2025 Event Program

Detailed session descriptions are available at the bottom of this page. Our program is subject to change.

Download Program PDF
AIA_Approved_CE_horiz_2c

Birdwatching at Ballona Freshwater Marsh - SOLD OUT

Tuesday, September 30th  |  11:00am – 1:30pm

Join biologists for a guided birdwatching walk through one of LA’s most remarkable ecological reserves. The walk will follow a 1.3-mile loop around the freshwater section of the marsh, an area where more than 250 bird species have been recorded. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, wear sunscreen, and consider insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves are also recommended, as mosquito activity in the area can vary from mild to intense depending on recent conditions.

Location: Ballona Freshwater Marsh
Meeting point: Convene at the park’s restroom, across from the parking lot.

Parking: Free parking is available at Playa Vista Sports Park
13196 Bluff Creek Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90094

Hosted in partnership with Friends of Ballona Wetlands.

Hosted in partnership with Friends of Ballona Wetlands.

FBW LOGO_TRANSvertical
FBW LOGO_TRANSvertical

Main Conference & Expo

Wednesday, October 1  |  7:30am – 6:00pm

We are pleased to announce that our Net Zero Conference & Expo will be hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center! Join us for zero carbon learning opportunities across all industries, exciting keynotes, and networking in the Expo Hall. 

Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center, South Hall
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Parking: The Convention Center charges $25-40 for parking. Onsite charging stations are available for EVs. There are also a variety of offsite parking lots within walking distance (fees vary). Visit our venue page for more info.

Trailblazer Awards

Wednesday, October 1  |  10:40am – 11:20am

Each year, the Net Zero Conference Trailblazer Awards celebrate interdisciplinary leaders making a positive impact on people and the environment. Join us at the Main Stage to commend our winners and nominees’ exemplary work in the climate space.

Learn more about our Trailblazer Awards here.

Location: Main Stage

Hosted in partnership with AIA.

Hosted in partnership with AIA.

AIA LOGO_RED_RGB
AIA LOGO_RED_RGB

Women in Net Zero Mixer

Wednesday, October 1  |  1:00pm – 1:30pm

Join us on the Expo Hall floor to briefly hear from special guest speakers, then enjoy networking with sustainability leaders, meaningful conversation and—of course—coffee! This networking opportunity is open to everyone, but creates space to focus specifically on women, non-binary, and female-identifying individuals. After all, your network is oftentimes one of your most valuable assets, so it’s worthwhile to invest in building strong relationships with other co-conspirators in the decarbonization space. Join us in celebrating diversity in the AEC industry and forging bonds with new connections. As Bill Nye says, “Everyone you will ever meet, knows something you don’t.”

Location: Expo Hall

Happy Hour in the Expo Hall

Wednesday, October 1  |  5:00pm – 6:00pm

Need more time to network during the event? We got your back! Once educational sessions conclude, kick back in the Expo Hall to meet with exhibitor booths and fellow attendees. A cash bar will be available. Don’t miss the raffle and be sure to check out onsite custom t-shirt printing to take home a keepsake.

Location: Expo Hall

View Session Descriptions

8:30am - 9:15am

This session will explore how businesses can build equitable partnerships with local communities. Participants will gain an overview of B Lab US & Canada’s new framework, Principles for Partnership with Frontline Communities, including racial and cultural literacy, conflict resolution, equitable resource allocation, and more. Through an equity lens, attendees will gain actionable insights on moving beyond conventional approaches to partnerships, which are often performative and extractive, towards trust and mutual benefit. We will also explore business spheres of influence for climate action centered in justice. Kylie Nealis (Senior Program Manager, Climate Justice at B Lab US & Canada) will be joined by Andrea Chase (Vice President, Corporate Responsibility & Social Impact at Arbonne, an LA-based Certified B Corp) to share tangible examples of equitable business & community partnerships.

Speakers:

  • Andrea Chase, VP, Corporate Responsibility & Social Impact, Arbonne PBC
  • Kylie Nealis, Senior Program Manager, Climate Justice, B Lab U.S. & Canada
  • Vik Giri, Founder and CEO, Gallant International Inc

This session explores how the LEED Gold Ramona Community Resource Center achieved Net Zero Energy and a 30% reduction in embodied carbon while advancing equity, wellness, and resilience in a rural community. The building supports equity by providing critical services for underserved populations through inclusive, trauma-informed spaces. Engagement with local stakeholders shaped a design that reflects community identity. Wellness is supported through biophilic elements, abundant natural light, high indoor air quality, and flexible spaces that foster connection. Resilience is embedded through passive strategies, a PV system offsetting 110% of energy use, efficient VRF mechanical systems, light-framed wood construction, and low-carbon concrete to reduce environmental impact. Speakers from the Owner, design, and construction teams will share lessons learned in integrating performance goals with meaningful social value.

Speakers:

Multiple cities, counties, and states across the United States have adopted or are in the process of adopting Building Performance Standards (BPS) programs. In this lecture session, you will hear from sustainability staff at three local jurisdictions in California that are developing or recently adopted their jurisdictions’ first BPS programs. They will explain the compliance pathways or metrics they plan to use and why they selected them. These BPS features vary across the country so some may be familiar to session attendees, and some may be new.

Speakers:

This session will focus on the integration of modular construction with high performance design strategies to achieve carbon neutrality and zero net energy. We’ll share our design process which explores passive design approaches, high performance systems and façade design to achieve high performance results. Our design process embraces biophilic principles to promote health and wellness which utilized several strategies which elevate the human experience through social interactions starting at the street level with the entry courtyards, within the elevated roof gardens and with the community garden on the upper level. We’ll explore case studies of modular housing developments in design and recently completed in San Diego which includes the El Cerrito Housing Development. The design for the El Cerrito mixed use development which includes 172 residential units over a parking structure and ground floor behavioral health clinic which will be operated by Family Health Centers of San Diego. The design embraces the use of single use recycled shipping containers as a rigorous module in its five levels of housing on the upper floors which will be prefabricated modular units constructed off site. The residential units are organized to shape a series on roof courtyards to promote social connections for the residents. The courtyards open up to the north to allow for the prevailing northwest breezes to flow into the site and to scale down the façade along the north into smaller massing blocks to respond to the surrounding residential context. The integration of landscape with architecture embraces biophilia in connecting people with nature to promote health and wellness. High performance centralized systems and renewable energy systems are integrated into the design to achieve a 86.6% reduction per AIA 2030. The use of modular construction innovates at every step of the delivery model from design, documentation, permitting to construction in promoting a lean delivery process in reducing the overall schedule.

Speakers:

Exploring Resilience in a Net-Zero Future and the Impact of Green Energy & Natural Calamities on the Built Environment. This session aims to explore the intersection of sustainable design, green energy, and resilience in the context of a net-zero future. It will focus on the risks associated with reliance on green energy, the role of design in enhancing resilience, and how increasing natural calamities influence the evolution of the built environment. • What comes to mind when you hear the term “resiliency of a net-zero future”? How do you see design playing a role in achieving this vision? • What are the potential risks or challenges associated with a heavy reliance on green energy solutions in the built environment? • With the recent increase in natural calamities, how do you think these events are shaping the way we approach and rethink the design and construction of buildings and cities?

Speakers:

Currently, 70% of top US Data Center markets are in heating dominated climates. Projected Data Center growth in the next four years is expected to be 28 GW of new power resulting in Data Centers comprising 15% of US’s total energy needs. Many new data center locations are being proposed in areas currently zoned as residential where housing developments are needed. A central utility plant can leverage energy recovery from data center winter time cooling as a means of providing free heating electrification to the campus. Design considerations will address energy performance benefits, reduced utility scale renewable needs, federal tax credits, HVAC systems, resiliency outcomes, expediting zoning proposals and architectural massing that addresses security, noise and proximity of data centers to neighborhood uses and occupants.

Speakers:

Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) promise a future where buildings actively support the grid, but most commercial properties lack the infrastructure to participate. The barriers—cost, complexity, and outdated building systems—have kept VPPs from scaling. However, today’s cloud-based automation, AI-driven demand response, and modular clean energy solutions are making participation accessible for any building. This panel, featuring experts from 75F, Leap, and CPower Energy, will explore how turnkey building intelligence, demand flexibility programs, and modular energy solutions can unlock grid-interactive buildings anywhere — from urban centers to remote locations. Panel members will also discuss how energy equity and low-barrier deployment models are essential for making Net Zero attainable for all, not just high-end developments.

Speakers:

  • Deepinder Singh, Founder and CEO, 75F
  • Keith Black, Regional Vice President & General Manager – Northeast, CPower Energy
  • Vera Yuan, Business Development Lead – Smart Buildings & Devices, Leap

9:30am - 10:40am

Host: Drew Shula, Founder & CEO, Verdical Group

Emcee: Amy Paffrath, Journalist, Legacy Youth Leadership

Keynotes:

10:40am - 11:20am

Each year, the Net Zero Conference Trailblazer Awards celebrate interdisciplinary leaders making a positive impact on people and the environment.

11:45am - 12:30pm

In this session, Avideh Haghighi and Sean Armstrong will teach how all-electric retrofits of single family homes, luxury homes adding pools, old apartments and restaurants can all avoid expensive utility service upgrades. They will showcase the “Watt Diet” approach to avoiding electrical service upgrades–Armstrong will focus on restaurant and apartment case studies, and Haghighi will share the transformation of a 100-year-old home into a Net Zero Carbon residence without a new electrical service. This session will offer architects and engineers practical, technical solutions to electrifying some of the more challenging building types.

Speakers:

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, comparable in magnitude to Hurricane Katrina, devastated wide areas of Los Angeles County, exposing previously perceived fire-safe regions to catastrophic destruction. As we embark on the rebuilding process, misconceptions surrounding fire-resilient landscape design are exacerbating ecosystem damage and hindering our long-term climate change adaptation strategies. This session convenes four esteemed experts in landscape design, planning, fire resilience, and ecosystem health to dispel these myths and provide a comprehensive framework for informed landscape and open space decisions within the evolving urban-wildlife interfaces. Join our panel moderated by Gary Lai of Quixotic Nature- based Solutions, featuring Stephanie Landregan of UCLA Extension, Esther Margulies of Director of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism at USC , Greg Kochanowski of Practice, and Alyssa Moffitt of Terra Brava Landscape Architecture for a lively discussion.

Speakers:

The manufacturers of materials we use in our buildings and the general contractors who build them have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to deliver sustainable buildings. Their work helps to make the design team’s vision for high performance and net zero buildings a reality. This session will share case studies and lessons learned from nationally-leading sustainability leaders in the building materials and general contacting fields.

Speakers: 

The Net Zero Accelerator (NZA) at USGBC California speeds the adoption of impactful solutions in the built environment. To help scale these innovations, the NZA supports growth-stage companies in validating solutions, aligning products and services with market needs, and preparing for pilot projects with developers, owners, and civic partners. Join us for a fast-paced session where entrepreneurs will pitch breakthrough solutions ready to pilot in affordable housing, commercial buildings, and civic infrastructure. These innovations advance decarbonization, energy storage and efficiency, embodied carbon, wildfire defense, water conservation, coastal restoration, AI-enabled performance, and more. Discover how they are poised to deliver measurable results, reduce environmental footprints, and show how net zero can also increase net profit.

Speakers: More to be announced soon

One project, three firms, three carbon reporting commitments. With AIA 2030 well established, SE 2050 gaining ground, and MEP 2040 looking for a stable foothold, this team’s curiosity got the best of them. What does reporting on a project look like across these three platforms? How can the collaboration of the design process extend into the reporting process? Come investigate the carbon story of a Southern California community center where the architect, MEP engineer, and structural engineer worked collectively to champion sustainability efforts beyond the client’s aspirations. Then watch as we compare notes on reporting for our respective carbon neutrality commitments – see the similarities, the differences, and ideas on where to go from here.

Speakers:

This session explores resilient leadership today, highlighting how public engagement, inclusive design, and forward-looking policy can shape wellness-focused environments and adaptive building performance that deliver long-term value while safeguarding organizations and communities from risk. Through a combination of case studies, research insights, and emerging best practices, we’ll examine how escalating health and climate risks are driving communities to demand urgent, action-oriented change—and how organizations across all sectors must adapt and respond. Participants will gain insight into actionable resilience strategies that enhance occupant and community well-being, reduce operational and environmental vulnerabilities, and future-proof assets across commercial, institutional, and residential spaces. The session offers a practical, experience-based roadmap for advancing projects that not only meet performance goals but also foster healthier, more sustainable environments that contribute to long-term competitiveness and collective resilience.

Speakers:

In this session, we will explore the comprehensive renovation of the Gregory Bateson Building in Sacramento, a landmark in sustainable architecture originally designed by Sim Van der Ryn. Our presentation will highlight the innovative approaches and sustainable practices implemented by CannonDesign, McCarthy Building Companies, Glumac, and the Department of General Services (DGS) to transform this historic building into a modern, LEED Platinum workplace.

Speakers:

Airports are at the frontlines of the Net-Zero revolution. Achieving net-zero operational and embodied carbon in airport terminal design is uniquely challenging due to a mix of scale, complexity, and functional demands. Despite this, airports all over the world are making major progress towards their net-zero carbon goals. In this session, presenters will outline their integrated approach to designing Net-Zero airport terminal buildings. Using the Monterrey Regional Airport as a case study, the panel will discuss the various total carbon reduction strategies implemented on the project—from an optimized building program to structural, envelope, MEP systems, and material selection. This is followed by a moderated discussion on the unique design challenges and opportunities associated with airport buildings and the innovative solutions implemented as a response.

Speakers:

1:00pm - 1:30pm

Join us on the Expo Hall floor to briefly hear from a special guest speaker, then enjoy networking with sustainability leaders, meaningful conversation and—of course—coffee! This networking opportunity is open to everyone, but creates space to focus specifically on women, non-binary, and female-identifying individuals. After all, your network is oftentimes one of your most valuable assets, so it’s worthwhile to invest in building strong relationships with other co-conspirators in the decarbonization space. Join us in celebrating diversity in the AEC industry and forging bonds with new connections. As Bill Nye says, “Everyone you will ever meet, knows something you don’t.”

Speakers:

Hosted in partnership with

2:15pm - 3:00pm

Many organizations are taking action to reduce their carbon emissions. This session presents the actions taken by one company to accelerate the decarbonization of its large real estate portfolio. The session begins with context on the drivers of decarbonization for real estate. The presenters will then describe different tools available for portfolio decarbonization, and highlight the tradeoffs between using conventional engineering approaches compared with innovative AI and machine-learning analytics for decarbonization. The presentation will utilize candid real-world examples one organization needed to make in its decarbonization process and next steps as it moves forward on its carbon commitments. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a good understanding of the resources and technology available for achieving decarbonization at scale for building portfolios.

Speakers:

As organizations pursue ambitious net zero goals, the built environment faces growing pressure to align design, building systems, measurement, and operations with decarbonization objectives. This session convenes leaders in architecture, engineering, and building technologies to share strategies for achieving measurable progress across a range of building types. Panelists will highlight approaches spanning high-performance design, benchmarking, and systems integration toward operational excellence and net zero objectives. Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable takeaways on how cross-disciplinary collaboration is redefining the path to net zero.

Speakers: 

This session brings together four perspectives on the role of carbon measurement in design and decarbonization. Arcadis and Digne will share methods for assessing, tracking, and reducing embodied, operational, and whole-life carbon. WATG will challenge the premise of measuring, making the case for directly avoiding emissions. The University of California Riverside will present how its Climate Action Plan (Scopes 1–3) aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and environmental justice. Together, these perspectives address the lack of unified decarbonization standards and agreement on what defines a “good” assessment. By weighing both the value and limits of measurement, the panel will explore how alignment can drive stronger design decisions, deeper reductions, and progress toward global climate goals.

Speakers: 

The City of Santa Monica set out on an ambitious quest to become the first municipal building to receive certification under the rigorous, performance-based Living Building Challenge (LBC) Certification. Pursuing all Petals and Imperatives required integrated design and systems thinking and advocacy on several fronts, but particularly around creating a closed-loop water system. While the county water district ultimately declined to permit the system for potable water production, their efforts show that conserving and reusing water on site is feasible, and they’ll be ready to implement this system in the future as potable water scarcity in western states is the norm. This panel will delve into specific strategies that make this building unique and can serve others interested in achieving regenerative design for municipal spaces.

Speakers:

  • Amber Richane, Principle Design & Planning Manager, City of Santa Monica
  • Joseph Coriaty, Managing Partner, Frederick Fisher and Partners
  • Julian Parsley, Partner, Buro Happold
  • Patrick Acosta, Building Technician, City of Santa Monica Public Works

Schools are critical pillars of our communities, but they’re also major energy consumers. In our warming world, reducing schools’ embodied and operational carbon and enhancing resilience to extreme heat are imperative. Solar-reflective “cool” roofs have long been required by California’s energy code and in other U.S. jurisdictions to help reduce cooling energy use. However, cool roofs, walls, and pavements have co-benefits that extend beyond energy savings alone. In this session, presenters will discuss California’s growing push toward embodied carbon reductions and how cool roofs fit into current code compliance; the co-benefits of cool surfaces related to enhancing heat resilience and extending the service life of roofs and rooftop equipment; and real-word examples of initiatives for getting to zero in schools—here in California and beyond.

Speakers:

  • Audrey McGarrell, Communications Manager, Cool Roof Rating Council
  • Ida A. Clair, California State Architect, Department of General Services Division of the State Architect
  • Marcos Rodriguez, Executive Director for Facilities & Operations, Bakersfield College
  • Reilly Loveland, Associate Director, New Buildings Institute

As the University of Southern California prepares to help host the LA28 Olympics while fulfilling its core educational mission, it continues to advance toward net zero GHG emissions. This session will explore core components and challenges of a comprehensive decarbonization program at scale. USC’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Director of Energy, along with Glumac’s Directory of Energy, will discuss how USC is delivering LEED Platinum all-electric buildings, retrofitting lighting systems across 16 million sqft, securing green power, and developing an infrastructure decarbonization roadmap for gas heating assets. The team will share insights on collaboration, student involvement, investment prioritization, and stakeholder engagement. Attendees will take away adaptable, practical strategies and lessons learned to address infrastructure and climate challenges in creating a sustainable future for complex institutions.

Speakers:

  • Blanca Linares, Senior Utility Billing Data Analyst, University of Southern California
  • Brian Stern, VP, Director of Energy, Glumac
  • Mick Dalrymple, Chief Sustainability Officer, University of Southern California
  • Zelinda Welch, Director of Energy and Sustainability, University of Southern California

As communities, businesses, and governments commit to ambitious climate goals, utilities sit at the center of the transition to a net zero future. In this session, leading utility providers will come together to discuss new initiatives and strategies to make net zero a reality at a utility scale.

The session will explore how utility providers are evolving their operations, infrastructure, and customer engagement strategies to deliver reliable, affordable, and decarbonized energy. They will focus on long and short-term plans to transition away from natural gas to an electrified grid statewide.

Attendees will gain insight into how utilities are shaping the energy landscape and building collaborative pathways toward net zero, with a focus on practical solutions, partnerships, and scalable strategies. Join the discussion!

Speakers: 

  • David Jacot, Director of Distributed Energy Solutions, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
  • Debra Gerod, FAIA, LEED AP, Partner, Gruen Associates
  • Minh Le, General Manager for Energy and Environmental Services, County of Los Angeles’ Internal Services Department
  • Ruby Rose Yepez, Key Acounts Senior Advisor – New Construction, Southern California Edison

3:15pm - 4:00pm

Join the conversation with Sustainability Consultant Verdical Group and General Contractors Turner and Graham to hear about their ESG and Carbon Reporting journey. Learn about what to measure, when, and how to start. Understand the CA state requirements (SB 253, 261) that are on the horizon, with some coming into effect as soon as January 1st, 2026. Determine the next steps to incorporate these practices into your next project and company goals.
 
Speakers:

Heather Village, a 404-unit multifamily housing community in Culver City, California, is undergoing a groundbreaking transformation to decarbonize its energy systems. After completing full electrification of the central water heating plants, Heather Village is building momentum to reach carbon neutrality and improve resident quality of life. This presentation will delve into the innovative strategies employed to overcome the unique challenges faced by multifamily communities led by homeowner associations (HOA) in transitioning to clean energy solutions. Discover how Heather Village is leading the way in sustainable living and paving the path for other communities to follow suit.

Speakers:

This session will explore the City of Los Angeles’ plans to decarbonize 980 municipal buildings, totaling 21 million SF, highlight some of the most important considerations of delivering a larger scale net zero retrofit program. This includes intra-departmental collaboration, program management structures, project delivery models, building maintenance requirements, and utility partnerships. Representatives from across the City of Los Angeles will share their unique perspectives on their unique challenges, successes and lessons learned from planning and the first year of implementing projects.

Speakers:

  • Brian Stern, VP, Director of Energy, Glumac
  • Lorraine Moreno, Environmental Engineering Division | Sustainability Officer, City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering
  • Nestor McKenna, Assistant Director, City of Los Angeles

Hear about SBVC’s plan to convert their urban community college campus from an underutilized, water-loving “turf desert” to a vibrant, activated living laboratory and learning environment. Drawing from the many existing mature specimen trees, as well as the rich diversity of surrounding ecosystems, SBVC used thoughtful planning and stakeholder engagement to develop their vision for a resilient, future-focused campus brimming with indigenous plants, shaded collaboration and gathering spaces, walking trails and bike facilities that encourage the community to get outside, connect, learn and reflect.

Speakers:

  • Brodie Bain, Principal, NAC Architecture
  • Farrah Farzaneh, Executive Director, Facility Planning, Sustainability & Construction, San Bernardino Community College District
  • Leigh Kyle, Partner and Principal Designer, Spurlock Landscape Architects
  • Yash Patel, Associate Director of Facilities, Planning, Sustainability & Construction, San Bernardino Community College District

How can sustainability work on and off campus become a powerful platform for student growth, equity, and climate action? This session explores how Mt. San Antonio College engages over 30 students each year in internships, externships, and fellowships that connect academic learning with real-world impact. Through strong collaboration with faculty, staff, and community partners, students lead projects in organics collection, EV infrastructure, and decarbonization on campus, while externships with nonprofits focus on environmental justice and climate solutions. These roles do more than build résumés—they foster purpose, leadership, and professional skills. By blending education with action, Mt. SAC is helping to develop bold, brave, and transformative leaders at a time the world needs them most.

Speakers:

The climate change and biodiversity crises must be tackled together. This session will focus on how the City of Los Angeles works to protect and enhance biodiversity across LA in order to reach the goal of achieving no net loss of biodiversity. Topics include the origin and history of the program, how regular assessments of the LA Biodiversity Index are used to inform and guide decisions, the process behind the creation of a strategy and action plan for the City, and how other projects are supported and implemented to create measurable change. The session will also highlight local case studies, including UCLA, and provide tools for how organizations can contribute such as nature based solutions, native plant landscape transformation, and community science.

Speakers:

  • Lily Carlson, Environmental Specialist, LA Sanitation and Environment
  • Nurit Katz, Chief Sustainability Officer, UCLA and Commissioner, LADWP

The increasing need for the acceleration of emission reductions puts building owners in a perilous situation – balancing decisions between emission reduction goals and increasing energy costs, while maintaining occupant comfort. The aim of this presentation is to describe the current challenge and describe the methods and tools available to building owners, operators, and designers to navigate the overlapping aims of reducing carbon emissions, managing, and mitigating increasing energy costs, and maintaining building occupant comfort. This presentation will share examples of lessons learned in implementing smart building projects to meet net zero carbon building goals, including use of autonomous AI-infused optimization and advance supervisory controls.

Speakers:

  • Brian Treu, Digital Solutions Director, Johnson Controls
  • Chad King, PhD, Sustainability Design Leader, Johnson Controls
  • Kate Anderson, Digital Sales Engineer, Central Utility Plant Product Specialist, Johnson Controls
  • Rawaa Milner, Management Consulting Leader, Sustainability Practice, Accenture

This session celebrates women leading advancements in sustainability and working to achieve a net zero future. Panelists will share their unique perspectives, lessons learned, and opportunities for creating a more inclusive and impactful climate movement.

Speakers:

4:15pm - 5:00pm

In a building environment where fire-resistence, low embodied carbon, and material circularity are becoming increasingly urgent concerns, an 8,000 year old technology holds unique potential. Using recent local and international case studies, this lecture will present the potential, opportunities and barriers to the use of locally produced earthen masonry in California, and discuss changes under way at the State and National level which promise to make this historic building increasingly relevant in the future.

Speakers:

  • Ben Loescher, Principal, Loescher Meachem Architects / adobeisnotsoftware
  • Lucy Lloyd, Architectural Designer, LMA / Adobeisnotsoftware
  • Ruben Zuniga, Owner-Contractor, Plinth Build (dba Organica Creations LLC.)

As zero-emission transportation adoption becomes widespread, the demand for electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) infrastructure is increasing across fleet, campus, and commercial settings. This session offers a clear roadmap on how to plan, fund, and deliver EVCS projects that meet today’s needs and anticipates future demands. A panel of experts—including an owner, utility provider, program manager, and equipment manufacturer—will share real-world strategies for navigating permitting, coordinating with utilities, and addressing grid and infrastructure limitations. The discussion will also cover how to align projects with available funding opportunities and evolving policy requirements. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the EVCS landscape, what it takes to manage projects effectively, and how to overcome key challenges in deploying reliable, scalable charging infrastructure that supports broader transportation and sustainability goals.

Speakers:

  • Brendan O’Donnell, Co-Founder & CEO, bodeEV
  • Farrah Farzaneh, Executive Director, Facility Planning, Sustainability & Construction, San Bernardino Community College District
  • Jeffrey Bowling, Program Manager, AECOM
  • Lisa Hannaman, Senior Advisor, Account Management, Southern California Edison
  • Yash Patel, Associate Director of Facilities, Planning, Sustainability & Construction, San Bernardino Community College District

How do you plan for a ZNE building on a constrained site and with limited solar resources? Learn the process of achieving ZNE on an active campus building, when you cannot use remote solar farms and have budgetary constraints. Vital energy saving decisions, both passive and non-passive must be made at the earliest stages of the project to achieve ZNE and for client buy-in. We will bring you more than one example of projects that have worked within their budgets and site constraints to reduce their carbon footprint, hit ZNE, and also infuse biophilic elements for the users, while not designing an MEP system that is too challenging for a campus to maintain.

Speakers:

Globally, existing buildings account for approximately 30% of final energy demand and CO2 emissions. Typical renovation rates are 1-2% of the building stock per year, with an average energy use intensity (EUI) reduction of less than 15%. However, to reach sustainable development and climate targets, EUI reductions should be between 30-50%. In addition to energy and emissions conservations, building retrofits improve occupant health and comfort. In many cases, existing buildings are poorly insulated and leaky, resulting in excess heat loss and reduced thermal comfort. Mechanical systems are often outdated and inefficient, requiring consistent maintenance. With spending most of our time indoors, indoor health and comfort can be a priceless attribute that can be crucial for building renewal investment. This course will review core concepts to consider when implementing energy conservation measures through retrofit & renovation; Three unique case studies are provided to highlight the complexity of renovations.

Speakers:

  • Ryan Lobello, Director, Handel Architects
  • Todd Kimmel, US Senior Manager – Sustainable Solutions, ROCKWOOL North America

Advanced electrification planning and design—such as incorporating high-efficiency heat pumps into HVAC systems—play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. As plans for 100% carbon-free power accelerates, particularly in forward-looking regions like California, the future of electrification lies in bridging today’s innovative solutions with emerging trends in decarbonization. Achieving this vision requires cross-disciplinary design team coordination to manage demand on already strained electrical infrastructure. Expertise in master planning, including neighborhood-scale microgrids powered by multiple local renewable resources, is essential to building resilient, efficient, and future-ready communities.

Speakers:

As wildfires, and other climate disasters, grow increasingly frequent and severe, it’s critical to design and rebuild with the future in mind. Meeting the minimum building code is no longer enough. We need homes—and communities—that are built to withstand a changing climate. Resilient design can reduce risk, save lives, and cut long-term costs. Join our panel discussion where we offer practical steps, helpful tools, and community-scale approaches to everyone who is participating in the LA rebuilding process. Join Arup, Southern California Edison, and USGBC California in a review discussion and Q-and-A on tackling resilient rebuild that includes free, easy-to-navigate resources – including the Wildfire Rebuilding Guide and ReBuild Marketplace – designed to support homeowners, community leaders, and building professionals in navigating the early design decisions that shape resilient recovery.

Speakers:

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we design, build, and make decisions in the race to zero carbon. In this session, One Click LCA’s Amarpreet Singh and Leslie Spencer will explore how AI can take the complexity out of sustainable design—streamlining workflows, tackling data challenges, and speeding up the path from idea to low-carbon impact. From early-stage design to product innovation, attendees will see how AI can cut through the noise, surface better options, and make sustainability easier to scale. Drawing from real-world applications in construction and manufacturing, this session will highlight practical ways to put AI to work—reducing emissions, saving time, and building smarter at every stage.

Speakers: 

REGISTER

Orange County Sanitation District Tour - SOLD OUT

Monday, September 16th  |  10:00am – 11:00am

Enjoy an educational experience by touring the new Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters Complex. Learn how sustainability goals were implemented throughout the building’s design such as low-impact development infrastructure, biogas energy generation, sun-shading, and more while still remaining cost-conscious. 

Venue: Orange County Sanitation District Headquarters Complex
18480 Bandilier Cir, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Parking: A private lot is available. 

Morning Yoga

Tuesday, September 17th  |  9:00am – 9:45am

Need a good stretch? Get your exercise and fresh air in with Troy Bacon of Shala Yoga & Wellness Services. Yoga mats and towels will be provided. This event will take place at beautiful Eisenhower Park, where we will also be hosting a cleanup. 

Address: Eisenhower Park
2864 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865

Parking: Free parking lots are available.

Park Cleanup - SOLD OUT

Tuesday, September 17th  | 10:00am – 11:00am

We’re partnering up with B Local LA, Tru Earth, and Oceanwise to host a park cleanup! Help us to make a positive impact in our community and defend against plastic pollution by collecting trash and debris. Gloves and bags will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Address: Eisenhower Park
2864 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92865

Parking: Free parking lots are available.

Southern California Edison's (SCE) Energy Education Center Tour - SOLD OUT

Tuesday, September 17th  |  1:00pm – 3:00pm

SCE’s Energy Education Center (EEC) – Irwindale stands out as a one-of-a-kind educational facility. With a diverse range of free courses and workshops led by industry experts, and state-of-the-art displays showcasing efficient and sustainable technologies, the EEC is a must-visit for anyone interested in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Venue: SCE Energy Education Center – Irwindale
6090 Irwindale Ave, Irwindale, CA 91702

Parking: A private lot is available. 

Anaheim Convention Center Sustainability Tour - SOLD OUT

Tuesday, September 17th  |  4:00pm – 5:00pm

The Anaheim Convention Center is the largest LEED®-certified convention center in the United States and takes great pride in their sustainable practices. Take a walkthrough of the largest exhibition facility on the West Coast to learn about their comprehensive recycling program, rooftop herb garden, onsite composting, and more.

Venue: Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking: The Convention Center charges $25 for parking and transactions are cashless. Onsite charging stations are available for EVs. There are also a variety of offsite parking lots within walking distance (fees vary). Visit our venue page for more info.

Welcome Happy Hour

Tuesday, September 17th  |  6:00pm – 8:00pm

Join us in kicking off the Net Zero Conference at our Welcome Happy Hour! This event brings together leaders in the climate space to connect and share ideas. Mingle over drinks and light hors d’oeuvres while basking in the Southern California sunset and enjoy views of the Angel Stadium.

Venue: Golden Road Brewpub
2210 E Orangewood Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

Parking: There is a small private lot and limited street parking available. We highly encourage attendees to carpool, rideshare, or take public transportation.

Trailblazer Awards Gala​

Wednesday, September 18th  |  6:30pm – 9:30pm

The Trailblazer Awards Gala celebrates interdisciplinary leaders making a positive impact on people and the environment. Food and drinks will be provided. Elevated cocktail attire is requested. 

Venue: House of Blues Anaheim
400 Disney Way #337, Anaheim, CA 92802

Parking: The GardenWalk self-parking structure has two entrances conveniently located on Disney Way and Katella Ave between Harbor Blvd and Clementine St. The first hour is free and the cost is $4 for each additional hour thereafter.

Conference Map

View conference venue, recommended hotel, nearby shopping, restaurants, and fun things to do nearby!

TIP: Click the window icon on the top lefthand corner of the map for a list view. Zoom in and out of the map for a better view.

Get Involved

Submit to Speak

The Net Zero Conference abstract submission process is highly competitive as our speaking opportunities provide valuable access and visibility to leaders in the climate space. 

Please follow the guidelines here to increase your chances of submitting a successful abstract

Submit by April 3, 2026

SUBMIT TO SPEAK
Nominate a Keynote Speaker

Do you know someone that would be an inspiring keynote for our Net Zero Conference? We’d love to open the floor for your suggestions for leaders and changemakers with an expertise in Climate, Net Zero, ESG, Equity, Carbon, or Resilience.  

Contact us with any questions.

Nominations for 2025 has closed.

VIEW SPEAKERS
Nominate for Trailblazer Awards

Each year, the Net Zero Conference Trailblazer Awards celebrates interdisciplinary leaders making a positive impact on people and the environment. Do you know a leader in the climate space who is deserving of a Trailblazer Award? Share their information with our team for consideration.

Nominations for 2025 has closed.

LEARN MORE

Partner Hosted Event by USGBC-LA​

Mini-Golf & House Party with USGBC-LA

Wednesday, September 13th from 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us at the La Kretz Innovation Campus for an event you will never FORE-get!

Come for the competition, the special guest DJ, food, and the cold drinks, but stay for the networking and rejoining of our community at this fun in-person event! Let’s “putt” the fun back into fundraising as this annual event directly benefits the USGBC-LA Legacy Project.

This is a separately ticketed event hosted in partnership with USGBC-LA. Register here.

DON'T MISS OUT! Register

Buy Ticket

BUILD A NET ZERO FUTURE WITH US

Sponsor the Net Zero Conference!

Learn more