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Close the Gap(s): Decarbonizing Large Buildings Symposium

May 2 @ 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

Close the Gap(s): Decarbonizing Large Buildings Symposium

Are you struggling with decarbonizing large buildings?

You’re not alone. As energy codes and emissions reduction ordinances force the issue, the building industry is waking up to a new landscape. Decarbonizing large buildings – new and old – is critical to achieving Massachusetts Climate Targets. While the technologies, skills, and strategies for decarbonization exist, we need to rapidly develop the industry’s capacity to implement these at scale. From knowledge gaps and funding gaps to policy gaps and technology gaps, we have our work cut out for us.

This half-day symposium will address knowledge gaps through a series of short training sessions on strategies and technologies to overcome current obstacles in decarbonizing large buildings. Topics include Preservation and Performance, Low Carbon-Cement, Carbon and Components, Funding High Efficiency Retrofits and more.

The event will begin and end with networking time and include coffee, snacks and lunch for attendees.

Presented by the BE+ Carbon & Energy Community and Decarbonize Existing Buildings Alliance, in partnership with Greentown Labs and the Sponsors of Mass Save®: Cape Light Compact, Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil.

Event Details

Thursday, May 2, 2024 | 8:30am – 1:30pm
Greentown Labs
444 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Who will be there?

Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers, Owners and Owner Reps struggling with decarbonizing large buildings.
Agenda

8:30am – 8:50am | Arrival, Coffee, and Networking

8:50am – 9:00am | Opening Remarks by Joe Curtatone, President of Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC).

9:00am – 10:00am | Session 1 – Money Matters, Funding High Efficiency Retrofits

10:00am – 11:00am | Session 2 – The Carbon and the Component Conundrum

11:00am – 12:00pm | Session 3 – Preservation and Performance, Mutually Inclusive!

12:00pm – 1:30pm | Lunch and networking

Sessions

Session 1 – Money Matters, Funding High Efficiency Retrofits – We have (carbon) goals. But these goals cost (quite a bit of) money. How do we achieve our (carbon) goals and pay for them? We shall discuss current programs in the Rebuilding America program and what methods are being used to control the costs of doing so as well as fortifying a gap in workforce development—another project cost impact as cited by the recent HBRA Wentworth/MIT Study.

Moderated by: Stephen Moore of Steven Winter Associates
Confirmed Panelists: Eri Furusawa of HR&A Advisors, Afshin Pourmokhtarian and Payam Bakhshi, PhD, PE of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Ilene Mason of RPM, Tom Chase of MassCEC


Session 2 – The Carbon and the Component Conundrum
– Concrete is a significant contributor to carbon pollution. But how can we build without it? So is insulation. But we need to get the performance. We will talk with folks that are working the carbon OUT of building components so we can both build and reduce. Be it low carbon concrete, air sealing materials and strategies, or retrofitting comfort systems—all will play a role.

Moderated by: Karla Butterfield of Steven Winter Associates
Confirmed Panelists: Beverly Craig of MassCEC (on concrete), Derek Stein of Adept Materials (vapor barrier), Tom Holmes of AeroSeal (air sealing), Tommy Gibbons of Hempitecture (insulation), Aaron Baskerville-Bridges of AeroShield Materials, Inc (windows)


Session 3 – Preservation and Performance, Mutually Inclusive!
– As we look to incorporate latest practice decarbonization efforts in both the new construction and existing building realms, the latter presents unique challenges—particularly when they are occupied and/or historic. Two that are pertinent to the discussion are the Hotel Marcel (in CT) and Rubin Hall on NYU’s Campus—that both underwent high efficiency efforts with very limited ability to change the exterior facades.

Moderated by: Dylan Martello of Steven Winter Associates
Confirmed Panelists: Bruce Becker, FAIA of Becker + Becker Architects (remotely/video), Caitlin Robillard Director of Real Estate Development for Allston Brighton CDC, Jonathan Hernandez of Brightcore Energy

About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit catalyzing climate solutions through entrepreneurship, partnership, and collaboration. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate technologies. Driven by the mission of providing startups the community, connections, and resources they need to thrive, Greentown offers lab space, shared office space, machine shops, electronics labs, tool shops, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With incubators in Somerville, Mass. and Houston, Texas, Greentown is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 500 since the incubator’s founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 11,000 jobs and raised more than $5.7 billion in funding. For more information, visit www.greentownlabs.com or follow Greentown on LinkedIn.

Getting There
Parking is incredibly limited at Greentown Labs and we encourage attendees to consider taking advantage of public transportation. We’re a short walk from the recently opened Union Square station, as well as 1 mile away from both the Harvard and Porter MBTA stations. Union Square in Somerville is also easily accessible via the #86 and #91 MBTA buses. We offer indoor bike parking on-site and the closest Bluebikes stations are at Dane St., Conway Park and Union Square.

Registration

Scholarships

Don't let cost keep you from participating. Apply for free admission.

Details

Date:
May 2
Time:
8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

Greentown Labs
444 Somerville Ave
Somerville, MA 02143 United States
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