Equity at Greenbuild 2024

Explore sessions at Greenbuild that will focus on reaching equity goals.

Without social equity, our projects and organizations cannot be truly sustainable. Attention to equity comprises diversity and inclusion, accessibility, community impact and engagement, environmental justice, empowerment and agency, health and well-being, and other critical issues. As our global community of sustainability professionals works to create a more equitable world for all, convening at an event such as Greenbuild to discuss the ways we have defined and achieved equitable outcomes at the project or city levels allows us all to move forward with a greater understanding.

As the global green building community's top space for learning, networking and sharing insights, Greenbuild 2024, "Built to Scale," will offer more than 100 sessions on the most critical topics in the industry. The conference will take place Nov. 12-15 this year in Philadelphia.

Take a look at a small sample below of opportunities to engage in learning about social equity and environmental justice strategies, and explore the full Greenbuild education program when you register to attend. You can sort by track, topic, learning level and more.

Redefining Equitable Collaborations: Turner Construction's New York Headquarters

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

The design of Turner Construction's New York City headquarters was a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that embodies Turner's corporate priorities of equity, inclusion and workforce development and its "active caring" culture of inclusion, sustainability and wellness. Incorporating an inclusive design process and a diverse subcontracting participation, the project pursued ambitious sustainability and ESG goals, prioritizing performance-based decisions with a goal of helping to redefine a "healthy workplace." Certified LEED Platinum and pending WELL Platinum and Living Building Challenge Core certifications, the project's highlights will be shared in the areas of sustainability and carbon reduction features as well as biophilic design and human health.

Equity at Scale: Exploring LEED's Role in Creating More Just Buildings and Communities

Thursday, Nov. 13, 1:45-2:45 p.m.

This session will take a closer look at sustainability and the development of LEED v5 rating systems through the lens of social impact. Hear perspectives from USGBC and the LEED Equity Working Group, as well as industry practitioners in design, development and planning, on how equity represents itself within the scope of buildings and the larger urban fabric. Panelists will review components of equity within LEED v5 and beyond as LEED for Cities and Communities continues to develop, examining the significance and impact on project development. Speakers will share practical guidance on the new LEED v5 Social Impact Assessment, providing attendees with tools to drive inclusivity in their work. Attendees will engage in lively discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in advancing equity in the built environment, including potential barriers to implementation, measurement methodologies, and the need for ongoing advocacy and education.

Making Space: No One Knows as Much as Everyone

Thursday, Nov. 13, 3-4 p.m.

In this interactive session, delve into the evolving role of architects, designers and developers as advocates and stewards for marginalized communities. Attendees will examine historical tools of division such as redlining and gentrification and explore how modern practices like community needs assessments and opportunity zones can either foster equity or perpetuate injustice. The expert panel comprises Quinlin Messenger from JUST Design, Kevin Nordmeyer from BNIM, D. Rashaan Gilmore from BlaqOut KC and Danielle Arigoni from the National Housing Trust. Each will share insights on fostering authentic community engagement, empowering stakeholders and promoting inclusive design principles, using real-world examples and drawing on the emerging priorities of equity and environmental justice, as exemplified by the Social Impact Assessment in LEED v5.

View the full education lineup.

Register for Greenbuild.

View the full education lineup

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