Getting to Zero National Forum

The solutions-focused 2019 Getting to Zero National Forum will take place on October 9th – 11th, 2019 in Oakland, California, U.S. It is the premier global event dedicated to creating a zero energy, zero carbon future for the built environment and attracts 550+ leading policymakers, design professionals, building owners, systems manufacturers, commercial real estate representatives and others working to define the future of the built environment.

One year after the Global Climate Action Summit in California, the Forum is the official follow-up event for the buildings industry. The event builds on past Forums and continues the work of the Global Climate Action Summit with a specific focus on scaling zero energy and zero carbon buildings developing tangible pathways for building owners, cities, communities, and states to meet their energy and climate goals, boost economic growth, and achieve the goals set out in the Paris Accord.

The ecosystem around getting to zero energy and carbon is rich and dynamic. There are many different audiences and roles that professionals working in this market occupy and we know it’s difficult to fully define all the important topics. We have put together the following categories that represent the broad aspects of this work and will be reflected in the 2019 program:

Design, Build, Operate, Renovate. This topic hones in on best practices for repeatable zero energy and zero carbon building solutions in both new and existing buildings for the commercial and residential sectors. Also covers how to communicate, contract, and capture the value-add of zero energy/carbon, and strategies for educating an advanced technologies workforce.

Policies for Getting to Zero Energy & Carbon. This category focuses on how state and local governments are leading in zero energy and zero carbon buildings by implementing smart zero energy and carbon codes, policies, and ordinances. Also covers the creation of non-financial incentives, and how to unlock the value of off-site solar options.

Grid-Integrated Buildings. This topic examines the rewards–both in terms of financial gain and resiliency benefits–and challenges of grid-integrated buildings across portfolios, campuses, and districts. Taps into the value of demand flexibility, distributed energy resources, on-site storage, electric vehicle integration, and peak energy shifting.

Building Decarbonization & Electrification. A deep dive into the carbon mitigation impacts of zero energy and zero carbon buildings (both commercial and residential), this category addresses embodied carbon, electrification, and how to incorporate decarbonization strategies into deep energy retrofits.

Development & Finance. This topic area explores new and creative financing mechanisms that make projects happen ranging from public-private partnerships to energy savings performance contracts, utility-financing models, options beyond PACE, and how policymakers can develop clean energy funds and green banks.