From Green Building Alliance
Join Green Building Alliance for “Resilient Reading Roundtable: The Architect on Your Green Team” on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pendora Park Field House, for an engaging discussion on how smart design choices can lower operating costs, revitalize existing properties, and create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods, as well as a tour of the newly renovated Pendora Park Fieldhouse. Register for this free admission event at www.gba.org/events.
The program will be led by Jim Sarro, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Muhlenberg Greene Architects. Drawing on his knowledge and experience in sustainable building strategies and construction practices, Jim will share practical approaches for “greening” buildings in Reading and Berks — from adaptive reuse and energy efficiency to durable materials and funding incentives — helping owners, developers, and community leaders turn derelict properties into long-term assets.
Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and be among the first to experience the newly renovated Pendora Park Fieldhouse. This renovation — delivered through a Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement (GESA) — showcases smart, energy-saving improvements that make a real impact.
A project of Green Building Alliance (GBA) and made possible with support from the Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, “Resilient Reading Roundtables” brings topics to the community designed to educate, inform, and inspire. Education and training events include examples and tours of building energy efficiency and revitalization projects, how to increase resilience against extreme weather events, financing opportunities for building upgrades, and more. For information, contact GBA at info@gba.org.
About The Speaker
James A. Sarro, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Secretary | Principal, MG Architects
Jim Sarro earned a degree in Architectural Design from Lincoln Technical Institute and is an accredited professional through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), with a specialty in building design and construction. Jim became a principal of the firm in 2020. He has over 35 years’ experience as an architect registered in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Vermont. Regionally, Jim has been the principal-in-charge of large-scale multi-prime public bid projects in the education, municipal, and commercial sectors. He is also the Chairman of the Union Township Planning Commission and the Union Township Environmental Advisory Committee.
Representative Experience
Berks County Agricultural Center: Principal/Project Architect for 36,000-square-foot two-story offices and 30,000-square-foot single-story warehouse renovations, including conversion of warehouse space into an 8,000-square-foot office for the County’s Conservation District. Renovations will include exterior improvements, window replacements, and selected interior improvements. Study completed in 2022. Phase One was completed in 2025.
Lancaster City Housing Authority: Principal/Project Architect for Construction Documents for a 13,200-square-foot EPDM roof replacement. Architectural design services, bidding, and construction were provided.
Douglass Township: Principal/Project Architect for Administration Building Renovations to reconfigure the entrance to the building to create a secure lobby. Reconfiguring the main entrance, adding a canopy, and reconstructing the entrance stairs and accessible ramp were completed. The scope of work includes new finishes in select areas as well as modifications to include card readers at select doors.
Reading and Muhlenberg Public School Districts: Principal/Project Architect for welding program expansion feasibility study and new building construction at the jointly held school districts’ Career and Technology Center. An analysis of operational savings and rebate program proceeds was included to forecast potential net costs. The new state-of-the-art building features 25 welding stations equipped with advanced technology to accommodate up to 50 students. Multi-prime, public bid project.
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Source: bctv