Driving the Policy Agenda for Sustainable Buildings and Communities

"The United States has seen a drastic remaking of Federal climate and sustainability policy, while states are more divided than ever in their approaches. Some states are pushing ahead with building performance standards and electrification, while others are aggressively blocking fuel-switching incentives and narrowing local authority. The U.S. is not alone; the European Union has weakened several key sustainability laws, and countries such as Mexico, New Zealand, and the U.K. have rolled back and delayed climate policies. Yet, alongside scrutiny of government policy, public awareness and financial attention to the physical and financial risks of climate change are creating demand for information and for resilience, which could enable new government and nongovernment policy.

Moving forward will require a new vision for policies that ideally transcend partisanship and at a minimum appeal to a range of political ideologies. Moreover, future policy must be politically durable so it can be relied upon by businesses and investors and sustain market momentum toward better buildings.

In this session, we will hear from diverse perspectives on the future direction of climate and sustainability policy in the U.S. and globally. We’ll explore the role of government, and approaches to effectively create markets for sustainability, clean energy, and resilience that can become lasting and self-sufficient beyond financial incentives. The conversation will explore the role of the private sector, finance, and nonprofits; present specific ideas and proposals; and engage the audience in feedback. Bring your questions and ideas to this dynamic discussion!"