Climate Change and Resilient Site Planning
Kelsey Gnoinski, Project Engineer, The Chazen Companies
ABSTRACT
According to a recent NYSERDA study, temperatures across New York State are expected to rise,
average annual precipitation is expected to increase, sea levels are expected to rise, and flora and fauna
composition is expected to change. Each of these considerations will alter the way we approach site
design with greater emphasis on asset protection, emergency response, stormwater management, heat
island effect, material selection, and landscaping. This session will outline the design components being
used or contemplated to make sites function effectively in a changing climate. Project specific case
studies will be used to emphasize various climate considerations and the design approaches
implemented to alleviate the impacts.
BIOGRAPHY
Kelsey Gnoinski is a Syracuse University alumnus with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. She
has extensive experience in climate resilient site elements, with a focus in low impact design and
redevelopment projects. Kelsey plays a leading role in Chazen’s sustainable design team, developing
innovative stormwater solutions and helping to facilitate LEED certification for a wide variety of projects.
Kelsey lives in Lake George, New York. In her spare time, she serves on the Board of Directors for
Concerned for the Hungry, Inc., a non-profit providing food service programs to residents of Schenectady
County.