The importance of buildings in the battle against climate change cannot be underestimated. Buildings account for nearly 40 percent of CO2 emissions in the US., and are the primary driver of climate change in our region.
As Philadelphia continues to aim for leading edge sustainability in building and infrastructure, 500 sustainability experts from across the country join for the eighth annual Sustainability Symposium. The full day of educational sessions and tours addresses cutting-edge green building and sustainability topics including LEED, Passive House, Living Building Challenge, Enterprise Green Communities, WELL, green stormwater infrastructure, and 2030 Districts.
Green Building United, a leading nonprofit organization committed to promoting sustainable building, hosts the May 4 event at Penn State at The Navy Yard. Experts from across the region and beyond will discuss their current work; opportunities for social, environmental, and economic impact; and challenges ahead in the sustainability field.
Formerly known as Delaware Valley Green Building Council, Green Building United also encompases the Philadelphia 2030 District, support for ambitious building energy code updates, Passive House and Living Building Challenge demonstration projects, and the Pathways to Green Schools program in Delaware.
“Green Building United’s new brand acknowledges our long history of impact in the region, but aligns better with the range of current work we are doing,” says Executive Director Alex Dews.
Sessions of note include the “Adaptimmune & Axalta Walking Tour,” showcasing two of the Navy Yard’s most recent developments in Life Sciences and Research. Participants will visit the new home of Adaptimmune Therapeutics, which is scaling-up an immunotherapy treatment for cancer in a LEED Gold core and shell, as well as the soon-to-be-completed Axalta Coating Systems, which researches coatings and paints for items like Indy 500 race cars.
“Is Pennsylvania on the Brink of Creating an Energy Policy?” will highlight exciting developments emerging statewide and locally on clean energy policy, including Philadelphia’s new roadmap for a clean energy future and state level opportunities to reduce Philadelphia’s carbon footprint.
For more information, visit www.greenbuildingunited.org
