massachusetts will reduce the portfolio’s total gas usage by over 14,500 therms per year. That’s a lot of therms!
I am a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Boston/New England chapter. I recently joined the Resilience Committee to meet other like-minded folks. When I joined, I knew I wouldn’t be able to bring solutions to the table in the same way an engineer or scientist would. Instead, I offer my platform. As HP’s publisher, I commit to continue publishing the stories highlighting the teams, organizations, and leaders that, through action, are making our cities and communities stronger and more resilient.
Anastasia Barnes
