Why the summit?

Buildings are a nexus of culture, environment, and energy, representing underutilized potential in a world where change and uncertainty are undermining foundations — not only the structures holding up our buildings, but also the body of knowledge and core assumptions propelling action across built environment research and practice.

To date, a combination of voluntary standards and educational efforts have underpinned innovation in the US building industry. Student competitions, such as the Solar Decathlon and the Race to Zero Student Design Challenge, have been influential in orienting several generations to the potential of buildings to address complex, intertwined challenges. Voluntary standards, such as ZERH, EnergyStar, WaterSense, and IndoorAir Plus, in addition to third party certifications such as LEED, Phius, and WELL, have helped accelerate innovation and move the US market towards high-performance buildings. Professional organizations, such as the Society of Building Science Educators, RESNET, and ASHRAE have demonstrated the power of connections. And a web of nonprofits and other groups are instrumental in advancing codes, standards, and building awareness.