MAY 2018
Earth Day: DIRTT edition FROM OUR DAILY WORK TO TAKING ACTION IN THE COMMUNITY
The resimercial movement
BRINGING HYGGE TO THE OFFICE
DIRTT Connext 2018 WE’RE TOO POPULAR!
Innovation & collaboration at DIRTT HQ
NEW SPACES TO WOW VISITORS, PARTNERS & DIRTTBAGS
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Michael’s letter Loyalty. It’s a term that ignites passion here. The sense of loyalty among DIRTTbags is unmatched; it’s the heart of this company. You created DIRTT, you believe in helping the world build better, and you want to see this company succeed. Your sense of allegiance to one another, and also to the company’s progress and future, is most evident in teamwork. Part of why we work so hard here is because we refuse to let our teammates down – we rely on each other. Over time, trust and respect for one another has become integral to our culture. There’s a drive to support colleagues as we share in the belief of this great company and work toward its success. This exemplifies your loyalty to DIRTT as a whole. Change is often uncomfortable – at best – and I hear you; the past few months have been no exception. But DIRTT is built on the idea of embracing change. It’s healthy, it’s necessary for growth,
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and it will never stop. We’re preparing for sustained and unprecedented growth, and we’re adapting so that we can support DIRTT’s path to long-term success. By supporting your teammates, honouring what you’ve collectively built and embracing the future, you will continue to help DIRTT grow. This is an extraordinary company with brilliantly creative minds, and a proven, successful business model. When you focus your energy on the idea that together, we are leading the change on how the world builds, you help solidify your commitment to creating longterm success together – comfortable or not. Let’s continue to show loyalty by supporting the shared efforts of our colleagues in completing projects, telling DIRTT’s story, and helping the world build better. – Michael Goldstein
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Earth Day: DIRTT edition Our passion for keeping the planet healthy is represented in our solutions, processes and the way we run our facilities; it’s also reflected in the actions of the most important part of our business: our people. And this year’s Earth Day was no exception.
Once again, DIRTTbags and ICEcubes came together for the world’s largest environmental movement to show our collective commitment to sustainability. DIRTTbags rolled up their sleeves and took part in various initiatives to raise awareness and make a difference in the community. And in true DIRTT fashion, some fun was had along the way! Here are some of the ways we showed love to our planet for Earth Day 2018.
Community clean-ups When cleaning up our planet, every bit counts! DIRTTbags in both Chicago and Calgary put time aside to clean up litter in their city. DIRTT Chicago teamed up with a neighborhood Chamber of Commerce and local companies to organize a community clean-up of 25 people. This initiative was successful to say the least; in under three hours the DIRTT team filled DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
over 10 bags full of garbage. Calgary DIRTTbags and ICEcubes hosted clean ups around DIRTT factories and the DIRTT and ICE offices.
Spreading green The Chicago team dropped off white pine saplings to existing and potential Clients in honor of mother nature. Those receiving these trees could then plant them and make an impact on the environment 3
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for Earth Day. Planting trees helps the environment in many ways. Some include: improving air quality, reducing storm water runoff and reducing urban heat island effect. This initiative was about building awareness and encouraging others to take sustainable actions. As an added touch, the trees were delivered with a reusable DIRTT bag and an information card that outlines some of DIRTT’s sustainable initiatives.
change. The film provided an insightful look at how carbon emissions are warming the seas and how coral reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate. The screening began with cocktails and networking with the 70 attendees made up of end-users and the A&D community. It ended with a lively discussion on marine plastic pollution, led by Jon Khoo, Interface Innovation Partner.
Movie screening
Did you know that it’s better for the environment to use a dishwasher than to hand wash dishes? We didn’t until the DIRTT sustainability team hosted an information session at the Lounge Night before Earth Day! As DIRTTbags sipped their Thursday beverages, the sustainability team discussed the importance of conscious water consumption. They also shared some simple, everyday tips for reducing water use. Some of these included: shortening your shower by one minute to save nine liters of water, collecting rain in barrels to water your garden and lawn, and being aware of what you put down the drain. It was an engaging look at things we often don’t think about. Good thing wine doesn’t count towards water use…
A movie AND a good cause – a true winwin. On April 19th, Chicago DIRTTbags hosted a special screening of the movie “Chasing Coral” in their Green Learning Center. This event was in partnership with Interface, Humanscale and the Surfrider Foundation. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness around the state of our oceans and to promote working together for global
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Educational lounge night
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The average Calgarian uses 230 L of water a day. Here’s a typical breakdown:
Swap & shop
#StopSucking social campaign
One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is by finding a way to reuse items you’d usually discard. A couple of DIRTTbags organized a Calgary DIRTTbag and ICEcube swap and shop for Earth Day to do just that! Over 20 DIRTTbags brought in their used clothing and accessories and hosted an exchange. Instead of purchasing new clothing and discarding their old items, DIRTTbags and ICEcubes were able to give their items to a loving new home. Stylin’ AND environmentally friendly! Any leftover items were donated to support women in need.
By 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Yes, you read that right! To help raise awareness around this global crisis, DIRTT leveraged our social media following to promote the #StopSucking campaign. This movement aims at encouraging others to ditch straws at their organizations, restaurants and homes. After all, 500 million plastic straws are consumed each day in the US alone. This important movement will make you think twice about where that straw goes once it’s been used. See the next page for a look at some other ways DIRTT works to limit our plastic footprint, which was the theme of this year’s Earth Day. Thank you to the DIRTTbags who put their passion for sustainability into action for Earth Day 2018. For more information on DIRTT’s full sustainability story, and the efforts we take part in year-round, check out this new document.
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We’re off the bottle
Ditch the disposable You won’t find disposable plastic dishware at DIRTT. Meals at our facilities are served with reusable or compostable dish ware, cups, mugs and silverware.
Filtered tap water at all of our factories and offices eliminates the use of large plastic water containers and single-use bottles.
Our
plastic footprint
Bag the baggies Serving daily hot lunches for employees eliminates the need for DIRTTbags to bring in lunches using single-use plastic baggies or wrap.
#StopSucking
sure is clean for being so
DIRTTy Explore some of the ways we keep it this way.
There are no straws at DIRTT facilities – a strategic choice to reduce our plastic waste.
Earth Champions We’ve appointed “Earth Champions” at our Calgary factories. These DIRTTbags help their peers with questions about our recycling programs.
We aren’t Cookie monsters
Green onboarding DIRTTbags receive reusable water bottles during their orientation, limiting the use of plastic ones with short lifespans.
DIRTT bags (literally)
We provide DIRTTbags with reusable grocery pouches to use as an alternative to plastic bags. Sewing Seeds International uses fabric off-cuts from our factories to make reusable bags as well.
Reuse & give back We donate gently-used plastic safety glasses from our Calgary factories to the local homeless shelter for reuse.
Our plastic shipping dividers, known as Cookies, are returned to our factories for reuse. This saves thousands of pounds of plastic from being put in the landfill year after year.
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New spaces at DIRTT set to inspire
A new level of collaboration and inspiration is coming to DIRTT, thanks to some incredible renovations. The north end of DIRTT’s headquarters in Calgary is getting a total overhaul. You’ve seen the incredible restroom build. Here’s a look at more of the space (and more still to come). The final result is sure to have a “wow” factor for DIRTTbags and touring visitors alike. The new front entryway is one of the first things our clients will see when DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
they come to DIRTT. It will make a striking first impression with a one-off showstopper for a front desk and integration of a visually impactful sound solution. When clients come in, they’ll have a new place to hang their coat in DIRTT Millwork and gather along integrated bench seating. Phone booths and smaller break-out rooms are a powerful example of DIRTT’s capabilities, integrating Timber Frame with DIRTT 7
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walls. The design took timber to a new level of detailing within the modularity of DIRTT walls. Two other rooms upstairs are dedicated to conversations and presentations with our clients. The spaces highlight many of the new standard finishes coming out
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soon, plus Corning® Willow® Glass, a bespoke ceiling, integrated tech and a Breathe™ wall. The spaces showcase how we can achieve any look our clients want to achieve – and all with DIRTT. “We want to inspire our clients to do what they think is right for them – and do something other than the ordinary,” says Debbie Carruthers of DIRTT’s Design Studio. Everything within these spaces is done with DIRTT except the carpet and chairs.
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A Timber Frame façade stretches two stories down to the lower level. The multidimensional façade showcases what we can do with DIRTT timber on a large scale. Stadium seating featuring DIRTT Timber Frame will be perfect for casual gatherings, greeting student tours and DIRTTbags to mingle.
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Timber is prominent throughout the lower level as well. Inspired by tree branches in nature, timber features will run across the top of work stations. The permeable screen allows for collaboration – to pass things through and have conversations – while it strikes a balance for personal space. The timber structure uses a repeated ‘Y’ geometric shape to
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accommodate varying lengths of the work stations. And the stain of the timber transitions from dark to light as you move through the space. It’s the precision of DIRTT Timber that sets it apart,” says Derek Fenske of DIRTT’s Design Studio. “Having designed the Timber feature at the Chicago GLC and seeing the precision
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of the execution, I know I can design something more demanding than I would using a conventional solution.” Timber doesn’t stand alone in this space. It’s integrated. DIRTT Timber and DIRTT walls are integrated and part of the whole solution. Amplifying the collaboration of the space, WriteAway™ was used throughout and
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technology was integrated. The java area is designed to be a multi-purpose, collaborative space as well. A place to grab a coffee, meet with colleagues, or even lay out drawings. Much of the space has a residential feel to it. Warm finishes. The wall coverings selected. Pendant lights. Crisp corner details replace posts. Even the extended desk that runs along the side of the java space has residential inspiration behind it.
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It’s yet another example of how the DIRTT DNA can create a residential ambiance within any space. DIRTT’s HQ renovations feature as many vignettes as possible. It’s to show our clients we can create a variety of different spaces – and all in DIRTT. When visitors come to DIRTT, Kim Martin of the DIRTT Design Studio says she hopes they say, “Can we do this in our office?”
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DIRTT in the news The ICEreality app was recently featured in an article by Retrofit Magazine, a website that specializes in streamlining the process of renovating a building.
Blueprint Magazine featured AP+I Design’s DIRTT space.
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The resimercial movement They say home is where the heart is. Luckily, homes are the new inspiration for office design. Over the past two decades, there’s been a shift in what we call the “office”. Telecommuting from home or from cozy coffeeshops has become a popular alternative to traditional office space. Companies have caught on and are revamping their offices to emulate those comfortable spaces. The theory? Employees will be happier and, yes, even more productive. “Because the world is so techy, we crave more homey and residential designs,” says DIRTT Designer Debbie Carruthers. “We want things to be softer.” The CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, Meik Wiking, argues that hygge is a key ingredient to happiness.
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Research shows that people crave inspiring and uplifting aesthetics. In fact, a company’s work environment could make or break talent retention. In a 2017 Staples Workplace Survey, 21 percent of employees said they would take a 10 percent pay cut to work in a nicer office space. Research by coworking company Mindspace revealed that poorly designed workspaces can affect productivity and mental health. Clearly, the look and feel of the workplace is one determining factor for company success. With the evolution of technology, we literally carry our careers around in our pockets. Weekend e-mails and late-night report writing means the grind doesn’t stop. Companies are trying to make those long hours more productive (and appealing). Design trends are blurring the lines between home and office to create a more inviting and enjoyable space.
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So, what does that look like? At its simplest, residential design inspirations can include: • Colorful themes • Patterns and textures • Nature (plants, living-walls, windows/skylights) • Local artwork • Millwork and bookshelves
Businesses have tried using different layouts over the years. From cubicle farms to wide-open concepts, one thing is clear: There is no one-size-fits-all. A residential inspired design combines open space, private offices, phone booths, and common areas. When each space has its own unique aesthetic and functional aspects, it provides an environment for employees to thrive.
• Comfortable lighting • Mirrors • Cozy furniture The resimercial movement is bringing hygge to the office. Residential homes are made up of a variety of rooms and spaces. Each room is designed to be comfortable, inviting and functional. And each room has its own purpose. That it exactly where resimercial office design is headed.
“It’s all about comfort and being creative,” says Carruthers. “Creating energetic spaces where people can get inspired.” Along with the change in layout comes a drastic change in visual design. Residential inspiration affects everything from lighting and flooring to accessory and color choices. Carruthers notes, “Lighting is everything in design. You can create the most beautiful space, but without the right lighting it’s nothing.”
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A recent DIRTT project for a high tech client includes a residential feel throughout their corporate offices
Traditionally, commercial spaces use one type of light: bright white overhead fluorescents – as far as the eye can see. Resimercial design adopts the warmer and more varied lighting found in homes. We value windows and natural light in our homes, so it’s no surprise that natural light is also being integrated in office space. Area rugs and plants are also used to give spaces a more lived-in feel. We’re seeing more eclectic designs through pops of color, different types of chairs (including stools and loungers), varying types of light fixtures and lamps, plant pots, bookshelves and artwork.
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Despite what they might look like, resimercial offices are highly functional workplaces. Large LCD screens are built into flexible walls or wooden bookshelves. Coffee tables are equipped with multiple plug-ins. “The technology aspect hasn’t gone away. It’s just softened,” says Carruthers. If hygge makes people happy, it makes perfect sense to fuse residential comforts with commercial design. While the definition of the “office” will continue to change, the connection between employee happiness and productivity will remain a top priority in interior design. 15
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DIRTT Connext 2018: update It’s great to be popular, but hell to be the rage! DIRTT Chicago in June is a very popular stop for the NeoCon Show attendees. Last year we decided… we’re too popular! We made the decision right then to turn DIRTT Connext into an Invite-Only event for 2018. Q: So, who was coming before and who shouldn’t have been? A: A combination of vendors from the NeoCon show, furniture dealers who want to sell DIRTT, industrial saboteurs looking to steal our designs and Designers who won’t give their local DIRTT team the time of day back home. These people take attention away from the guests who are there for all the right reasons and makes their experience crowded, hot and loud. While this is a good name for a rock band, it isn’t a good way to help people learn about DIRTT and our Culture. DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
In past years it wasn’t that big of a deal. Recently we had to hire security and even they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who wanted in… for all the wrong reasons. So now Connext is a Private Function. Reps and Champions send out invitations to appropriate guests who are already excited about DIRTT and can’t wait to be the first in the world to see our latest innovations. Worried people who should see us can’t? Well, don’t. Designers who should get in will get in. We’ll contact their Rep for them and sign them in at a special table. Remember, most Designers still think of us as a movable wall. So, we need to make those who Get Us feel as special as they are. We’ve won plenty of business during the Connext Show. We’ve also wasted time on those unable to see DIRTT isn’t a
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product. So, while it’s been fun, and it was helpful to have such strong wordof-mouth to launch our company, we are now mature enough to only host people who’ve come to see something truly different that’s changing the future of construction for them.
circus and cost of Chicago during the NeoCon Show is less than optimal for everyone. Our test run of holding training in Phoenix proved to be a far better outcome for everyone. This is the path we will stay on and plan to announce dates for that soon.
As for our Partner Celebration and Education Days, everyone agrees the
Find your Connext resources on myDIRTT
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DIRTT honors local Savannah partner Stratton Leopold As far as DIRTT’s partnerships go, including the incredible “expanded family” of honorary DIRTTbags around the world, many know about Leopold’s Ice Cream and its namesake, Stratton Leopold. No surprise, thanks to our beloved co-founder. From early days in Savannah laying the groundwork for what is now DIRTT Savannah, Mogens Smed recognized the kinship between the people-first, off-the-grid, alwayspremier experience delivered by Stratton and his team and the culture of DIRTT and decided that all DIRTTbags would be able to enjoy the best ice cream in North America on a regular basis: in the factory and at DIRTT events near and far.
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Most of you know that Leopold’s Ice Cream has been an ongoing sensation at Connext each year. Among many ongoing partnership endeavors between our two companies and the comradeship with their and our teams, DIRTT provides the DIRTT ‘KIDz Zone’ at the Leopold’s annual block birthday party in downtown Savannah each year. August 2018 will be 99 years for this iconic Savannahborn business. On April 12th, we were able to celebrate our partner and friend Stratton Leopold at Savannah Technical College’s 2018 Tribute to Community STARS luncheon. The twelfth annual event recognized local people for their service and dedication to
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the Savannah community, with a crowd of 300+ local business leaders. Produced and hosted by Savannah Tech’s Foundation Community Council, which includes local DIRTTbags as members, “the Tribute,” as it is known, is one of Savannah’s most celebrated and enjoyable business events of the year. Sixteen local “STARS” were celebrated. Organizations nominate candidates who represent the spirit and action of commitment, philanthropy and service to others. Much to the surprise of everyone, including us, Stratton had never been named a STAR in the 12 years of the event. With our long, strong and special relationship with Stratton, it was a perfect opportunity to honor him. For a man who has more awards and international recognition than anyone else in Savannah (for those who have seen “the shop” on Broughton Street, you know what we mean … it is lined with accolades, posters and tributes from movie stars and moguls), we had the distinct honor of finding an award to present to Stratton that he HASN’T received until now.
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Most DIRTTbags know Stratton Leopold for the world-famous, indulgent and rich ice cream DIRTT shares with guests, clients and DIRTTbags. The world outside DIRTT and Savannah know Stratton for being a leader in the film industry for more than 40 years, producing major, high budget motion pictures. He has nearly 60 film and television credits to his name ranging from executive producer and producer to casting director and actor. Stratton has also served as an Executive Vice President at Paramount Pictures and he’s a member of the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America. Stratton’s movie career has taken him around the world and allowed him to work with film’s most talented and
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Stratton accepts his STAR Award, pictured with Savannah Technical College President Dr. Kathy Love and a member of the Community Council behind him.
famous producers, directors and actors … his “friends list” is a who’s-who of Hollywood! And now for the fun part: When he’s not making movies in L.A. or elsewhere in the world, Stratton can be found in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia, minding his iconic ice cream empire. Leopold’s Ice Cream has been a Savannah landmark since 1919, when his Greek immigrant father, Peter, and two uncles, George and Basil, opened the original ice cream parlor in downtown Savannah. Walking around in Savannah, or with DIRTT at Connext, Stratton is a very approachable guy. He says things are
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different in Hollywood. “While I’m in L.A., there are people designed to keep folks away from me. But here in Savannah or around the ice cream shop, I’m just me and can talk about filmmaking with anyone, in fact, I am working right now with a local writer on a film project I’m very excited about.” The man, his passion for movies and his passion for ice cream are always intertwined. It’s not just ice cream and movies that make this man so special. It’s the way he treats others as if they were family. Leopold says giving back to his community is very important for him and it shows. In fact, it’s that humble “guy next door” mindset and demeanor that makes Stratton so beloved and also DIRTT’s STAR. “By naming Stratton DIRTT’s STAR this year, we want to honor him for not only being a Savannah icon, a real philanthropist in our community, but a loyal and dedicated friend to DIRTT. He and his team are with us whenever and wherever we want them,” says the DIRTT Savannah team.
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Mogens had a lot to say about his friend Stratton: “Before I ever came to Savannah, I heard about Leopold’s legendary ice cream but even more about the family and the man behind this Savannah legacy. No matter how good a product or a company may be, it takes incredible leadership to sustain a culture and a brand that has survived and thrived for almost 100 years. However, it is Stratton and Leopold’s perpetual commitment to celebrating their pride in the Savannah community, charities and society where they have truly distinguished themselves. I am proud and honored for my friendship with Stratton and for all the lessons I have learned from him. When I think of Savannah, I think of Leopold’s and Stratton!”
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Stratton, in his usual manner, was quiet and wore a soft smile, ““I’m so proud and honored – thank you and everyone at DIRTT for nominated me for this STAR award. Everyone I know at DIRTT are the real stars! Many, many thanks,” said Stratton.
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Tools: Partner relationship graphic
When you’re as different as DIRTT, sometimes you need a little help to explain this whole new idea to our clients. This graphic is designed to illustrate how DIRTT fits into the mix and the value Partners bring to every project.
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It won’t apply to every scenario. And it cannot replace your conversations, but it may supplement them. Feel free to use this in your next presentation. Have feedback? MarComm@DIRTT.net
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Alberta Environment Minister chooses DIRTT as backdrop for major announcement collaboration with Emissions Reduction Alberta. The program is designed to support industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister Shannon Phillips makes the announcement at DIRTT’s Factory
DIRTT’s been committed to sustainability since day one. It’s in everything we do and how we act. We’re a role model for industry. That’s why the Alberta Government asked us to be the backdrop to announce their latest sustainability initiative. Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks and the Minister responsible for the Climate Change Office visited DIRTT on March 28th. She announced a $35 million, new emissions reduction incentive from the Government of Alberta in
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We hosted a large group of Alberta media and industry professionals on the upper level of ‘the bunker’ at our 6335 factory. The space showcases DIRTT, how we use Timber, and gave visitors the opportunity witness DIRTTbags in action, building sustainable spaces. During her announcement, the Minister praised DIRTT
DIRTTbag Brian Cassie tours Minister Phillips through our factory after the announcement
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as an industry role model for everything we do to reduce our environmental impact. She mentioned how we: 1. Offset power consumption with wind and solar 2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions with carpool and hybrid programs 3. Have lunch programs that reduce driving emissions for DIRTTbags by 550-thousand km annually
Mogens talks with Alberta media about DIRTT leading the way with Timber Frame. It’s the only material that sequesters carbon as it grows. Plus, it takes significantly less carbon to process than steel or concrete projects.
And, of course, we do so much more. It took a committed team of DIRTTbags to pull off a formal press announcement in our break room. Thank you to everyone who made the event a success show Albertans we’re a leader in sustainability.
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Timber a hot topic in Chicago Over 50 developers, general contractors, city officials, and architects attended the “Timber Towers and Beyond: A Back to the Future Building Material for the 21st Century” event at UI Labs. UI Labs is a corporate manufacturer and incubator on Goose Island in Chicago that currently has a permit for a T3 timber tower by Hines. There has been an explosion of timber towers proposed over the last five years, including a sixstory office building under construction in Chicago. It’s a hot topic as companies are moving into old manufacturing warehouses and repurposing timber loft spaces. The event featured a panel including DIRTTbag Elias Fahssi, Benton
Johnson from SOM, and Aaron Joseph from LM Commercial Real Estate and former Director of Sustainability for the City of Chicago. “This was a great opportunity to get the word out about DIRTT as one of the players in the timber conversation as it continues to gain momentum here in Chicago and around the world,” says DIRTTbag Rachel Traurig. The panel discussed the benefits of sustainability, speed of construction, and addressed many of the myths surrounding wood. The event included many thoughtful questions for the panel and Elias, who did a fantastic job, we might add.
DIRTTbag Elias Fahssi was among panelists for Timber conversations in Chicago DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
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Celebrating vision and courage Danni took a chance. Stopped the order from going through and asked young DIRTT to take on the job. She risked her career endorsing this whole new idea.
Danni Livingston came into DIRTT Chicago in June 2005. She and her team were on the verge of placing their order for demountable walls for their new administration building in Johnson County, Kansas. It was to be LEED Gold. One of the first. When she saw the DIRTT system, even in this, the first incarnation of it, she realized this was the solution they were looking for. The thing they felt was the biggest compromise for them was the conventional support detailing of demountable walls. It meant they had to hang cabinets and shelves from predetermined vertical posts. The horizontal Antler meant they could place furniture and equipment wherever they wanted.
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For her early vision and courage to try something new 12 years ago, Mogens presented her with the last Passion Pea bronze sculpture in existence. The Passion Pea represents the 5Ps of Passionate People Perpetuate Perfect Performance. Mogens presented the honor at Hygge, together with a full house of Clients, Partners and DIRTTbags. Mogens presented the honor to Danni while she was visiting Calgary for the first time, looking at the possibility of using DIRTT on another major project. Want to check out the case study from our first project with Danni? Johnson County Case Study
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True hospitality Being nominated for a “White Hat Award” is a huge honor to receive as a Calgarian. The Awards, presented by the City of Calgary, showcase the unsung heroes of tourism and hospitality who go the extra mile in their volunteer or working role. There were over 800 nominees this year. Our very own David Brown was nominated by The Calgary Zoo for his volunteer role as an educator in the hippopotamus amphitheater. To receive this special nomination, it isn’t about how many hours you accumulate. It’s about your passion, willingness to get people engaged, and going above and beyond. It was for his contributions to the success of the tourism and hospitality business in Calgary. David demonstrates these same attributes as a volunteer at The Zoo as much as he does with his role at DIRTT. His passion for DIRTT and charismatic enthusiasm is his way of engaging our clients and guests who DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
come through DIRTT’s doors. It leaves them with an unforgettable experience. He is a walking “DIRTTbag Culturist” and exudes the same energy while educating guests at the Zoo. The 56th annual Calgary White Hat Awards, a one-of-a-kind event that includes a red carpet, live awards and gala reception, will take place on May 16, 2018. DIRTT is proud of David for his success as a well-known volunteer and we wish him the best of luck at the awards ceremony! In addition to David’s nomination, he was the winner of DIRTT’s Q1 Volunteer Incentive Program where he chose to donate the $500 winnings to The Calgary Zoological Society to help with animal conservation. 27
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You could win money for all those miles you log on the treadmill Did you know? On average, we receive upwards of 1,000 ballots for Fit You every month, with over 100 applicants participating. That’s a whole bunch of sweaty DIRTTbags! We’ve been seeing a lot of frequent flyers lately, and we know we have a lot more DIRTTbags and ICEcubes out there who have stopped submitting ballots, or who have never submitted before. We encourage you keep the ballots coming for our program to thrive! Why do we have this program? At DIRTT, we care about the well-being of our employees. We are lucky enough to have healthy options for lunch provided by our Greens staff, integrated sit-stand desks, and a beautiful onsite gym that we can use anytime. The Fit You program is just one of the many awesome bonuses we get to participate in. It’s important that we acknowledge you for all of your hard work and reward you so that you to stay motivated and keep up a healthy lifestyle. Who is eligible to participate? Do you work for ICE or DIRTT and live on planet earth? Perfect, then you can submit a ballot! Full time, part time, summer student? SUBMIT! DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
How does the program work? You don’t have to run a marathon to submit a ballot. As long as you work out for 30 minutes (minimum that day) you are eligible. Any form of physical activity that gets your heart pumping applies. Simply submit a ballot each time after working out and you are automatically in the draw to win. What do I win? You win moola to put towards a health and wellness related purchase of your choice. We randomly select winners at the beginning of each month, but there’s no guarantee that you will win. The good news is, the more ballots you enter, the better your odds! First place - $200 Second place - $100 Third place - $50 Top 5 entrants - $10 Have 5 seconds to spare? Submit your ballot by visiting the Fit You page on mydirtt and fill out the information located on the right side of the page. Questions? Shoot us an email: fityou@dirtt.net
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MAY 2018 Diggin’ It
DIRTT in the community: #HumboltStrong On April 6th, the hockey community and all of Canada was rocked by a tragic bus accident that killed 16 and injured 13 hockey players, and coaching staff. On a rural road in Saskatchewan, the Humboldt Broncos were on their way to a semi-finals game when their
Matching the effort of DIRTTbags and ICEcubes, DIRTT donated $3,000 to STARS Air Ambulance who were first responders and heroes on site
bus collided with a semi-truck. There were over 100 first responders involved in recovery after the crash, including STARS Air Ambulance who played a crucial part of the retrieval of the patients who were in critical condition.
Long-shot shootout to raise funds for affected families
DIRTTbags and ICEcubes wear jerseys to honour families affected by the tragedy DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
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MAY 2018 Diggin’ It
This tragedy hit close to home for many DIRTTbags and ICEcubes. The enthusiasm for fundraising was very much a reflection of true DIRTT spirit when people are in need of support. Fundraising initiatives took place throughout the week at DIRTT HQ including a 50/50 raffle and a long shot shootout, consisting of shooting a ball into a small target. Participation in all the fundraising initiatives was
DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
overwhelming and really brought everyone together. A true testament of that was when DIRTTbags and ICEcubes were asked to wear jerseys on April 12th to honor the families that were affected by this tragedy. DIRTTbags raised $1,570 that was donated to the victims and survivor’s families. In addition to that, DIRTT donated $3,000 to the heroes at STARS Air Ambulance.
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MAY 2018 Diggin’ It
Improved efficiencies for DIRTT Millwork We’ve made some improvements to our DIRTT Millwork processes to save you time and ensure your clients get what they expect, when they expect it. Introducing the Millwork Express Lane for simple millwork orders. And we’re helping the process run more smoothly for Bespoke Millwork designs. Find everything you need to know on myDIRTT.
DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
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MAY 2018 Diggin’ It
The DIRTT Xchange DIRTT has grown a ton over the past 14 years. Starting with around 12 employees on day one, we’re now over 1,140 people strong. That’s a lot of people! As a community, we’ve always been open to helping others sell their treasures. Re-homing used items reduces waste and lowers our carbon footprint. This is something that DIRTT is very happy to support, in fact, you might even say it’s part of our DNA. As we know, with growth comes changes in how we operate. Until recently, DIRTTbags have used email as a way to buy and sell stuff within the company (you’re all familiar with the “SPAM: tickets for sale” type of emails). To help make this process even easier for everyone, Calgary DIRTTbag Leigh
DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
Cooper created a new and improved system for buying and selling your items. Meet the DIRTT Xchange. The DIRTT Xchange is a mobile and web-based app that functions much like Craigslist or Kijiji, except it’s built specifically for DIRTTbags! This new system is much more personalized and user friendly than sending out mass emails and will reduce the amount of clutter in all of our inboxes. The app is available to anyone with a DIRTT email address and has dedicated sections for each of DIRTT’s locations (Calgary, Kelowna, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Savannah). Instructions to download and set up DIRTT Xchange can be found on myDIRTT.
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MAY 2018 Diggin’ It
HAVE A STORY THAT SHOULD BE FEATURED IN DIGGIN’ IT? MarComm@DIRTT.net
DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS | Diggin’ It | May 2018
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