WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 30, 2015 – The American Geophysical Union (AGU) recently selected Stratacomm to provide strategic counsel and support to the organization, the world’s largest organization of Earth and space scientists collaborating to advance and communicate science and its power to ensure a sustainable future.
Stratacomm will help lead internal and external communications in support of what could be an sustainability milestone. Currently in the planning and investigation phase, AGU is embarking on a renovation of its Washington, D.C. headquarters building with the goal of creating the metropolitan region’s first-ever existing commercial building conversion to reach “net zero.” The project would also include building elements highlighting and promoting the work of the Earth and space scientists, and create a state-of-the-art gathering and meeting place for members and visitors. In addition, work is underway to design a workspace that fosters a healthy and collaborative work environment for AGU staff, building tenants and visiting scientists.
“From environmental leadership to workspace innovation, AGU has a great story to tell and we’re thrilled to help them tell it,” said John Fitzpatrick, a Stratacomm managing partner. “As AGU strives, through example, to reduce its carbon footprint, our role will be to facilitate close communications with internal and external stakeholders over the life of the potential multi-year project.”
Stratacomm’s Karyn Le Blanc, senior vice president and the firm’s infrastructure practice group lead, will head up the agency’s day-to-day efforts. In that role, in addition to directly supporting AGU’s communications team, Le Blanc will coordinate communications with other project partners to include Hickok Cole Architects, engineering design team Interface Engineering, construction consultant Skanska USA and project management firm MGAC. Prior to joining Stratacomm earlier this year Le Blanc led communications for DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and previously for the District Department of Transportation.
According to Le Blanc, “This bold effort to the transform the existing AGU headquarters into a carbon neutral, state-of-the-art facility, is attempting to raise the bar for world-class sustainable building practices. AGU will be fully transparent every step of the way, embracing strategic communications to share best practices and elevate the project’s significance so others can learn about its benefits for generations to come.”
While many new development projects are now striving for net zero in their planning stages, the AGU project is different in that it requires the overhaul of an existing building to meet net zero goals. A net zero building achieves a balance between the reduction of energy demand with the creation of energy on site. This is achieved through a variety of methods from the use of highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems to innovative technologies such as solar voltaic panels and the extraction of heat from municipal waste water systems.
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About Stratacomm LLC
With offices in Washington, D.C. and Detroit, Stratacomm is an independently-owned and operated, full-service communications consultancy. The firm provides trusted counsel and tactical support to help clients educate, persuade and motivate targeted audiences to achieve measurable results. Using research to set benchmarks and identify insights that guide the way, Stratacomm creates and runs integrated communications campaigns that raise awareness, enhance reputation, shape policy and build market share. We harness the full range of communications platforms including earned, shared, owned and paid media channels. Our core competencies include transportation, energy and environment, infrastructure, and public health and safety.