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Wednesday, 26 May

2021

Energy Efficient Buildings for a Sustainable Future: Transatlantic Exchange

Organised by EU Delegation to the U.S.

Description

The impending post-COVID era presents a unique opportunity to build less carbon-dependent economies in a way that addresses social, economic, health, and environmental challenges.

Looking toward the future, policy makers must implement the plans, incentives, tools, and technologies needed to truly “build back better” and improve day-to-day life for all people. In doing so, the built environment must not be overlooked. Buildings are a critical piece of the transition to a lower-carbon future. They are responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption and about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.

This webinar will bring together high-level decision makers and technical experts from the European Union and the United States to discuss leading policies and programs related to building decarbonization and energy efficiency in the built environment that are transforming the ways we build.

Program

Opening: A Vision Toward the Future

  • Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States
  • Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California, TBC
  • Kelly Speakes-Backman, Acting Assistant Secretary & Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, United States Department of Energy

Panel 1: Policy Actions – An Actionable and Collective Green Recovery

Facilitator: Mercedes García Pérez, Head of Global Issues and Innovation, European Union Delegation to the United States

A New Area of Commitment in Building Efficiency

  • David Nemtzow, Director, Building Technologies Office, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy

EU Renovation Wave Strategy

  • Gaspard Demur, Team Lead, National Long-term Building Renovation Strategies, Energy Efficiency Unit, DG ENERGY, European Commission

California Leadership: Policies, Platforms and Partnerships

  • J. Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission

Panel 2: Implemented Examples of Building Technologies

Facilitator: Bronwyn Barry, Founder, North American Passive House Network (NAPHN)

Carbon Savings in Buildings: Innovative Re-use of Building Materials and Upcycling of Materials from 1960’s and 1970’s Social Housing

  • Aleksander Kongshaug, Architect MAA, 3XN Architects.

The Brussels' Transition. 5 Years of Very High-performance Buildings: Strategy, Regulation, Incentives

  • Sebastian Moreno-Vacca, Architect, principal A2M+M2A, AIA, NCARB

REALIZE – Establishing High Volume, Net Zero Carbon, Retrofit Delivery Programs Across the US

  • Amy Egerter, Manager, Carbon-free Buildings, Rocky Mountain Institute

Energy Between Buildings. Using the Flow of Materials and Energy to Enhance Sustainable Cities

  • Manuel Pérez Romero, Founder, Nodo17; Chair of the Center for Sustainable Cities at IE School of Architecture and Design

Panel 3: Building Back Better – Ensuring Equity and A Just Transition

Moderator: Carmelita Miller, Director of Climate Equity, The Greenlining Institute

  • Joaquín de Santos, Project Officer, Sustainable Housing for Inclusive and Cohesive Cities (SHICC), the Community Land Trust Bruxelles (CLTB)
  • Srinidhi Sampath Kumar, Sustainable Housing Policy and Program Manager, California Housing Partnership
  • Jacqueline Patterson, Director, Environmental and Climate Justice Program, NAACP
  • Grace Park-Bradbury, GM-West/Strategic Initiatives, BlocPower

This event is organized by the European Union in partnership with the California Energy Commission, the Embassy of Belgium, the Consulate General of Denmark in Silicon Valley, and the Danish Energy Agency.