Salem Afeworki (ELP 2014) | Sustainability Manager, PacRim Engineering, USA
Salem Afeworki (ELP ‘14) was profiled by North America Outlook, a UK based B2B digital magazine that covers multiple industries including construction, energy, and utilities. The article focused on the City of Costa Mesa’s green goals by moving to electric vehicles and the installation of EV charging stations, active transportation initiatives, as well as the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a multi-year and inclusive process that will include extensive stakeholder engagement and input. Read North America Outlook Magazine’s article on sustainability here.
The 2023 State of Sustainability Report for Los Angeles and Orange County was released in October and it presents a comprehensive overview of the sustainability landscape in Southern California. Salem Afeworki (ELP ‘14) and Camille Le are the authors of the report, and 105 sustainability practitioners in the region participated in the 2023 survey. It was designed to gain insights into the state of sustainability across various sectors and identify current trends and challenges. The findings reveal that sustainability efforts in Orange County and Los Angeles are growing in influence, in organizations that have integrated sustainability into internal operations, have a dedicated staff and have set sustainability goals. The authors hope that the report will help promote local policy development, regional collaboration opportunities, and the implementation of sustainable initiatives. Full report can be accessed here:
In October, Salem served as a juror in the Sustainability and Resilience category at the inaugural Orange County Sustainability Decathlon (OCSD). The decathlon challenged university teams to design and build model solar-powered homes that address climate change and California’s housing needs. OCSD teams showcased innovative, market-ready model homes to display in a sustainable village which was open to the public for 10 days. By promoting sustainable design and construction, it aims to create a more resilient and sustainable future for Orange County and beyond.