Tuesday, April 1 | Energy Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Hosted at the Energy Innovation Center and led by Grant Ervin, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability at S&B USA, this panel discussion explored the cutting-edge sustainable practices and innovations that are transforming the construction industry and beyond.

Attendees enjoyed networking, as well as veggie appetizers from Bistro To Go and complimentary wine donated by The Original Pittsburgh Winery. The industrial history of Pittsburgh was also highlighted through the Patterns of Meaning Workshop & Exhibit Hall, showcasing a collection of artifacts from the city's darker, grittier past.

Grant Ervin currently serves as the Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability for S&B USA, an infrastructure integration firm based in Pittsburgh, Pa that specializes in civil construction solutions in the energy, transportation, ports and waterways and vehicle electrification space. Grant serves as an integrator of activities by working across departments, agencies and sectors to form public policy and market-based solutions. He brings deep experience, intersecting the worlds of environmental, community and economic development and infrastructure policy to create innovative and sustainable solutions for local governments, private sector clients, community development organizations, and state agencies.

Prior to joining S&B USA, Mr. Ervin served as the Chief Resilience Officer and Assistant Director for the Department of City Planning for the City of Pittsburgh.

A Pittsburgh-based artist, preservationist and LEED AP Cory Bonnet depicts contemporary, nostalgic scenes of the city and its environs, employing salvaged materials to create representational paintings and sculpture. Director of Pittsburgh Gateways Arts Corridor and Founder of Patterns of Meaning, Bonnet holds a BFA from Edinboro University. As Chair of Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh and founder of Patterns of Meaning, his commitment to sustainability is evident in his art, which exudes optimism for his hometown and honors our shared industrial heritage. Actively involved in community development and charities, Bonnet's work is available by appointment at Patterns of Meaning Workshop & Exhibit Hall at the Energy Innovation Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Explore his work at patternsofmeaning.org or www.corybonnet.com.

Bhavini Patel is the Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh, a nonprofit committed to building the knowledge, perspective, and ability needed to create a better tomorrow for our region. Sustainable Pittsburgh collaborates with businesses, government, nonprofits, and other key stakeholders in its mission to empower decision-making that builds a fundamentally equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous southwestern Pennsylvania.

A dedicated public servant and community leader, Bhavini brings extensive experience in public service, community outreach, and civic technology. She has driven impactful initiatives that strengthen civic engagement, enhance transparency, and foster inclusive community development.

Previously, Bhavini served as Community Outreach Manager in the Office of Allegheny County Executive Fitzgerald, where she played a pivotal role in connecting communities with county resources and programs. She also serves as an elected official on Edgewood Borough Council.

Brittany grew up in West View Borough just outside Pittsburgh before graduating from Mercyhurst University in Erie with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Applied Forensic Sciences and moving to Erie to start her career as the Sustainability Officer for Mercyhurst University. Before coming back to Pittsburgh, she also worked for Erie County as their Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, and completed her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Sustainability from Mercyhurst University. She currently holds LEED AP: O+M and Building Operators Level 1 certifications.

In her role with Allegheny County, she implements sustainable best practices throughout county operations including transitioning the county fleet to alternative fuels, implementing energy and water efficiency renovations, installation renewable energy on county facilities, increasing sustainable purchasing and the use of sustainable materials, and increasing waste diversion. She looks forward to leading the first Climate Action Plan for the county.

Bob Shelton founded Shelton Design / Build in 2014 with a vision to create a unique, Architect-led firm in Pittsburgh, emphasizing collaboration across disciplines. Drawing on a background in a family of tradesmen, Bob employs a Master Builder approach. He has assembled a skilled team dedicated to creating refined, elevated, and design-forward spaces. The firm specializes in high-end, period-style residential projects, skillfully restoring and adapting original structures for modern living. Bob ensures that all projects adhere to solid design principles within their specific context and challenges.

Over his 20-year career, Bob has gained experience working with large and small architectural firms, contractors, and developers on projects ranging from $1,000 to $250 million across residential, retail, hospitality, and senior living sectors.

Michael Volpatt is the Vice President of Marketing and Innovation for Volpatt Construction, one of the most respected building contractors in the Tri-State Area. Volpatt Construction continues to play an integral role in building the region into a top global destination for healthcare, research, and education. In his role, Michael directs marketing efforts while exploring how innovation can help the company and the industry as a whole build more efficiently and sustainably.

Michael is also the co-founder of Larkin/Volpatt Communications, a boutique public relations agency focused on helping early-stage technology companies develop strategic communications plans.

As a mentor and advisor, Michael sits on multiple boards providing guidance on marketing initiatives.

Matthew Wheatley is co-founder of Veritrove, a specialist ESG & sustainability partner. Veritrove works with brands and organizations that want to maximize the power of their sustainability insights and outcomes. Matt has two decades experience including leadership in Fortune 500 and PE-backed energy & energy technology businesses, where he led successful functions including renewable energy development and utility data analytics serving many commercial and industrial sectors. He is a fellow of the ICAEW and chapter head for CAW USA. Matt is a Chartered Accountant, a dual US/UK citizen and resides in the greater Pittsburgh PA region.

"A must-attend for those committed to advancing environmentally conscious practices in the built environment."

Leaders, educators, and innovators in the realm of sustainable infrastructure and construction will converge for engaging panel discussions on the most pressing and trending industry topics. These free gatherings promise to offer insights into the cutting-edge practices and innovations driving sustainable development in the construction sector.