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Skip the Grid: Delivering Solar Energy to the Navajo Nation
Skip the Grid (STG) is a program where companies within the construction industry come together to better the quality of life for the people of the Navajo Nation. Through collaboration with Goal Zero, SOLV Energy, NEXTracker, and Heart of America, the fourth Skip the Grid Trip installed 40 solar systems on homes within the Chinle region in northeastern Arizona. Officially finishing on March 27th, 2025, the trip not only consisted of providing a service for the people of Chinle but also allowed California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students to learn about the history of the Navajo Nation and interact with a culture that they may have otherwise never experienced. Due to the previous trips conducted by both returning faculty and students, the expectations for the trip and installation procedures were cut down to a science which was a major contributing factor for the increased amount of homes we were able to install. This interdisciplinary relationship is an excellent example of how creative thinking and partnerships in education can promote social change and raise the standard of living for marginalized populations
Plumbing System Design for Gateway Decathlon
This senior project focuses on the development of a Sustainable and Efficient Plumbing System for the Gateway Decathlon Modular Housing Unit, a Mass Timber construction. As part of an Integrated Project Design delivery, this project involves a collaborative effort among students from various disciplines, including construction management, architecture, and engineering. Over the past year, teams of students have collaborated to develop architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, and system layouts. This project includes the careful selection of plumbing fixtures that align with the performance and sustainability goals of the modular housing unit. In addition, the materials were chosen based on their energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, and long-term durability. Lastly, the plumbing system features a graywater collection system, sewer lines, and both cold and hot water supply systems, that is designed to fully meet the functional requirements of the modular housing while prioritizing environmental sustainability
Developing a 4D Logistics Educational Module with CmBuilder
The increasing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry has led to a need for its increasing integration into construction management education. While existing curriculum covers various BIM applications, there is often a gap in in-depth instruction on BIM-based site logistics planning. This paper details the development of an educational module designed to address this gap, focusing on 4D site logistics and phasing using cmBuilder. The module aims not only to provide students with technical software skills but also to equip them with practical skills in visualizing, planning, and communicating complex construction site logistics. Through a series of progressive assignments and instructional materials centered on a sample project, the module enhances students\u27 understanding of logistical challenges and the application of 4D modeling to develop and communicate mitigation strategies, thereby better preparing them for the technological demands of the modern construction industry
How Mass Timber Supports Sustainability During Construction: An Industry-Based Analysis
As the construction industry explores new ways to reduce environmental impact, mass timber has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. While much of the existing research on mass timber focuses on life-cycle assessments and carbon comparisons, few studies capture insights from professionals directly involved in building with it. This paper analyzes a series of industry interviews with contractors, designers, and sustainability consultants who have experience working on mass timber projects. The aim is to understand how sustainability plays out during the construction phase—not just in theory, but in practice. Using qualitative methods and word pattern analysis, three core themes emerged: (1) sustainability benefits during the construction process, (2) increased construction efficiency, and (3) enhanced market appeal. Interviewees described cleaner job sites, reduced equipment needs, faster dry-ins, and less material waste, all contributing to a more sustainable construction experience. They also highlighted the value of prefabrication, improved site logistics, and the alignment of timber projects with client sustainability goals. These findings suggest that mass timber is not only environmentally beneficial over a building’s life span but also offers clear advantages during construction, making it a practical and forward-looking solution for future projects
AS-994-25 Resolution to Call on Cal Poly\u27s President to Sign the American Association of Colleges and Universities Public Statement \u27A Call for Constructive Engagement\u27
The Academic Senate of Cal Poly endorses the Public Statement by AAC&U \u27A Call for Constructive Engagement\u27; and further resolves that the Academic Senate calls on the Cal Poly President to join other higher education leaders in California and across the United States and sign the Public Statement from the AAC&U \u27A Call for Constructive Engagement.\u2