Climate Week Kickoff: The Decarb Buildings Summit

Top organizations from around the world will discuss new global technologies to reduce energy, optimize materials and drive efficiencies for New York City's Building Stock.
Some Key Topics Covered:
Building Electrification – Transition from fossil fuels to electric systems (heat pumps, electric hot water) to eliminate on-site emissions
Energy Efficiency Upgrades – Improve insulation, windows, HVAC, and reduce overall energy demand
Energy Monitoring & Benchmarking – Track performance using tools like Portfolio Manager to manage emissions and comply with NYC laws
Operational Optimization – Retro-commissioning, smart controls, and ongoing system tuning for peak efficiency
Waste Reduction & Low-Carbon Materials – Construction waste management, recycling, and reducing embodied carbon
Compliance & Long-Term Planning – Meeting Local Law 97 caps, avoiding penalties, and planning future retrofits
Confirmed Speakers:
Scott Donachie, CEO, Decarb Summits
Kelly Westby, Managing Dir, Steve Winter Associates
Kevin Appleby, Managing Partner, RUHL
Emmanuel Bizien, Global TTAP BD, Halton
Tom Fenton, CEO, Senze
Joseph Michael Daniels, Chairman & Co-Founder, ELIXR
8:00 – 8:50 AM – Networking & Registration
8:50 – 9:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Local Law 97 Compliance & Beyond
Understanding NYC’s emissions caps and strategies for meeting carbon limits.
9:30 – 10:20 AM – Panel: Strategic Decarbonization Planning
Roadmaps for energy reduction, electrification, and long-term carbon goals. REITS, building owners/operators and management companies will unpack their work.
10:20 – 10:50 AM – Session: Energy Efficiency & Deep Retrofits
High-impact interventions: HVAC, insulation, windows, and lighting upgrades.
10:50 – 11:20 AM – Coffee & Networking
11:20 – 11:50 AM – Session: Smart Buildings, Data & Digital Twins
IoT, predictive maintenance, and real-time performance analytics.
11:50 – 12:10 AM – Session: Grid Integration, Electrification & Energy Storage
Electrified systems, EV charging, demand response, and onsite storage solutions.
12:10 – 1:10 PM – Lunch
1:10 – 2 PM – Roundtables:
2:00 Closing Remarks