Getting to Zero National Forum

The Getting to Zero National Forum will take place on February 1 – 3 in Washington, D.C. Join industry specialists and hear their perspectives on the growth of zero energy buildings, learn about best practices for exemplary projects, and collaborate on opportunities for transforming the built environment. Ed Mazria of Architecture 2030 and issuer of the 2030 Challenge will speak at the Opening Plenary session. The Forum will start off with a Kickoff Reception on the first evening. The next day features five break out session topics: Taking ZNE to Scale, From Policy to Practice, Making Net Zero Mean Business, Creating ZNE Buildings, and Living in ZNE Buildings; followed by a Jolt Session which features rapid-fire reporting of new ideas and innovations, a Networking Reception, and an Exhibitor Showcase.  Day Two will focus on “Making it Happen:  Getting Projects and Getting to Policy,” and “The Value of Zero Energy: Maximizing the Value of Sustainability Investment,” and a building tour.

82% of leading design practitioners surveyed said zero net energy (ZNE) will be considered a mainstream approach by 2030. We are at the beginning of a movement that is likely to transform the built environment in the next two decades. Polilcy drivers, emerging technologies and advanced design and operational practices are resulting in ultra-effieient buildings beyond anything we have seen before.

Speakers represent the design, engineering, building science, and development fields as well as government agencies. Speakers include architect Brad Jacobson of EHDD Architects, Engineer Peter Rumsey of Point Energy Innovations, Renee Hutcheson of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Jim Merriman of Efficiency Vermont, Sonja Punjabi of the Building Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy, and many others. Participants represent “change makers” including leading policy makers, design professionals, program managers, building owners, and others.