Preliminary Agenda Topics

Discover proven, impactful building strategies that reduce emissions and energy
use, with real-world examples of scalable sustainability solutions.

• What specific building upgrades deliver measurable energy and emissions
  reductions?
• How are firms implementing on-site and off-site renewable energy
  solutions?
• What technologies (AI, sensors, automation) are optimizing building
  performance?
• How are companies leveraging incentives and financing mechanisms to scale sustainability?
• Case studies: What real-world actions are making a tangible impact—and how can they be replicated?

Explore how real estate leaders are using financial data, case studies, and narrative strategies to align ESG with investor priorities and business outcomes.

• How are real estate leaders using financial data to demonstrate ESG ROI?
• What storytelling techniques help bridge the gap between sustainability and investor priorities?
• Case studies: What examples show ESG driving measurable business outcomes?
• What tools and metrics are most effective in aligning ESG with financial performance?
• How can ESG reporting evolve from compliance to value creation?

Explore how ESG teams collaborate with asset managers and vendors to drive implementation and ROI across portfolios.

• ESG success depends on collaboration—how are teams integrating sustainability with asset management and finance?
• How can vendors and property managers be engaged to support ESG goals?
• What case studies show successful collaboration across departments?
• What are the biggest barriers to cross-functional ESG execution—and how are firms overcoming them?
• How does ESG integration improve operational efficiency and portfolio resilience?

Explore how real estate firms are overcoming financial, operational, and organizational barriers to execute ESG and decarbonization strategies that deliver measurable impact.

• What are the biggest obstacles to implementing ESG and net-zero plans—and how are firms overcoming them?
• How can sustainability goals be balanced with short-term financial pressures?
• What tools, incentives, and technologies are accelerating execution?
• How are firms structuring internal collaboration to move from strategy to action?
• Case studies: What examples show successful ESG and decarbonization execution?

Discover how to align ESG budgets with financial goals and secure buy-in across corporate and property levels.

• How can firms align ESG budgets with both corporate strategy and property-level realities?
• How can sustainability teams secure executive and investor buy-in for ESG budgeting?
• What are the biggest cost drivers in ESG implementation—and how can spending be optimized?
• How do regulatory incentives and penalties influence budgeting decisions?
• Case studies: What examples show successful alignment of ESG goals with financial planning?

Explore financing options like green bonds and C-PACE to fund scalable sustainability projects.

• What financing options—green bonds, C-PACE, tax credits—are most effective for ESG projects?
• How can firms build a compelling business case for sustainability investments?
• What are the risks and benefits of using institutional capital or private equity for ESG?
• How do firms evaluate scalability and long-term viability of funded projects?
• Case studies: How have firms successfully financed energy upgrades or resilience initiatives?

In this flipped format, investors take the stage to present their ESG criteria, expectations, and red flags—giving fund managers and sponsors direct insight into what drives capital allocation.

• What ESG factors are most influential in investment screening and due diligence?
• How do investors evaluate fund-level ESG alignment and reporting?
• What common pitfalls or misalignments lead to ESG rejection?
• How can sponsors tailor their ESG strategies to meet investor priorities?

Explore how office portfolios are maintaining ESG momentum post-COVID, with strategies to address high vacancy and shifting tenant needs.

• How are office portfolios maintaining ESG momentum despite high vacancies?
• What sustainability strategies are helping reposition office assets for tenant retention?
• How can ESG be used to differentiate office properties in a competitive market?
• Case studies: What examples show ESG driving value in struggling asset classes?
• How are firms balancing ESG goals with financial pressures in the office sector?

Understand how to integrate ESG into underwriting to avoid financial risks and ensure long-term value.

• How can ESG be effectively integrated into underwriting to avoid financial risks?
• What are the key sustainability factors to consider during due diligence?
• How can firms assess the impact of future regulations (BPS, carbon taxes) on investments?
• How can sustainability officers ensure long-term value through investment oversight?
• Case studies: What examples show ESG-informed underwriting improving outcomes?

Explore how climate risk affects insurance and how resilience measures can improve coverage and ESG alignment.

• How are insurers tightening underwriting standards in response to climate risk?
• What strategies help firms assess and mitigate climate risks for better insurance terms?
• What role does data and analytics play in demonstrating resilience to insurers?
• How can firms balance the cost of resilience investments with insurance savings?
• Case studies: How are firms aligning insurance strategies with ESG goals?

Discover how firms are using certifications and benchmarking to unlock incentives, improve cash flow, and enhance asset liquidity.

• How are firms using certifications (LEED, BREEAM) and benchmarking (ENERGY STAR, GRESB) to unlock financial incentives?
• What strategies help capture rebates, tax credits, and performance-based bonuses?
• How do certifications enhance asset liquidity and investor confidence?
• What role does benchmarking play in ESG reporting and portfolio optimization?
• Case studies: What examples show certifications driving measurable financial benefits?

Explore how real estate firms are transforming ESG reporting from a compliance exercise into a strategic driver of performance and value.

• How can firms streamline ESG data collection and align with frameworks like GRESB?
• What role do automation and software platforms play in standardizing ESG reporting?
• How are dynamic metrics and AI tools reshaping ESG decision-making?
• What KPIs best reflect ESG’s contribution to financial and stakeholder value?
• Case studies: How are firms using ESG data to drive innovation and investor engagement?

Explore best practices for verifying energy savings and ensuring sustainability initiatives deliver expected results.

• How can firms ensure that projected energy savings are actually being realized?
• What tools and protocols support robust Measurement and Verification (MandV)?
• How do MandV processes enhance credibility and transparency in ESG reporting?
• What challenges arise when comparing projected vs. actual performance—and how can they be addressed?
• What role does third-party verification play in ESG assurance?
• Case studies: What examples show MandV driving continuous improvement in energy efficiency?

Unpack how economic incentives and grid modernization could drive unexpected adoption of Building Performance Standards in traditionally resistant markets.

• How are economic incentives and grid modernization shifting ESG adoption in traditionally resistant markets?
• Could red states adopt Building Performance Standards (BPS) for economic reasons rather than environmental ones?
• What role does grid capacity play in shaping future energy efficiency regulations?
• How might real estate firms prepare for unexpected regulatory shifts in conservative regions?
• What lessons can be learned from early adopters of BPS in politically diverse states?
• How do infrastructure investments and energy reliability influence ESG policy momentum?

Understand how recent U.S. policy shifts affect sustainability efforts and how firms can balance environmental goals with economic realities.

• What impact do recent rollbacks of environmental regulations have on real estate sustainability strategies?
• How can firms balance fossil fuel-centric policies with long-term ESG goals?
• What are the reputational risks of aligning too closely with current federal energy policies?
• How are firms adapting their sustainability plans to reflect shifting economic priorities?
• How might increased fossil fuel production affect the cost and availability of sustainable building materials?

Gain insights into how firms are operationalizing climate disclosure laws through data collection, reporting, and client support.

• What practical steps are firms taking to comply with climate disclosure laws in states like CA, NY, NJ, CO, and IL?
• How are companies aligning internal systems (energy management, reporting) with new disclosure requirements?
• What challenges arise in collecting accurate emissions data—and how are firms overcoming them?
• How are firms helping clients prepare for the operational impact of disclosure laws?
• What role does technology play in streamlining compliance and reporting?
• Case studies: What examples show successful integration of climate disclosure into ESG frameworks?

Explore how real estate firms are adapting ESG strategies to meet diverging U.S. and global regulatory expectations, while managing reputational risk and maintaining competitiveness.

• What are the key differences between U.S. and international ESG regulations?
• How can firms harmonize ESG practices across jurisdictions with conflicting standards?
• What lessons from global frameworks (e.g., CSRD) can inform U.S. strategy?
• How can companies manage reputational risk and messaging across markets?

Get practical advice on managing ESG complexity, staying resilient, and avoiding burnout in a fast-changing regulatory landscape.

• How can sustainability officers stay resilient amid fast-changing ESG regulations?
• What tools or processes help streamline compliance and avoid burnout?
• How can firms create adaptable ESG frameworks that evolve with shifting political climates?
• What are the best strategies for managing competing priorities—compliance, decarbonization, financial performance?
• What practices help sustainability teams stay focused, motivated, and aligned in uncertain times?

Discover how AI is being deployed in a range of real-world situations to solve ESG challenges—from building optimization to emissions modeling.

• How is AI improving building performance and energy efficiency through predictive maintenance and emissions modeling?
• What are the most promising applications of AI in ESG—tenant engagement, reporting, and compliance?
• How can firms evaluate the ROI and scalability of AI-driven sustainability tools?
• What challenges arise when integrating AI into legacy systems and operational workflows?
• Case study: Follow examples from real estate firms, technology vendors, capital sponsors and more.

See how tenants perceive ESG initiatives and how sustainability can enhance satisfaction, retention, and asset value across property types.

• How do tenants perceive ESG initiatives across different asset classes?
• What sustainability strategies are enhancing tenant satisfaction, retention, and overall experience?
• How can ESG be used as a differentiator in competitive leasing markets?
• What role does transparency and communication play in tenant engagement?
• Case studies: What examples show ESG driving measurable improvements in tenant value?
• How are firms tracking and reporting tenant-related ESG outcomes?

Explore how real estate firms can maintain meaningful social impact amid shifting priorities—and how the language used in ESG and DEI communications affects credibility, compliance, and stakeholder trust.

• What are the risks of deprioritizing DEI—from talent gaps to reputational damage?
• How can firms embed equity into ESG strategies without politicized framing?
• What terminology choices in ESG and DEI help—or hurt—credibility and compliance?
• How can organizations align messaging with investor and tenant expectations?
• Case studies: How are firms adapting DEI and ESG language to stay authentic and effective?

Learn how resident behavior drives 60–80% of energy use in multifamily housing and what strategies—from nudges to tech—can shift habits at scale.

• How does resident behavior drive 60–80% of energy use in multifamily housing?
• What strategies—from education to tech to incentives—are shifting habits at scale?
• How can firms design ESG programs that empower residents to reduce consumption?
• Case studies: What examples show successful resident engagement in sustainability?
• How can behavioral data be integrated into ESG reporting and performance tracking?

Discover a structured approach to measuring social impact across residents, workers, building operations, and communities.

• What structured frameworks exist for measuring social impact across real estate portfolios?
• How can firms assess impact across residents, workers, building operations, and communities?
• What are the most effective indicators—affordability, access, health, engagement?
• How can social impact data be used to inform investment decisions and ESG strategy?
• Case studies: What examples show meaningful social impact measurement in action?

Examine how PFAS regulations and EPDs are shaping procurement decisions and driving transparency across materials and packaging.

• How are PFAS regulations influencing procurement decisions in real estate development?
• What role do Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) play in driving transparency across materials and packaging?
• How are firms evaluating the health and environmental risks of building materials?
• What are the financial and reputational implications of PFAS-related compliance?
• Case studies: How are developers integrating EPDs into procurement and ESG reporting?

Learn how to integrate resilience into ESG planning to protect assets from climate and economic disruptions.

• How can resilience be embedded into long-term ESG planning and asset management?
• What financial mechanisms support climate-resilient development—insurance, incentives, or capital reserves?
• How are firms responding to shifts in insurance markets and infrastructure investment risks?
• What role should government policy play in promoting resilient real estate?
• Case studies: What strategies have proven effective in protecting assets from climate and economic disruptions?

Discover how to turn climate risk modeling into actionable strategies that inform investment and site selection.

• How can firms move from climate risk modeling to actionable investment strategies?
• What tools and methodologies are most effective for assessing climate risk at the asset level?
• How should climate data influence site selection, underwriting, and portfolio planning?
• What are the biggest challenges in integrating climate risk into ESG decision-making?
• Case studies: What examples show successful translation of climate risk assessments into resilience upgrades?

• How are firms preparing for Scope 3 regulations in states like CA, NJ, NY, CO, and IL?
• What challenges exist in collecting accurate supply chain emissions data?
• What actionable takeaways and real-world examples can be included?
• How can real estate firms collaborate with vendors to align ESG goals?
• How can firms proactively reduce Scope 3 emissions before mandates take effect?
• What strategies help balance supplier engagement with business continuity?

Separate fact from fiction in carbon offset strategies and learn how to ensure credibility and impact.

• What are the most common misconceptions about carbon offsets?
• How can firms assess the credibility of offset projects and avoid greenwashing?
• What role do third-party certifications (Verra, Gold Standard) play in ensuring quality?
• What are the risks of over-relying on offsets in ESG reporting and branding?
• How can firms balance short-term mitigation with long-term sustainability goals?

See how firms are translating net-zero commitments into actionable plans with financing and measurable progress.

• What are the key steps to translate net-zero pledges into actionable plans?
• How can firms secure financing and internal buy-in for decarbonization initiatives?
• What tools or frameworks help prioritize projects across portfolios?
• Case studies: What examples show successful operationalization of net-zero goals?
• How can sustainability teams align net-zero strategies with broader ESG objectives?

Understand how to comply with BPS regulations and optimize building performance through strategic retrofits.

• What are the core components of BPS regulations—and how do they vary by jurisdiction?
• How can firms develop compliance strategies that balance cost and efficiency?
• What technologies and retrofits offer the highest ROI for meeting BPS targets?
• How do BPS mandates intersect with tenant engagement and lease structures?
• What financial incentives or penalties should firms anticipate?
• How can sustainability teams future-proof assets against increasingly stringent codes?

Explore how to engage tenants and structure leases to support carbon reduction in multi-tenant environments.

• What unique challenges arise in implementing carbon reduction in tenant-controlled spaces?
• How can firms engage tenants without overstepping lease agreements?
• What lease structures support shared sustainability goals and energy efficiency?
• Case studies: What examples show successful decarbonization in multi-tenant buildings?
• How can firms track and manage tenant-driven emissions within ESG frameworks?

Explore financing models and strategies for integrating EV charging into real estate portfolios.

• What financing models—tax credits, green bonds, public-private partnerships—support EV infrastructure?
• How can developers integrate EV charging into new and existing properties cost-effectively?
• What are the challenges in scaling EV charging across large portfolios?
• How can sustainability officers justify the ROI of EV infrastructure to stakeholders?
• What role do policy incentives and accessibility considerations play in deployment?
• Case studies: How are firms aligning EV charging with broader ESG and mobility goals?

Learn how firms are deploying solar energy across portfolios and navigating financing and grid integration challenges.

• How are firms evaluating ROI and payback periods for solar investments across portfolios?
• What financing models—green bonds, tax credits, C-PACE—are enabling large-scale solar deployment?
• What challenges exist around grid integration and interconnection for solar projects?
• How does solar adoption align with broader ESG and decarbonization strategies?
• Case studies: What examples show successful solar implementation in commercial real estate?

Understand how variable utility rates can better reflect energy savings and support cost-effective sustainability.

• How do fixed utility fees obscure the true financial impact of energy efficiency upgrades?
• What are the benefits of transitioning to variable rate structures for ESG performance tracking?
• How can firms use utility rate data to demonstrate realized cost savings to stakeholders?
• Are there centralized resources or databases for benchmarking utility rates without fixed fees?
• What impact can removing fixed fees have on sustainability budgeting and investment decisions?
• How can utility rate structures be leveraged to drive further energy efficiency measures?

Explore how deregulated markets offer opportunities for cost savings and ESG alignment through strategic procurement.

• How are firms leveraging deregulated energy markets to optimize procurement and reduce costs?
• What strategies help align ESG goals with energy contract negotiations and supplier selection?
• What role do energy consultants and tech platforms play in navigating deregulated markets?
• How can firms integrate third-party renewable energy solutions into investment strategies?
• Case studies: How have real estate firms used deregulated markets to enhance ESG performance?

Explore how real estate firms are navigating fragmented climate risk methodologies and switching platforms to improve decision-making and resilience planning.

• How are firms navigating fragmented climate risk methodologies across platforms?
• What criteria should be used to evaluate the effectiveness of climate risk tools—accuracy, usability, integration?
• Switching platforms: What are the operational and strategic implications?
• Case studies: How have platform changes improved resilience planning and investment decisions?
• What role do insurers and lenders play in validating climate risk data?
• How can firms ensure climate risk assessments lead to real-world action, not just modeling?

See how investment firms are using quarterly ESG engagement to track sponsor performance, identify risks, and align with fund-level sustainability goals.

• How are investment firms using quarterly ESG engagement to track sponsor performance and identify risks?
• What metrics are most effective for comparing ESG performance across funds and asset classes?
• ESG engagement across the investment lifecycle: screening, underwriting, asset management, disposition.
• How do firms structure ESG overviews to support transparency and fund-level alignment?
• How can this process be standardized across diverse portfolios?

Understand how ESG risk factors are being integrated into underwriting to assess downside exposure and inform investment decisions.

• ESG risks are being modeled to assess downside exposure in investment decisions.
• Underwriting now includes climate risk data and red flag analysis.
• Firms are adjusting valuations based on ESG factors like carbon intensity and resilience.
• Sensitivity analysis helps quantify the financial impact of skipping decarbonization.
• Standardizing ESG metrics in offering memorandums is gaining traction.

Hear from professionals at different stages of their ESG careers and explore how the field is evolving across roles, sectors, and skill sets.

• What paths have industry leaders taken to end up in ESG?
• What are the entry points into ESG for junior professionals and students?
• ESG careers are evolving across roles—from analysts to C-suite leaders.
• What skills and experiences are most valuable for emerging ESG professionals?
• What does a day-in-the-life look like of an ESG professional?
• How can firms support mentorship, career development, and cross-sector mobility?
• What does leadership in ESG look like today—and how is it changing?

Explore how technology, regulation, and market forces are reshaping sustainability in real estate, and what leaders must do to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

• What major trends will shape sustainability in real estate over the next decade?
• How will technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT redefine ESG execution?
• What role will smart cities and circular economy principles play in future strategies?
• How can firms prepare for evolving regulatory and market pressures?
• What does “future-proofing” a portfolio look like in practice?
• How are investor and tenant expectations influencing long-term ESG planning?