Program || EEBA Summit 2024

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Halls 2 & 3

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Halls 2 & 3

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
12:00 - 12:15 PM
Halls 2 & 3

Expo Demonstrations & Lunch Served

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
12:15 - 1:30 PM
Manufacturer's Showcase, Halls 2 & 3

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Halls 2 & 3

Networking Reception

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
4:00 - 5:30 PM
Manufacturer's Showcase, Halls 2 & 3

EEBA Building Excellence Awards Banquet

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
6:00 - 10:00 PM

Registration & Check-In

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
7:00 - 8:00 AM
Upper Mezzanine

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Halls 2 & 3

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
10:30 - 11:00 AM
Halls 2 & 3

Expo Demonstrations & Lunch Served

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
12:15 - 1:30 PM
Manufacturer's Showcase, Halls 2 & 3

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Halls 2 & 3

Solar Decathlon Students Winning Presentations

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Manufacturer's Showcase, Halls 2 & 3

Connected Communities: A Microgrid Overview and Panel Discussion with SunPower, KB Home & Schneider Electric

Join SunPower, KB Home and Schneider Electric to learn about their first of its kind, all electric, solar and battery-powered, energy-smart microgrid community located in Menifee, California. The Connected Communities' Oakshade and Durango consists of 219 Zero Energy Ready Homes that utilize innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact and electric demand while increasing individual home and community energy resiliency. The project also provides associated partners such as Department of Energy (DOE), University of California Irvine, and Southern California Edison the opportunity to conduct energy management research and demonstrate with real-world examples how to effectively shape the future of sustainable home building. After a brief overview of the Connected Communities project, a panel discussion will highlight key principles including microgrids, solar + storage, trends in electrification, load management and the Zero Energy Ready Home Program.

Learning Objectives

Learn about microgrid principles & Connected Communities overview
Building a Zero Energy Ready Home with solar + storage
Discover trends in electrification and load management
Key takeaways for builders, homeowners, utilities, and next steps for Connected Communities

Presenters

Jacob Atalla, VP, Innovation & Sustainability, KB Home
Bradford Wills, Director: Strategic Customers & Programs, Home & Distribution U.S.A, Schneider Electric

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

The Energy Transition in Homebuilding

Explore how builders are taking home performance to the next level by incorporating solar, battery storage, energy management, and electric vehicle charging. Join Dirk Korte of Sunnova Energy as he hosts a panel discussion with Kirk Hammersmith of PulteGroup, Bill Rectanus of Thrive Home Builders and Joel Abney of Sekisui House Residential Holdings. Learn how these homebuilders are adopting renewable energy and load control technology, at scale, across their communities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, attendees will be able to define what products and services some of the top homebuilders are utilizing to not only power their homes but generate the energy their homes will use.
Attendees will gain actionable insights about how to incorporate solar, battery storage, load control and electric vehicle charging into their homes.
Attendees will learn the top benefits builders receive from utitilzing solar + battery storage in their communities.
Attendees will leave this session with a deeper understanding of what building resilient homes encompasses.

Presenters

Bill Rectanus, VP of Operations, Thrive Home Builders
Kirk Hammersmith, PulteGroup
Joel Abney, Vice President of Operations, SH Residential Holdings, LLC
Dirk Korte, Sunnova

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

Case Study: Selling High Performance and Resilience using the Easy Button

Deltec Homes has been manufacturing panelized, energy efficient, wind-resistant--and historically, custom round home kits for over 30 years. You would think that customization comes with the territory of customers who want homes in such a unique shape. And while don't intend to give up our custom business, amid rising building costs and complexity in permitting, and amid increased need for low energy and resilient homes, we wanted to develop a faster option. Since custom projects often come with uncertain and exploding budgets, we wanted to offer an option with more complete cost information up front, to help with lending and cost estimates ahead of time. While we were at it, we wanted to provide enough information that our customers could build these homes to Zero Energy Ready Homes across multiple US climate even in high wind zones. This February we launched a set of 32 pre-designed home kits, presented with an interactive online tool that allows customers to configure their home and options, and get a cost, with just a few clicks. Along we way, we have tried to collect data on what works and what doesn't, and we will present this data and lessons learned from this new business venture.

Learning Objectives

Consider the trade-offs made when creating designs aiming to meet both ZERH V2 target HERS score across US climate zones.
Learn how to achieve stringent high wind performance, with a simplified set of specifications.
Hear the feedback and see the marketing data we have gathered from our customers about how the net-zero-ready and resiliency features affect their buying decisions.
We'll provide an update on how this new positioning has affected our business.

Presenters

Leigha Dickens, Green Building and Sustainability Manager, Deltec Homes
Steve Linton, President, Deltec Homes

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255C

Anatomy of a High Performance Builder Bankruptcy; How to Fail or Improve Your Odds of Avoiding It

Just because we are all trying to advance the construction of high performance homes doesn't mean that we all run or are employees of high performing organizations. There are thousands of books available on how to start a business, grow a business, and optimize a business, but not many about how to go out of business. That is unfortunate since your company is actually more likely to fail than succeed; 65% of general small businesses will fail in the first 10 years and the rate for construction is even higher.

This session is intended to spark some important conversation about failure, including why it can happen, why it is OK (and some instances when it is absolutely unacceptable), and specific failure examples and take aways to maximize the odds of succeeding. Yes, the EEBA session track is called "Builder Success Strategies," but sometimes you can learn more from the mistakes of others than reading another book about 10x growth strategies or time management.

Learning Objectives

Digest the data about small business success and failure rates and accept that the odds are not favorable.
Understand the high level characteristics of successful companies that make them resilient to challenges and less likely to fail.
Discover specific missteps and failure points of multiple construction related companies.
Recognize that it is OK to fail (and sometimes even the right outcome), and take away strategies to communicate that to others.

Presenters

Scott Sanders, Partner, BrightLeaf Homes

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Room 255B

High Points and Hurdles in Off Site Modular Construction

Modular building is just one variation of offsite construction, but it is the variation that offers the highest chance of pushing forward the high performance building movement. Offsite modular in a controlled factory manufacturing environment should lend itself to thoughtful design, awesome air tightness, and efficient use of materials. Labor inputs should be able to be reduced and quality and consistency should be able to increase. If all of that is true, then why has EEBA had just one presentation a year on modular recently and why hasn't modular caught on more? We'll take a high-level look at the modular industry and different methods of delivering modular homes, plus examine in detail some of the areas where modular building is a hands down win for high performance building and some where it can actually hurt.

Learning Objectives

Absorb the data that shows the increased need for off site construction due to demographics, density, and dollars.
Understand the different types of off-site construction, including components, panels, modules, and full structures.
Compare and contrast the various types of companies involved in modular construction including including private developers, private and franchise builders, stand alone modular factories, and turnkey operations.
Recognize the ways that offsite modular building can make it easier to produce high performance buildings and where the coordination needed can make it more difficult.

Presenters

Scott Sanders, Partner, BrightLeaf Homes
Brandon Weiss, Chief Innovation Officer, Dvele

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255C

Rethinking the Buyer Experience in Homebuilding

In today's homebuilding market, it can be challenging for companies to effectively navigate hurdles and foster a culture of innovation that embraces technology. This presentation will focus on Tim O'Brien Homes' journey incorporating technology into their customer experience. Visualization has emerged as a pivotal component in enhancing the buyer experience, offering immersive and interactive tools to drive engagement and faster, more informed decision-making. In addition, streamlining and shortening the sales cycle is essential for maintaining competitiveness, with automation and data-driven insights serving as key enablers. Centralizing data between previously siloed departments, like design, sales, and construction, can provide builders with significant efficiencies, fostering collaboration, and facilitating informed decision-making across the entire value chain.

Learning Objectives

Learn strategies for overcoming resitance to adoption of new technologies
Understand the future of visualization and the role it plays in the buyer experience
Discover ways to streamline and shorten the sales cycle
Recognize efficiences gained through centralizing data between previously siloed deparments. (Deisgn vs sales vs construction)

Presenters

Ryan Hillgartner, Director of Marketing, Tim O'Brien Homes
Conor Sedam, Higharc

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255B

ZERH & Energy Star Homes from a Production Builder's View - Lessons Learned

While building ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Homes can be seen as achievable, affordable, and profitable by builders of all sizes, many builders who build more than a few homes per year sometimes still see these certifications as being too difficult and/or costly to achieve. Today there are substantial financial incentives via the 45L energy efficient home tax credits - up to $5,000 per home; and yet still many builders don't understand that these tax credits and home certifications are well within their reach. And while still maintaining a profitable, efficient home building business. This session, in the format of a panel discussion with audience interaction, will provide knowledge and real world lessons from home builders who achieve these certifications consistently, building science professionals, and energy raters to close this gap in understanding and enable attendees to successfully integrate ENERGY STAR and ZERH certifications into their businesses and earn the resulting 45L tax credits. Our panel of real world construction experts will define and discuss the ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Home certifications and their 45L tax credit and other benefits, outline the unique challenges presented by these certifications for non-custom home builders, and share lessons learned via specific examples and what they would do again as well as what they would do differently. Audience participation will be facilitated through questions and answers, with facilitated open discussion. The panel will include home builders, an energy rater, and building science professionals.

Learning Objectives

Gain knowledge of the ENERGY STAR and ZERH certification standards, requirements to earn the 45L tax credits, and other benefits from these standards resulting in building better homes, such as comfort, improved indoor air quality and durability, and reductions in carbon emissions.
Understand the unique challenges of obtaining these standards cost effectively faced by builders building more than a few homes per year (more than one home design, building in different climate zones, speed of construction, etc.)
Explore the planning process used by builders to prepare and then execute on building homes to an ENERGY STAR and ZERH standard.
Learn successful strategies and tactics used by builders to achieve ENERGY STAR and ZERH cost effectively, along with methods that they wouldn't use again.

Presenters

Gord Cooke, Partner - Professional Engineer, Construction Instruction
Bill Shadid, Strategic Marketing Leader, AeroBarrier
Matthew Cooper, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, PEG, LLC

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Room 255E

ESG for Building: Best Practices, Trends, and Lessons Learned

Over the course of the past two years, 65 of the industry's brightest minds collaborated to create the ESG for Building Defining Principles, a roadmap for building professionals, manufacturers, investors, lenders and other stakeholders to implement environmental, social, and governance strategies into their businesses, building projects, and products. Not surprisingly, a trove of lessons were learned. This session will explore the ESG best practices, trends, and ideas that emerged from the process, ranging from the most impactful strategies to reach net zero embodied carbon in building projects to minimizing environmental impact to carbon offsets.

Learning Objectives

Learn about ESG best practices for companies in the building sector.
Understand the main challenges and opportunities for companies in the building sector to integrate ESG strategies into their companies.
Explore the latest trends that are driving demand for ESG in various stakeholder groups (consumers, lenders, etc.).
Investigate useful case studies and examples.

Presenters

Sara Gutterman, Green Builder Media
Bill Rectanus, VP of Operations, Thrive Home Builders

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255B

Retail Principles in New Homebuilding

Most builders think like builders. How else would they think? In this session, you will learn not only how to think like a retailer, but how to achieve much higher sales and profits by utilizing retail principles in your everyday homebuilding business. You wil learn how to listen to your customers so that your decisions will be based on what they want, instead of what you think what they want. Site selection, product development, personnel issues and future planning will all be discussed as your fucus will shift from building to retailing. Marketing and promotions will be observed from a retail perspective, instead of just what is available. This will be an interactive session, your real life challenges will be be discussed. You will also use these same retail principles to make your highly energy efficient product much more valuable in your buyers' eyes.

Learning Objectives

Learn Retail Metrics that can be applied to Homebuilding
Understand Retail Marketing Plans to drive buyers to builders
Discover Retail Planning that you can deploy to have successful projects
Learn the 5 P's of retail that translate well into Homebuilding: Product, Price, Promotion, Place, People

Presenters

Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations, Fulton Homes

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255B

A Deep Dive into Heat Pump Water Heaters in Multifamily Buildings

There are compelling reasons to apply heat pump water heater (HPWH) technologies to Multifamily projects, including energy efficiency, incentives, and rating program requirements. However, the challenges in design and implementation of these systems are real. Utilizing a distributed approach to HPWH installation, where each dwelling unit or small cluster of units is served by a dedicated unitary HPWH, presents a variety of space issues. Meanwhile centralized heat pump water heater systems are a completely new frontier for most. This presentation will take a deep dive into the technical details needed to understand how to navigate this new landscape. We will discuss how these systems can be applied to multifamily buildings, design options for successful installations, and key details to avoid pitfalls. Finally, we will introduce new Building America Solution Center resources assembled to aid builders certifying to the ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Home multifamily programs. In addition to heat pump water heaters, the new DOE guidance covers multiple common pain points for multifamily builders such as thermal bridging, ventilation and exhaust strategies, air-sealing, compartmentalization, below-grade water management, and insulating heated garages and plenums.

Learning Objectives

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing distributed vs central heat pump water heater systems in multifamily buildings.
Identify solutions to common challenges with distributed installation of integrated heat pump water heaters in multifamily buildings.
Understand design concepts vital to successful implementation of central heat pump water heater systems for domestic hot water.
Learn where to find guidance on key topics for anyone certifying to ENERGY STAR or ZERH for multifamily construction.

Presenters

Theresa Gilbride, Building Energy Efficiency Researcher, PNNL
Christian Kaltreider, PNNL

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255E

The Catskill Project: Decarbonizing single-family development at the community scale

The Catskill Project is a 155-acre community of Passive House designed, carbon-neutral homes, meeting rigorous design standards for low energy demand, exceptional air quality and consistent, comfortable indoor temperature year-round. The homes are airtight, with continuous insulation, triple pane windows, no thermal bridging and ERVs for healthy indoor air . All homes in the community will be all-electric with onsite solar or a subscription to community solar to ensure their power source is clean. In addition to zeroing out operational carbon through the community's design process, the TCP team has prioritized minimizing the community's embodied carbon from the very beginning. The team will share their carbon accounting methodology and various materials selection strategies that they used to reduce TCP's embodied carbon footprint. From the thoughtful selection of ethically sourced building materials and key project supply partners to the paper used for marketing collateral (and countertops!), the team is constantly strategizing on the best products to use to reduce embodied carbon. The presenters will also discuss some of the hurdles and pitfalls that they have encountered in their efforts to develop a truly carbon neutral community.

Learning Objectives

Learn about operational cost savings of a carbon neutral home through TCP’s utility bills contrasted with one of our co-founder’s utility bills.
Learn different ways to cut embodied carbon through thoughtful product selection like limiting use of concrete, replacing under slab EPS foam insulation, various reuse strategies in construction, and whole life carbon accounting in building passive house designed, carbon neutral homes.
he Developer will discuss how they've procured resources on-site and reused them during construction, such as wood sources from the land used as finish materials in the houses.
Understand that building a SFR to PH standards with lower embodied carbon materials carries some inevitable cost premiums.

Presenters

Greg Hale, Co-Founder & Principal, Regen Development Company
Remy Moorhead, Project Architect & Certified Passive House Designer, Buck Moorhead Architects

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255B

How High-Performance Windows Can Help You - Updates from the Industry and from the Field

As the U.S. prioritizes net zero energy buildings, addresses carbon emissions, and continues to advance building code, there is a pressing need to dramatically increase the availability and use of high-performance windows. This need is leading to an unprecedented era of development and progress in window performance levels throughout the industry, including from some of the largest brands. This session will provide an overview of new window technologies and performance capabilities that are important to understand. We'll guide builders on how to leverage these high-performance windows to meet ZERH V2 and 2021 IECC with a standard 2x6 wall and how high-performance windows will impact overall home U-factors in several U.S. climate zones. This presentation will also share results from in-field pilots using high-performance windows, including information on product cost and selection, the impact of windows on the HERS Index and design load, as well as an overview of resources that showcase the non-energy benefits windows provide.

Presenters

Brad Begin, Alpen High Performance Products
Isaac Smith, Senior Manager of Market Transformation Products, Center for Energy & Environment
Jesse Largent, Program Coordinator, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
Steven Sylvestre, Initiative Manager - High-Performance Windows, Center for Energy & Environment
Robert Hart, Windows & Envelope Materials Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255C

What's Up with the 2024 IECC?

The 2024 IECC is finally here! With the major change in how 2024 IECC was developed from previous years, there is concern that the code won’t advance far enough for adoption of net zero construction methods by 2030. What is the outcome and how will it affect you? This session will focus on the change in code development process, results of the 2024 IECC, and major changes from the 2021 IECC to the 2024 IECC. Learn more about where the 2024 IECC has ended up and what to expect moving forward into 2027 and beyond. Key discussion topics will include how code compliance pathways changed from 2018 to 2021 to 2024 IECC, how federal incentives and regulations have responded to the 2024 IECC, and should your jurisdiction leapfrog to the 2024 IECC.

Learning Objectives

Learn how the 2024 IECC development process changed.
Identify major changes between the 2021 and 2024 IECC.
2021 vs. 2024 IECC. Which code should your jurisdiction adopt?
Understand federal reactions to the 2024 IECC.

Presenters

Robby Schwarz, Founder, BUILDTank, Inc.
Nathan Kahre, Senior Program Manager of Codes & Standards, NAHB

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

Embodied Carbon Reduction: Guidance, Steps, Results

When it comes to the impact of buildings on the environment, considering both operational and embodied carbon is critical. Balancing these can be a complex task, sometimes with conflicting outcomes. This session will provide case studies comparing modeled versus actual operational energy use and embodied carbon accounting. Including a mass timber multifamily building participating in the Mass Clean Energy Center's (CEC) Embodied Carbon Reduction Challenge. The presenters will share tools and resources to assess environmental performance of materials and systems and provide tips for making informed decisions to lower both operational and embodied carbon. The presentation will focus on the industry's ability to mitigate or eliminate embodied carbon emissions using modeling tools available now. And introduce several active initiatives including a national standard by RESNET/ANSI, a climate commitment program designed for homebuilders, and a published paper describing the current state of embodied carbon emissions of low-rise homes and strategies to reduce them. The presentation will help provide attendees with clear directions for fast, practical, and cost-effective changes. The audience will walkaway understanding the major opportunity to meet current climate goals by reducing cradle-to-gate emissions from new homes and renovations, and how up-and-coming guidance like the ANSI 1550 Standard are shaping the market and policies to set up the homebuilding industry for success.

Learning Objectives

Investigate carbon accounting modeling tools.
Determine how baseline emissions will inform decision making.
Understand big impact strategies for operational and embodied carbon reduction.
Review case studies and how to apply lessons learned.

Presenters

Karla Butterfield, Sustainability Director, Steven Winter Associates
Jacob Deva Racusin, Director of Building Science and Sustainability, New Frameworks

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255B

Lessons Learned from the Marshall Fire, Electrifying a willing but uneducated consumer

In either new construction or in existing homes, Homeowners chasing rebate dollars are willing and interested in installing heat pumps in their homes. To a large extent they are dragging Builders and the HVAC industry into this new frontier. Yet, the saying that states, "a house is the largest purchase we ever make with the least amount of knowledge about the product" is also true when it comes to heat pumps. Consumers don't understand fundamentally how heat pumps work or how to live with them. Builders and HVAC contractors don't understand how to set proper expectations for how to live with a heat pump. The consumer is trapped in thinking that heating and cooling a house with a furnace and heat pump are the same thing when it is not. So let's learn from our mistakes as exemplified and brought to light in the Marshall Fire rebuild and figure out how to educate and speak to our clients, as well as builders and HVAC contractors who may be forced to install systems they don't like or believe in.

Learning Objectives

Discover what happened in the Marshall Fire
Learn how to best describe how heat pumps work to the consumer
Understand that efficient heat pump technology does not guarantee low utility bills
Understand HVAC design and AHRI certificates from a consumer's perspective
Identify Low and Slow vs. hard, hot, and fast delivery
Describe living with heat pumps

Presenters

Robby Schwarz, Founder, BUILDTank, Inc.
Shawn LeMons, Midwest HVAC

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255E

Mainstreaming Zero Emissions Homes in a Heating Climate

This session will present case studies of two energy efficient, all-electric homes built in Utah to the U.S. DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home standard, including presentations about technical and design changes needed, equipment selection, main challenges, how the challenges were addressed, and overall lessons learned. One panelist is a production home builder and one panelist is leading the construction of a "tiny home village" to serve Utah's unhoused population.

Learning Objectives

1. Become familiar with the U.S. DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home standard
2. Discover common technical and design changes to meet the U.S. DOE ZERH standard
3. Learn about considerations when selecting efficient, all-electric mechanical equipment in a heating climate
4. Understand the marginal cost increases of energy upgrades (including discussion of federal tax credits) and the associated shifts in HERS scores.

Presenters

Kevin Emerson, Director of Building Efficiency and Decarbonization, Utah Clean Energy
Sam Hartman, Project Engineer, Resource Innovations
Camille Winnie, Vice President, The Other Side Village
Spencer Corbridge, Vice President, Sego Homes

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255E

High Performance Multifamily – An Introduction to the ENERGY STAR and Zero Energy Ready Homes Multifamily New Construction Programs

EPA's ENERGY STAR and DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home multifamily new construction programs are experiencing unprecedented interest from builders and developers. Many stakeholders are interested in leveraging the updated 45L federal tax credit, which is now linked to certification under the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program and the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Multifamily program. These specifications are also referenced in numerous utility and affordable housing programs throughout the country. Further, many builders and developers with sustainability goals find that these two programs establish a high level of performance and the certification demonstrating compliance is invaluable to consumers seeking market transparency. As a result, more builders than ever before are seeking to understand these two programs. This educational session will introduce you to the multifamily new construction versions of both programs – explaining which home types are eligible to participate, providing an overview of the key elements of the requirements, identifying different compliance pathways, defining the fundamental components of the 45L credit, and discussing how builders can get started.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the key elements of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program requirements.
2. Understand the key elements of the Zero Energy Ready Homes Multifamily program requirements.
3. Learn how certification to these two programs is a prerequisite for earning the updated 45L New Energy Efficient Home Credit.
4. Review the steps for getting started with both programs.

Presenters

Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Steven Winter Associates
Sarah Cok, Building Science Consultant, Newport Partners, LLC

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 PM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

Sustainability-driven building practices: Aligning stakeholder needs and maximizing return through continuous improvement

Implementing green, sustainable building practices in residential construction has the potential to positively impact stakeholders throughout the entire building ecosystem, including builders benefitting through brand differentiation, homeowners enjoying higher quality homes with lower energy bills, and advancing a shared vision to protect the planet while enabling current and future generations to thrive. Forward thinking builders are already delivering homes with significantly improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions during construction and the operational life of their buildings. As these practices move more mainstream, builders face the daunting task of deciding which approaches to take, how far to take them, and whether they provide real value in the end that they can market to their clients. Even within the targets and boundaries of Net Zero Ready, ENERGY STAR, and IBC 2021, multiple paths to compliance complicate selection of the right approach. With the right tools and mindset, small but cumulative changes can generate impactful shifts in building sustainability. This session will present (1) ready-to-implement materials and practices from across the building products industry that provide different paths to sustainable buildings, and (2) a framework, adapted from the 'continuous improvement' methodologies used widely within the manufacturing industry, to guide builders through the process of selecting, implementing, and validating sustainability-focused improvements in the homes they are building. This framework can help builders answer questions like: "which aspects of energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprint resonate with us and our clients," "what are the most cost-effective improvements to implement right now," or "does a sustainable practice really make a difference or are we at risk of greenwashing?" After explaining the framework, the presentation will transition to a case study demonstrating one builder's ongoing journey to improve the sustainability of the homes he builds, as a real-world example of how builders can create and adopt their own practices towards the common goal of sustainable homes.

Learning Objectives

Understand how to maximize reductions in whole life carbon emissions (via embodied carbon and energy efficiency) by aligning the needs and values of the builder, homeowner, and community.
Share a selection of ready-to-implement materials and practices from across the building products industry that provide different paths to energy efficient and low-carbon buildings.
Outline the elements of 'continuous improvement' manufacturing methodologies in the context of residential construction, including defining "your" values around sustainable building, measuring and analyzing current performance in that area, making improvements in your product offering, and using demonstrated results to create tangible value through brand differentiation.
Show how a builder was able to leverage this approach to create a unique sustainability story with measurable results.

Presenters

Todd Usher, Founder, Addison Homes
William Ranson, Building Knowledge Center Leader, DuPont Building Performance Solutions
Adam Broderick, Lead Scientist, DuPont Performance Building Solutions

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Room 255C

The role of high performance builders, utility incentives, industry trends, and technology required to accelerate and scale zero energy homes of the future today

The role of production builders, utilities and program implementers must work in concert to drive market transformation in the residential building industry. This session will include a lively discussion about strategies and innovations needed to scale high performance homes across the country. We will discuss best practices from national builders and utility representatives including a focus on innovative utility rebate programs and national building standards that support high performance construction. Industry trends such as advancing codes, healthy homes, electrification, and decarbonization will fold into the discussion. We will look into the crystal ball and highlight the role of microgrids, solar + storage, the electric home as a load management asset for the grid, V2X and how these technologies will provide homeowners emotional equity in the comfort of having a resilient and energy efficient home.

Learning Objectives

Understand how utility incentive programs and builder strategies can scale above code high performance new construction
Discover the new era of national building standards, home electrification and resiliency measures
Overcoming challenges in the building industry
Highlight technologies that will become mainstream in the years ahead

Presenters

Megan Cordes, Director Sustainability and Building Science, Beazer Homes
Ben Schott, Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager, BGE
Corey Self, Director – Corporate Sustainability and ESG Reporting, PulteGroup
Cristen Burrell, Senior Energy Innovation Analyst, APS
Mark Pignatelli, Director Residential & C&I, ICF
Austin Pooley, Lead Energy Efficiency Specialist, CenterPoint Energy

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 AM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

JEDI Leadership Mindset & Integrative Workforce Development

The workforce, especially younger generations, are increasingly aware and critical of our ability to address climate change, and do so in a way that addresses justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). We must expand the workforce, and our ways of working. We can create a JEDI warrior mindset, helping high performance builders thrive, and growing inclusive, purpose-driven companies and project teams.

Using an experiential, interactive approach, we enable participants to reflect and experience new ways of interacting we show how this is possible and necessary. We introduce the Inner Development Goals, as a means to grow a JEDI Leadership Mindset, and deploy new approaches for workforce development and project management.

Learning Objectives

Identify current challenges including current workforce mindsets, beliefs, and practices that lead to contribute to "business as usual" - industry and organizational barriers to JEDI leadership & success.
Experience and describe a simple 20-minute Inner Development Exercise that can be used in organizations, and project teams to inspire and launch an Inner Development Goals initiative.
Share ideas on how to apply the inner development goals to enable more committed, collaborative teams with a JEDI mindset.
Create a personal IDG Gap Analysis, and make 1 commitment to become a stronger JEDI Leader.

Presenters

Kevin Stack, Founder, Northeast Natural Homes / Northeast Green Building Consulting
Melissa O'Mara, Founder, The Leaders Co-Lab

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Room 255C

Pump Up The Airflow - Get Your Heat Pumps Commissioned!

Industry studies going back to the mid 90's and now "BetterHVAC" has identified poor airflow and high static pressure in ducted heat pumps as the greatest risk to poor performance. Industry rock-star Jim Bergman has laid out a set of new HVAC roles around performance testing for airflow and static pressure measurements. The Energy Conservatory has developed tools, apps, and training content around, you guessed it, airflow testing and static pressures. Industry geeks and master trainers Joe and Dan have surveyed friends, frenemies, and assorted experts, and to no-one's surprise, static pressure and airflow testing were missing many of the commissioning processes of new systems, especially heat pumps!

What does this mean for builders, Raters, Home Performance and HVAC contractors? ANSI/ACCA/RESNET Standard 310 has critical components beyond design, airflow testing and static pressure testing. Join Bill, Joe, and Dan for a rousing and interactive session covering the who, what, where, why, and how to commission your systems with the Standard 310 and the new grading of HVAC systems! Bonus you get a lower HERS score, reduction in callbacks and comfort for your homeowners.

Want to see how this can benefit your homes? Join us and learn why you need to get your systems commissioned.

Learning Objectives

Prioritize which performance tests make sense to pursue on every project.
The diffference between ENERGY STAR contractor requirements and a HERS Rater.
Have an outline of what the first skills your staff and trade partners should learn to quickly contribute to heat pump success.
Top 5 things you need to comminicate to homeowner about heat pumps to avoid complaints and frustration.

Presenters

Joe Medosch, Client Success Manager, measureQuick
Dan Wildenhaus, TRC
Bill Graber, Partner, The Energy Conservatory

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Room 255E

Beyond ESG, The Carbon Footprint of the Homes We Build

Much has been made of ESG Report requirements, but they only check the box for builders reporting their corporate footprint. If builders are serious about addressing climate change it is much more important that they assess the operational and embodied carbon footprints of the homes they build. Learn how Thrive Home Builders and Energy Logic leveraged the information in their HERS ratings to calculate the total footprint of all homes they delivered in 2023.

Learning Objectives

Learn about ESG reporting for builders.
See how the carbon footprint for corporate operations was determined.
Leverage information in your HERS ratings to determine the operational and embodied carbon footprint of your homes.
Learn the cumulative footprint of a builder and what can be done to offset it.

Presenters

Gene Myers, CEO of Thrive Home Builders, Thrive Home Builders, Inc.
Steve Byers, CEO, Energy Logic

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
General Session area, Halls 2 & 3

HPWH are the Perfect Fit for the High-Performance Home of the Future

HPWHs continue to gain popularity in the new home construction industry. They offer unparalleled energy efficiency, performance, and reliability that result in annual cost savings for the homeowner starting with the first day of operation. Progressive home builders have learned where to site these units in the home to maximize performance. This session will address the new innovations, products, and educational strategies over the last year that industry leaders like ENERGY STAR, Advanced Water Heater Initiative (AWHI), Embertec, and Beazer Homes have addressed to overcome barriers and identify solutions in all regions of the country. We’ll also highlight an industry influencer’s outreach efforts.

Learning Objectives

1. Introduction to the new product brands and technologies coming to the US market in 2024/5.
2. Discover new ENERGY STAR/AWHI resources/tools released to the industry over the last year.
3. Lessons learned for optimal siting and installation practices from a leading home builder.
4. Perspectives from a new, progressive manufacturer on how they are cultivating relationships with home builders to solve historically challenging applications.
5. Exposure to messages from a leading industry influencer and ways to engage further.

Presenters

Paul Campbell, Director, Energy & Sustainability Marketing, ICF International
Nathaniel Jutras, Marketing Lead, ENERGY STAR, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Brian Shanks, Purchasing Manager, Beazer Homes
Carl Uthe, VP Sales, EMBERTEC USA

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Room 255E

Inhale or Exhale? How the mode of your blower door test affects your score…and why it matters!

Air leakage is an important consideration in the design and construction of high performance homes. Achieving consistent air-tightness is critical to success. The blower door test is an important industry standard and proxy for building envelope air-tightness. This presentation will focus on a recent study investigating the blower door performance of 3 different building practices designed to achieve tight envelopes. An interesting learning is that operating the blower door test in pressurization vs depressurization can result in dramatically different results. This work was done a 2-story house under well-controlled lab conditions.

Learning Objectives

Understand what is a blower door test is.
Learn about two different modes of testing.
Observe blower door performance of mechanically-fastened WRB, self-adhered WRB and CI (foam insulation).
Understand the implications of blower door testing on home performance.

Presenters

Liang Gwee, Innovation Manager, Henry

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255C

Water, Energy, & Carbon: How water efficiency impacts ESG reporting and serves as a cost-effective tool for reducing operational carbon

In recent years, ESG has become an ever-growing influence in the building industry. ESG reporting (at its core) is meant to protect investors from potentially harmful impact of being bad stewards of the environment and communities. The session will address the role that water systems play an important part in supporting community and economic growth. Without available water resources, we can’t build homes. And delivering water hogging homes not only threatens the building industry’s ability to build new homes in the future, but also leaves communities with hefty infrastructure bills (sometimes well into the millions of dollars) and results in high water bills throughout the community.

While building more efficient homes helps us protect community infrastructure, they help us save energy and carbon too! More than 69 billion kWh per year in our public drinking water and wastewater systems alone. But these high-level national numbers and averages fail to capture the full impact of water-related energy and carbon use, which can vary significantly from one place to another, or even from one source of water to another. This session will also present a case studies conducted by EPA that include an accounting of the water-related energy and carbon savings at an extremely detailed level. The result is a detailed accounting of how water usage at these locations impacts local and regional energy consumption and carbon emissions. The study confirms what we already knew: that when you save water you also save energy and carbon. But the scope and cost-effectiveness of the savings is still surprising. Not only is water-efficiency a tool we can use to save energy and carbon; it may be the most cost-effective way to do it!

Learning Objectives

Understand how water-efficiency can lower water rates long-term
Express how and where energy is consumed in the process of supporting our homes with water
Describe the factors that influence the energy intensity of different water supplies and specific homes
Learn about tools to help quantify the impact of WaterSense labeled homes in ESG reporting

Presenters

Olga Cano, Environmental Engineer, EPA WaterSense Program
Jonah Schein, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255B

Indoor AirPlus Version 2: Are You Ready for It?

Indoor AirPlus (IAP) Version 2 is ready for YOU! EPA partners and industry experts have helped shape the newest specifications and the future of improved indoor air quality in the residential building market. Join this session to be part of the first set of builders to build and certify homes with the new Indoor AirPlus brand and label! During this presentation, EPA representatives will delve into the key design changes builders must consider under this latest version, highlighting differences between IAP Certified homes and IAP Gold Certified homes, to help you determine your company's next steps in advancing and marketing your work towards improved indoor air quality. Presenters will also explore the certification and quality control frameworks, along with new expectations of IAP partners from design through final verification.

Join us for an info-packed session to understand the changes in IAP Version 2, and learn how you can leverage EPA's newest resources, branding materials, and technical guidance to sell industry-leading homes with an Indoor AirPlus certification.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the key updates and enhancements in Indoor AirPlus Version 2, including revised program requirements and a new framework quality control, as well as how the new version works with the Zero Energy Ready Homes label and the 45L tax credit.
2. Learn how EPA has redesigned and simplified the Indoor AirPlus certification process to address stakeholder feedback, with new expectations for homebuilders and redefined roles and responsibilities for verifiers.
3. Learn about the launch of IAP Version 2 in the marketplace, how the program plans to adapt in the future, as well as the timeline for the sunset of Version 1.
4. Preview the new IAP tools and resources developed to help support builders and verifiers in marketing the program.

Presenters

Nick Hurst, Program Manager - Indoor airPLUS, EPA
Gayathri Vijayakumar, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Steven Winter Associates
Karla Butterfield, Sustainability Director, Steven Winter Associates

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
9:30 - 10:30 AM
General Session Area, Halls 2 & 3

Real Time Grid Integration of Smart HVAC Control to reduce energy cost, peak and GHG’s - and - Keeping the Tap on for Builders in the West

Canada has set ambitious targets to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and a net-zero economy by 2050. Chief among the challenges utilities and communities face in contributing to these targets is retrofitting single family homes to make them smarter and cutting carbon without adding stress to existing electrical grids.

Smart controls for duel fuel HVAC systems is proving to be one of the best ways to reduce GHG’s, save energy, and provide “energy cost resilience” in colder climates. Our group has tested several hybrid heating solutions with smart fuel switching controls. These systems include integration of PV, battery storage, EV charging, micro combined heat and power and fully adaptable heating and cooling control systems that utilize homeowner input to operate the HVAC system in a way that can minimize GHG emissions, minimize energy usage, or minimize energy cost. The control systems we’re studying have the potential to use instantaneous information from PV generation power, battery power levels, outdoor temperatures, equipment performances, real time utility costs and real time grid emissions factors as variables in the control algorithms.

And:

Skyrocketing tap fees and water bills, combined with policy decisions targeting development, are affecting building permits and it's frontpage news. Housing is crimped by moratoriums and density decline due to water scarcity. In states like TX, AZ, and OR, where demand outstrips supply and ground water levels are falling, builders in these states need water conservation tools that help them maintain their livelihood, add much needed housing, while protecting the water supply. The good thing is, we have the technology and evaluation tools to make this a reality.

One way to avoid having the tap turned off for builders is a performance-based water code. Water ratings like WERS, and technology like LeapFrog Design onsite water reuse, can create new opportunities for builders to continue providing housing in the West.

A new residence built by Bill Roth in Sante Fe, NM is an example of how new technologies and performance-based evaluation tools can be used to achieve new standards in water conservation. Presenters will share the WERS score for the residence and technology used to get there, along with strategies to keep the tap on for builders in the west.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the operational results: deep carbon reductions from electrical and thermal equipment performance, impacts on customer bills and grid benefits
2. Learn about other benefits: benefits to the grid, customer comfort and other impact, contractor feedback on installation and equipment
3. Discover key operational challenges and solutions integrating and optimizing controls and technologies, including PV, batteries, EV charging, heat pumps, water heaters and micro-combined heat and power in a VPP.
4. Understand how energy companies can be viewed as trusted partners and leaders in advancing the next generation of smart homes, contributing to net zero targets.
5. New technology: learn about some of the new tech that is making its way to the market

and:

1. Gain knowledge of current water scarcity issues affecting builders

2. Develop familiarity performance-based evaluation tools for water conservation

3. Learn how new onsite water reuse technologies can be used to meet higher water conservation standards and increase allowable density along with other benefits

4. Understand how these tools can be applied in a real-world case

Presenters

Matt Cable, Enbridge Gas, Inc.
Mike Collignon, Green Builder® Coalition
Adam DeHeer, Co-Founder & CEO, LeapFrog Design

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255E

The Emerging Role of Water and Energy Efficiency Systems in Residential and Commerical Applications

In this insightful presentation, Alisha McFetridge from RainStick Shower, a thought leader in the water and energy conservation space, will delve into the landscape of water use across the country, discussing its challenges and conservation opportunities.
The initial segment focuses on the current water scenario, probing into solutions that have been presented to date. We will look at technologies that are gaining popularity such as rainwater harvesting, atmospheric water generation, combustion toilets, and low-flow fixtures, while also taking a data-driven look at the market demand for sustainable options.
The subsequent section, "What is the missing piece?" identifies crucial gaps in current water conservation strategies and an emphasis on conserving not just water but specifically hot water to understand the opportunity for energy conservation. Here we will discuss innovations that address water and energy savings, focusing on traditional residential and residential homes. We will also explore case studies discussing water and energy savings opportunities.
This presentation dissects the problem, showcases market solutions, introduces innovative technologies such as RainStick Shower, and compellingly articulates why builders and specifiers should care.

Learning Objectives

1. Learn about water and energy trends (water challenges, emerging water budgets and energy constraints) across the US.
2. Understand current and incumbent water and energy technologies.
3. Learn through case studies about regulatory pathways and opportunities to improve efficiency, provide cost savings and allow those to be better stewards of water resources
4. Learn about integration and installation when considering specifying these technologies.

Presenters

Alisha McFetridge, Co-Founder & CEO, RainStick

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Room 255C

There's a New Tool in Town: CO2e Index

The historical metric used in evaluating and certifying homes under the above code ENERGY STAR® and DOE's Zero Energy Ready Homes™ programs, which underpin the recently revised 45L New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit rules, is the Energy Rating Index (ERI) as defined in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301: Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Dwelling and Sleeping Units using an Energy Rating Index©. The latest version of Standard 301 includes a new metric – the CO2e Index – for evaluating the performance of homes. This metric provides for the first time a standardized way to measure the relative performance of homes in terms of operational carbon emissions, while factoring in when energy is used and how the electricity grid is changing. Using the same home performance data as the ERI, coupled with geographically specific utility emission projections from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Cambium database, software producing the ERI for code and labeling programs can now also produce the CO2e Index. Carbon emission impacts stemming from enclosure improvements, cold-climate heat pumps, battery storage, and other building technologies increasingly found in ENERGY STAR and ZERH homes can now be assessed. Participants in this session will leave with a better understanding of the new CO2e Index metric, and quantitative examples of the most impactful measures that can improve a home's CO2e Index score.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the relationship between 45L tax credits, ENERGY STAR, ZERH, and the ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard
2. Explain the methodology behind CO2e emission calculations
3. Discuss how emissions factors from the Cambium database compare to other commonly used sources
4. Learn how key envelope improvements and equipment selection decisions impact carbon emissions

Presenters

Scott Horowitz, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Ben Park, Research Engineer, NREL

Day 3: Oct 3, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255E

Keeping Up with ENERGY STAR

It's been an eventful year! Attend this session for all of the latest updates on the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes (SFNH) program, plus the ENERGY STAR NextGen program.

Topics will include the impact of the revised 45L federal tax credit on participation; tips and tricks for meeting SFNH National Version 3.2; our latest thinking on the next possible version of the national program; and our goals for the next annual revision of the SFNH program.

But that’s not all! We’ll also get you up to speed with ENERGY STAR NextGen, an optional certification that goes above-and-beyond our core program to recognize homes and apartments equipped with leading-edge, efficient electric technologies. You’ll discover the program requirements, hear early success stories, and learn of the expanding list of incentives available for participation.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the role that National Version 3.2 of our program requirements will play in the year ahead, for ENERGY STAR certification, other above-code program, and the 45L federal tax credit.
2. Learn key strategies that builders are exploring to comply with National Version 3.2 of our program requirements.
3. Understand EPA’s key goals for its annual revision, as it continues to prepare for increased participation.
4. Discover the requirements of the ENERGY STAR NextGen program

Presenters

Dean Gamble, Technical Manager, EPA

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
General Session Area, Halls 2 & 3

Everything High Performance Builders Need to Know About (Hot) Water

Do you want higher performance at lower costs? Every decision that increases pipe length decreases efficiency and adds costs. Right-sizing pipes and water heaters is essential. Integrating air source heat pump water heaters into high performance homes can be challenging. This session will do a deep dive into the essentials. Bring the key questions you would like to have answered!

Learning Objectives

1. Explain why time-to-tap and volume-until-hot are goals set during the schematic design process.
2. Discuss the benefits of architectural compactness.
3. Specify pressure independent flow regulators for faucets and showerheads.
4. Appreciate the decisions that need to be made to minimize pressure loss in the building’s water distribution system.
5. Understand the best ways to integrate air-source heat pump water heaters into a high-performance home.
6. Incorporate right-sizing into the plumbing design process via the IAPMO Water Demand Calculator.

Presenters

Gary Klein, Gary Klein & Associates

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Room 255B

Building Pathways to High Performance

How do you select what type of wall to build? Between the increasing requirements of Energy Codes, ENERGY STAR, and the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, builders have more options and opportunities for high performance walls. Take a deep dive into the performance, real world cost, and resiliency of different wall types and the building science behind them from William Ranson with the DuPont Building Knowledge Center and Sam Friesen from Wood Works Homes.

Learning Objectives

Understand the changes in the 2021 IECC, DOE Energy Star version 2, and how the 45L Tax credits are intertwined.

Understand the compliance path options to meet the 2021 IECC new code with a focus on the thermal and air control layers.

Understand how these wall systems affect building costs through a construction integrated cost analysis.

Understand how these wall systems affect resiliency and embodied carbon.

Presenters

Sam Friesen, Owner, Woodworks MN
William Ranson, Building Knowledge Center Leader, DuPont Building Performance Solutions

Day 2: Oct 2, 2024
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Room 255C

Building to the ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program

This course is focused on building to meet the new ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification Program requirements, which offers an additional level of recognition for homes and apartments. The course will identify how to go above and beyond the core ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program requirements and incorporate advanced electric technologies that will help to build a clean energy future.

Participants will learn how to optimize the energy reductions offered by practical and cost-effective building enclosure alternatives with appropriate electrically powered space conditioning and hot water heating technologies to ensure both energy and emission savings for new home buyers. This will include a thorough discussion of identifying and selecting properly sized heat pumps, water heating alternatives, electric vehicle provisions and electric cooktop and oven options.

Participants will be empowered to confidently specify appropriate building materials and matching mechanical systems to build homes that meet all of the technical and administrative requirements of EPA’s ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification program.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the administrative and technical requirements for achieving the ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification program.
• Evaluate and select practical and cost-effective building enclosure systems appropriate for their climate zone and type of construction.
• Understand how to specify and select the critical electro-mechanical component requirements such as properly sized heat pumps, water heaters and electric vehicle capabilities.
• Confidently integrate the NextGen requirements into their design and building process to ensure selected projects can achieve the certification label.
• Confidently promote the clean energy benefits of NextGen labeled homes to prospective clients.

Presenters

Gord Cooke, Partner - Professional Engineer, Construction Instruction

Day 1: Oct 1, 2024
8:30 - 11:30 AM

HomebuildersCAN

HomebuildersCAN with Chris Magwood

HomebuildersCAN is excited to host the first-ever Embodied Carbon Summit for Homebuilders as a pre-conference event at the 2024 EEBA Summit.
This event will bring together leaders in the embodied carbon movement to shape the growing community of practice fostered by HomebuildersCAN.

The summit will be equal parts learning opportunities, networking, and working sessions aimed at elevating the understanding of measuring, reporting and improving embodied carbon performance in homebuilding. Light bites will be provided.

Separate registration and fee required: https://eeba.org/event?EventID=8803

Presenters

Chris Magwood, RMI & Builders for Climate Action

Day 1: Oct 1, 2024
12:00 - 4:30 PM

Joel Abney

Vice President of Operations, SH Residential Holdings, LLC

Joel Abney is the Vice President of Operations at SH Residential Holdings, LLC and a proven executive with over 20 years of experience directing operational and procedural improvements across industries for maximum quality and efficiency.

He has demonstrated skill devising business growth strategies and identifying opportunities for streamlining, cost savings, and profitability. He has expertise recruiting, developing, motivating, and leading high-performance employee teams, and has a superb track record completing major projects to meet corporate requirements for schedule, budget, and accuracy. His specialties include management consulting, waste elimination, process improvement, claims administration, teambuilding & training, and lean process implementation.

Jacob Atalla

VP, Innovation & Sustainability, KB Home

Jacob Atalla has been with KB Home for over 19 years and is the company's VP, Sustainability Initiatives. In this role he leads KB's energy efficiency, water conversation, smart systems, and sustainability innovation programs.

Brad Begin

Alpen High Performance Products

Brad Begin is the CEO of Alpen High Performance Products, a Colorado-based manufacturer high performance windows and glass products. Begin has been involved in the high performance building products manufacturing and distribution business since 2006, specializing in products primarily focused on high performance building envelope solutions. Between 1994 and 2006, Begin was the President of Metalwest, a national flat rolled metal processing and distribution company also headquartered in Colorado.

Brad holds a BA in History and Political Science from Texas Christian University and a JD from the University of Texas.

Adam Broderick

Lead Scientist, DuPont Performance Building Solutions

Adam is a Lead Scientist at DuPont Performance Building Solutions, where his focus is on product innovation and new application methods to accelerate widespread adoption of improved air sealing techniques within the residential building community. After spending 10 years in the area of Materials Science and Engineering, Adam has worked for the past 5 years to apply a deep understanding of material design, combined with insights into current air sealing practices and Building Science, to deliver novel solutions in the air sealing product space. For the past 2 years, Adam has served as a building envelope consultant and regular construction volunteer / crew lead for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliates.

Matt Brost

Vice President of Sales, SunPower

Matt Brost serves as SunPower's Vice President of Sales for the New Homes segment. Matt has over 25 years of experience in the energy industry, including over 15 years of experience at SunPower leading the residential new construction segments. Prior to joining SunPower he was the Vice President of RLW Analytics, a national consulting firm focused on providing gas and electric utilities with expert advice in the areas of load management, demand side management, statistical analysis and program evaluation. Matt graduated from Sonoma State University with an Environmental Studies degree in Energy Management and Design.

Cristen Burrell

Senior Energy Innovation Analyst, APS

Drawing from her extensive experience spanning over 18 years in the HERS and High Performance Home Building industry, Cristen Burrell now applies her expertise to the utility sector. As a Senior Energy Innovation Analyst and Homebuilder Representative at Arizona Public Service [APS], the largest electric utility in Arizona, Cristen is dedicated to fostering the adoption of grid-friendly technology and crafting energy programs tailored to support residential new construction. Her transition into the utility industry is marked by a commitment to sustainability and a passion for driving forward energy efficiency initiatives within the housing sector.

Karla Butterfield

Sustainability Director, Steven Winter Associates

Ms. Butterfield has worked to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of residential buildings for over 25 years. She is focused on delivering exceptional sustainability consulting services, program certification support, and implementation of high-performance building technologies. Working with architects, developers, builders, and homeowners, Karla develops tailored sustainability strategies for both new construction and renovations.
As a top expert in her field, Karla is frequently asked to speak at events and conferences nationwide, including the RESNET, WaterSmart Innovations, Northeast Indoor Air Quality & Energy, Passive House, and ENERGY STAR conferences, as well as Greenbuild and many others.
Karla is an integral part of the initial strategic planning sessions and stakeholder workshops based on program criteria; she verifies projects pursuing the LEED® for Homes, Passive House, ENERGY STAR, National Green Building Standard (NGBS), Zero Energy Ready Homes, Indoor airPLUS, and WaterSense programs. She is also one of only fourteen NGBS Master Verifiers, a voting member on the 2020 NGBS consensus committee and a technical advisor to Home Innovation Research Labs. Karla is a board member on the nationally recognized Team Zero group and member of the NAHB sustainability committee.

Steve Byers

CEO, Energy Logic

I was raised in a military family, so: Colorado, Georgia, Virginia, Germany to name a few spots. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, I flew C-130's for five years. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, I got out of the Air Force, married Wynne Maggi and moved to Atlanta where she was completing her PhD in Anthropology. After that, I got my start in energy at Southface Energy Institute, starting as an intern and working my way up to running field operations.

Returning to Colorado, I got started in earnest in the rating and building science world, leading me to my present position at EnergyLogic. Wynne and I have two lovely daughters and live in Berthoud, Wynne's hometown and a great place to live. Having never truly had a hometown, I am dedicated to building a sustainable community in my adoptive hometown.

I have my Bachelor's degree in Asian history from the Air Force Academy and an MPA from Georgia State University. Hiking, gardening, movies, reading and great beer are a few of my favorite things. I love to travel, see new things, meet new people and challenge myself whenever I can. I run, sometimes a long way and sometimes short but fast.

Matt Cable

Enbridge Gas, Inc.

In the Technology and Development group at Enbridge Gas Inc, Matt leads a group with a mandate to support the development of new technologies, innovations, and energy solutions that will help the company better serve its customers and contribute to Ontario’s climate change goals. Matt uses his skills with energy modeling, measurement and verification, thermal scanning, and building performance management to guide teams to low-energy solutions. He has a unique ability to explain complex technical concepts to design teams and facilitate the optimization of new and existing buildings. Previous to Enbridge - Matt was a Sustainability Consultant at several integrated design firms, collaborating with architects and engineers to make some of Canada’s greenest projects. He has a bachelor's and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Queen’s University.

Paul Campbell

Director, Energy & Sustainability Marketing, ICF International

Olga Cano

Environmental Engineer, EPA WaterSense Program

Olga M. Cano is an Environmental Engineer in the Homes Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense® Program. She is involved in the development and implementation of the WaterSense Homes specification and certification system. She supports program implementation and leads educational efforts on water efficiency for industry stakeholders. Through this program, the EPA aims to promote water efficient system and practices in the residential sector. Prior to joining EPA in 2015, Ms. Cano worked as an architect in the hospitality and residential sector for 7+ years and then went on to serve in the Peace Corps as a Water & Sanitation Volunteer in Peru as part of the Peace Corps Masters International Program. Ms. Cano holds a B.A. in Architecture from Florida International University and a Masters of Science in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Sarah Cok

Building Science Consultant, Newport Partners, LLC

Sarah Cok has been working in construction and sustainability since 2019. She joined Newport Partners in 2022 and provides technical support for DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program. She helped to develop the Multifamily Version 2 specifications, provides support to builder and developer partners, and develops training materials for the program. Sarah has also developed and presented training on emerging technologies, supported the exponential growth of the ZERH program, and engaged with high school students to encourage the development of the green building workforce. Sarah’s background prior to joining Newport includes work with Habitat for Humanity, research in the adaptive reuse of historic structures, and civil engineering and architectural design work.

Mike Collignon

Green Builder® Coalition

Mike Collignon is the Executive Director of the Green Builder® Coalition, an organization he co-founded in 2010. He engages in national and state-level advocacy, publishes a monthly member publication and a monthly feature in Green Builder® Magazine, and is the Chair of the WERS® Development Group. He has presented at the 2016 HPC National Conference, the HPC Regional Conference in Portland (2016), Pacific Coast Builders Conference, EEBA, RESNET, Better Buildings: Better Business (Wisconsin), the Next Generation Water Summit, Green Building Focus, StormCon, AWWA’s ACE 2016, WaterCon, the AWRA's 2017 Summer Specialty Conference and the Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference. Mike has also delivered testimony at the IECC and IgCC final action hearings. Finally, he has served as the moderator or host for Green Builder® Media's Impact Series webinars from 2012–present.

Gord Cooke

Partner - Professional Engineer, Construction Instruction

Gord Cooke is a Partner with Construction Instruction Inc. Gord is a professional engineer with over 25 years of experience in the low and high-rise residential building industry. As an educator, industry consultant and much sought after presenter, Gord has a unique talent for taking the building science issues that he sees in the field, and presenting them in an easily understood and practical real-world manner. Gord has particular expertise in applied building science, energy efficient housing initiatives, innovative HVAC systems, ventilation and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). He has developed and delivered a multitude of workshops in these fields, as well as sales and marketing courses for builders and real estate agents to help them best promote the features and benefits of high performance houses.

Matthew Cooper

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, PEG, LLC

Matthew T. Cooper is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PEG LLC. Mr. Cooper’s thirty years of expertise in the evaluation, design and control of the built environment have helped to establish PEG as an industry leader and innovator. Designations and Certifications conferred upon Mr. Cooper include: LEED Accredited Professional from the US Green Building Council, National Green Building Standard Verifier from the National Association of Home Builders, the Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) certification from the Indoor Air Quality Association, Certified Supervisor by the National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) in the disciplines of air and hydronic balance and the National Air Filtration Association’s air filtration certification (CAFT). PEG is a recognized leading provider of professional engineering design and diagnostic services in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing disciplines as well as a national leader of utility and municipal demand side control programs, green building certification, RESNET HERS Ratings, code compliance inspections and new construction ENERGY STAR and DOE ZERH certification in 27 states. Mr. Cooper completed Mechanical Engineering studies at the University of Maryland and the US Air Force College of Applied Aerospace Sciences. He also completed post graduate studies in Quality Systems Management at the National Graduate School. Mr. Cooper is on the ANSI / RESNET Standards Development Committee for the SDC 1500 – Embodied Carbon in Residential New Construction Standard and is a sitting member of the ESG for Building Advisory Group which released their inaugural ESG Defining Principles framework in February 2024. PEG has RESNET HERS Rated more than 200,000 homes in America and has been an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence for more than 10 consecutive years.

Spencer Corbridge

Vice President, Sego Homes

Raised amidst the picturesque landscapes of Utah, Spencer Corbridge grew up deeply embedded in the homebuilding industry. With parents who are seasoned homebuilders, Spencer was introduced to the world of construction from an early age, embracing a variety of roles that spanned construction management, sales, and home design.
Over the years, Spencer has honed a multifaceted expertise in homebuilding, contributing significantly to the field through innovative approaches and a commitment to excellence. As Vice President at Sego Homes, Spencer has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision, leading to the design of award-winning homes. Under his leadership, Sego Homes has received several prestigious NAHB BALA Awards, including recognition for the Best Affordable Home in the Nation.
Spencer is passionate about pushing the boundaries of home design and sustainability. His focus on integrating cutting-edge design with green building practices has not only set new standards in the industry but has also enhanced the quality of living for countless homeowners.
With a career rooted in a deep understanding of the homebuilding process and a dedication to innovation, Spencer Corbridge continues to drive forward the evolution of modern, home design.

Megan Cordes

Director Sustainability and Building Science, Beazer Homes

Megan Cordes recently joined Beazer Homes as the Director of Sustainability and Building Science. She comes to Beazer with over 15 years of experience working with forward-thinking industry leaders to advance building energy efficiency and sustainability practices thoughtfully and cost-effectively.
For more than 25 years, Beazer has been a leader in building homes ahead of current standards and beyond expectations. Beazer was the first U.S. national homebuilder to publicly commit that by the end of 2025, every home built will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home program. In her role, Megan is responsible for furthering Beazer’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Adam DeHeer

Co-Founder & CEO, LeapFrog Design

Adam DeHeer is the co-founder & CEO of LeapFrog Design, a trailblazing force in the world of innovative onsite water reuse solutions. With a passion for merging creativity, ecology, and technology, Adam is an award-winning designer transforming big ideas into delightful green infrastructure solutions for water security. Adam's extensive background in design and business has fueled LeapFrog's growth, marked by a commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering a culture of collaboration, and staying ahead of industry trends. Under his guidance, the company continues to redefine the possibilities of green infrastructure, leaving an indelible mark on the water reuse industry.

Jacob Deva Racusin

Director of Building Science and Sustainability, New Frameworks

Jacob Deva Racusin is Director of Building Science and Sustainability with New Frameworks, Vermont-based worker-owned cooperative. As a consultant, designer, and educator, Jacob merges his passions for ecological stewardship, relationship to place, and social justice. Jacob is an Embodied Carbon Analyst and BEAM Trainer and Co-Developer with Builders For Climate Action. Jacob has authored two books and numerous articles, and instructs and consults on topics of building science and climate impact. An active member of the Carbon Leadership Forum, Jacob is engaged in code and policy development, professional training, and other initiatives supporting the transition to a more just industry.

Leigha Dickens

Green Building and Sustainability Manager, Deltec Homes

Industry position: building/manufacturing
I majored in Physics and Environmental Science, because it was interesting, doing several undergraduate research projects that were focused on sustainable energy. I had no idea what to do with that, but it turned out building science was a good fit. I started as an intern at Deltec Homes in 2010 and stayed on to eventually become their head of building science. I got certified as a HERS Rater. I consult with custom home clients on building science, manage building science details for our in-house builder, and I work with company marketing, product development, and general strategy toward high performance homes and corporate sustainability.
I took a slight detour during the pandemic to manage the Green Built Homes program, my region’s local third-party verification program, for a local non-profit. I returned to Deltec, but still serve on that non-profit board.
I’m now on the ASRHAE 62.2 residential ventilation committee.

Bridgette Donahue

Co-Founder & Chief Operations & Real Estate Officer, bettr homes

Bridgette is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations & Real Estate Officer at bettr homes. Bridgette’s mission to utilize her talent, skills and experience to make a positive difference in the world drives the vision of bettr homes - a green, net-zero builder aimed at disrupting the homebuilding industry with bettr, faster, more efficient and healthier building practices.

Bridgette began her Real Estate career in the Multi-Family Housing and Development Management Industry in 2003. She has owned and operated several single family property management and Investment companies that focused on purchasing, renovating and selling thousands of single family home projects across the South. Bridgette’s passion for Real Estate and mentorship also had her play an instrumental part within the Real Estate Investing educational space as a Mentor and curriculum writer for several reputable companies. Bridgette brings key leadership skills, passion, and takes pride in creating and maintaining the culture here at bettr homes.

Bridgette began her career as a Senior Recruiter for a Fortune 500; Berkshire Hathaway Company. She then successfully transitioned into the Multi-Family Housing Management and Development Industry in 2003.

In 2007, Bridgette, never being one for comfort, opened a full-service property management company which primarily serviced Real Estate Investors. Seeing a need for skill development, Bridgette began focusing on educating Real Estate Investors. Bridgette played an instrumental part within the Clever Investor Management team and was responsible for the Fulfillment / Mentoring Department.
Among her many accomplishments, Bridgette has been acknowledged as having Mastery level experience in single and multi-family investments, building, renovations and property management.

In her personal time, she enjoys giving back to her community. She also enjoys writing and music. She has owned and managed a variety of successful businesses from Real Estate to Mentorship and has still managed to balance her profession, her many passions and most importantly her family. She is a woman of many hats and she wears them well.

The best way to describe Bridgette is someone who truly believes you can have it all and will do everything in her power to share that with everyone she comes in contact with.

Kevin Emerson

Director of Building Efficiency and Decarbonization, Utah Clean Energy

Kevin is the lead for energy efficiency and building decarbonization programs, policy, and regulatory activities for Utah Clean Energy. Kevin has spearheaded efforts to pass local and state policies to enable innovative financing clean energy projects, improvements to energy codes for Utah homes and buildings, advanced energy transparency for residential, municipal and commercial buildings, and championed policies to expand electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure. He is a regular participant in Demand-side Management Advisory Groups for both Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy. Previously, Kevin served as a public member of Utah’s Uniform Building Code Commission and a consultant on Salt Lake City’s Elevate Buildings initiative. He also co-chaired the Building Efficiency Committee for the State of Utah’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan, and served on the Energy Management Program Advisory Committee for Salt Lake Community College. Kevin graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Utah and an M.Sc. in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh.

Sam Friesen

Owner, Woodworks MN

Sam Friesen owns a Design+Build high performance construction company in northern MN. He also serves to educate the local public around sustainable building and high performance homes. Having pursued incremental growth integrating sustainable materials and design, cost has always been an obstacle to building truly high performing structures. For several years he has performed cost benefit evaluations of projects to figure out how to build better and make it affordable. This led him down a road of how the design of a wall and the construction workflow can work in harmony, and simultaneously reduce construction costs through labor savings and materials optimization. The result is a high performing wall system that can be built out at minimum code pricing.

Dean Gamble

Technical Manager, EPA

Dean Gamble is the technical manager for EPA’s ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes program, which he has helped support, define, and implement for over 20 years. With over 2.2 million homes certified, ENERGY STAR is the nation’s largest voluntary residential market transformation program, delivering cost-effective energy-efficient homes while improving their durability, comfort, and quality.

Theresa Gilbride

Building Energy Efficiency Researcher, PNNL

Theresa (Terri) Gilbride is a building energy efficiency researcher with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington, where she supports the U.S. Department of Energy as a content manager for DOE’s Building America and Zero Energy Ready Home programs. Terri has authored or co-authored 28 reports and 35 articles on residential energy efficiency and related topics. She served as the lead editor and an author on the Building America best practice guides, a 17-volume series including climate-specific guides for high-performance home builders in all U.S. climate zones and retrofit guides on air sealing, insulation, and HVAC. She has given more than 20 talks on building performance topics at national and international conferences in the last five years. She has also published on building codes and emerging technologies such as window attachments, solid state lighting, and HVAC. Terri is the content manager for the Building America Solution Center, an online resource for home builders and remodelers that receives about 60,000 visits per month.

Bill Graber

Partner, The Energy Conservatory

Bill a Partner at The Energy Conservatory (TEC). He joined TEC in 2019. Bill previously worked at Emerson on pressure and flow measurements for over 25 years in engineering, business development, and strategic planning roles. Bill has 3 patents related to flow measurement and holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Minnesota.

Sara Gutterman

Green Builder Media

As Co-Founder and CEO of Green Builder Media, North America’s leading media company focused on sustainable living, Sara has established a reputation as a visionary thought leader and passionate advocate for sustainability. She works closely with a diverse group of stakeholders in the building industry to develop impactful, long-term green strategies that are simultaneously sustainable and profitable.
A former venture capitalist, she has participated in a portion of the life cycle (from funding to exit) of over 20 companies. She graduated from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance from the University of Colorado. She lives in Lake City, Colorado with her husband, where she is an avid long-distance runner, snowboarder, and CrossFit trainer. Sara runs the Rural Segment for Energize Colorado and served as a County Commissioner.

Liang Gwee

Innovation Manager, Henry

Dr Liang Gwee is an Innovation Manager at Carlisle. In his role, he is developing solutions to help reduce labor and improve energy efficiency in building envelope. Liang started his career in R&D/ product development for a building materials company more than 10 years ago and has moved to sales, marketing before returning to his rightful home in Innovation. He has a passion for innovation that is practical for the homebuilder and he enjoys making new friends everywhere!

Greg Hale

Co-Founder & Principal, Regen Development Company

Co-founder & Principal | Regen Development Company Greg Hale is a principal of The Catskill Project, a single-family residential community in Livingston Manor, NY. The Catskill Project incorporates Passive House, all-electric design making it the first carbon neutral single-family community in the region. Greg is also a Senior Advisor for Energy Efficiency Markets & Finance at NYSERDA. Greg led NYSERDA's creation of the Carbon Neutral Buildings Roadmap, a foundational document for the Buildings Chapter of the New York Climate Action Council's Final Scoping Plan which charts the path to a statewide carbon neutral building stock by mid-century. Greg is currently focused on developing a comprehensive Financing Strategy to leverage low-cost private sector capital at scale to finance New York's transition to clean and efficient buildings. Prior to NYSERDA, Greg was Senior Advisor to NY's Chairman of Energy & Finance, focused on development and execution of New York's signature energy policy– Reforming the Energy Vision (REV). Greg also oversaw the establishment of the $1 billion NY Green Bank. Prior to joining the Governor's Office, Mr. Hale was the Director of Efficiency Finance at the Natural Resources Defense Council's Center for Market Innovation. Greg is a graduate of Dartmouth College and The University of Michigan Law School.

Kirk Hammersmith

PulteGroup

Robert Hart

Windows & Envelope Materials Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Robert Hart performs research and model development of energy-efficient windows and window attachments within the Windows and Envelope Materials Group. His recent work includes the development and experimental analysis of highly insulating "super windows", shading systems, and vacuum glazing. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University with concentrations in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of California, and a LEED AP.

Sam Hartman

Project Engineer, Resource Innovations

Sam is an energy engineer and modeler with Resource Innovations. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and is a licensed PE. He has experience consulting with builders to improve energy performance and achieve Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready certifications. On this project, he helped Sego Homes and The Other Side Village update their building plans and techniques to achieve high performance and low/zero emission homes.

Ryan Hillgartner

Director of Marketing, Tim O'Brien Homes

Ryan Hillgartner is the Director of Marketing for Tim O'Brien Homes with ten years of experience as a Marketing Professional. A member of the Tim O'Brien Homes Leadership Team, Ryan is passionate about High Performance Homebuilding as well as finding new ways to enhance the homebuyer experience. Ryan and his wife Liz live in Cedarburg, Wisconsin with their two children. In his free time, Ryan likes to experience the outdoors with his family. He is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he earned a BBA in Marketing.

Scott Horowitz

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Scott Horowitz, senior engineer, joined NREL in 2007 and leads the Residential Building Group’s analysis area, which includes work on building energy modeling, optimization, accuracy, and technology pathways. He is also the lead developer of BEopt, a residential building energy optimization tool used to provide support for the Building America program’s teams and energy-efficiency goals. Prior to joining NREL full time, Scott spent four years at NREL as a University of Colorado graduate student exploring enhancements to building optimization in terms of robustness and efficiency, and he was a member of the 1st place University of Colorado Solar Decathlon team. He has a master’s in civil engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University.

Nick Hurst

Program Manager - Indoor airPLUS, EPA

Nick Hurst is an Environmental Protection Specialist with the US EPA and the Program Manager of EPA’s Indoor airPLUS label for homes. He’s been involved in the construction industry for over 20 years as a framer, a self-employed remodeler, a project manager for custom homes, and a green building consultant/trainer.
Nick earned a Master’s in Technology concentrating in Building Science from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, and he later served as Education and Outreach Director for the NC Energy Efficiency Alliance at ASU’s Energy Center. Before joining EPA, Nick worked as a consultant at ICF in their Federal Energy Efficiency portfolio.
Nick has done training under numerous national certification programs (BPI, RESNET, USGBC, PHIUS) and participates with standard setting organizations and technical committees, including ASHRAE 62.2 and ANSI/AARST CCAH. Nick also serves as a technical advisor for the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) Board of Directors."

Nathaniel Jutras

Marketing Lead, ENERGY STAR, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Nathaniel Jutras is the marketing lead for the EPA’s ENERGY STAR water heating products in residential and commercial applications. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of marketing strategies for ENERGY STAR certified water heaters and supporting adoption of new retailer/utility program models and application of best practices to expedite the transition to high efficiency water heating.

Nathan Kahre

Senior Program Manager of Codes & Standards, NAHB

Nathan Kahre works for NAHB as Senior Program Manager of Codes and Standards. Nathan is a building science and energy codes expert focused on improving the application of energy codes and above-code programs. After attending the graduate program at Appalachian State University, Nathan worked for Thrive Home Builders and EnergyLogic in Colorado. In his former roles, Nathan experienced first hand the real-world struggles that builders, designers, and raters face when complying with energy codes and above-code programs. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys the outdoors and being on a mountain bike as much as possible. He especially loves riding on the vast trails throughout eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Christian Kaltreider

PNNL

Christian Kaltreider joined Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 2022, with 15 years of prior experience working in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and residential construction. His primary work at PNNL currently includes the development of Extreme Heat content for the Disaster Resistance tool of the Building America Solution Center.
Before joining PNNL he worked as an engineering consultant on energy savings performance contracts, net-zero energy projects, and high-performance HVAC design efforts. He holds a master’s degree in building systems engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Prior to his university studies Mr. Kaltreider worked in residential construction for 5 years, gaining hands-on experience with every phase of the construction process. His interests and expertise include building science, HVAC systems and controls, renewable energy, passive solar building design, biomass heating, and low-tech innovation. He was awarded U.S. Patent #11026500 as sole inventor in June 2021.

Anna Keene Miller

Green Building Consultant, Keen Living LLC

Anna Keene Miller is a sustainable building consultant based in Fairhope, Alabama. Her company, Keen Living, provides design review, technical support, and field verification for single-family and multi-family projects. She is a HERS Rater, NGBS Green Verifier, and Fortified Evaluator.

Anna serves on the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Gulf Coast Housing Committee and Fairhope Environmental Advisory Board. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Alabama. She advocates for sustainable development at the local level and strives to improve the quality of housing throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Gary Klein

Gary Klein & Associates

Gary Klein, President of Gary Klein & Associates, Inc. has been intimately involved in energy efficiency and renewable energy since 1974. One fifth of his career was spent in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the rest in the United States. Mr. Klein has a passion for hot water: getting into it, getting out of it and efficiently delivering it to meet customer's needs. After serving 19 years with the California Energy Commission, he has provided consulting on sustainability since 2008, with an emphasis on the water-energy-carbon connection. Mr. Klein received a BA from Cornell University in 1975 with an Independent Major in Technology and Society with an emphasis on energy conservation and renewable energy. The International Association of Plumber and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) recognized his efforts in 2014 presenting him their Green Professional of the Year award. In 2015 the Department of Energy awarded him the Jeffrey A. Johnson Award for Excellence in in the Advancement of Building Energy Codes.

Dirk Korte

Sunnova

Jesse Largent

Program Coordinator, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)

Jesse Largent represents NEEA and has worked on their High performance window program for over 2 years. He has also been an active member of the partnership for advanced window solutions (PAWS) and has attended several builder conferences, including EEBA, to promote efficient window technology.

Shawn LeMons

Midwest HVAC

Shawn LeMons is a Performance Construction Manager (CO, AZ, UT, WY)
Shawn is part of the Performance Construction Team with Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC, focused on efficient cooling and heating system for residential new construction. He has held certifications as a LEED Green Rater, PHIUS+ Verifier, HERS Rater, BPI professional, ICC Residential Energy Inspector, Level 1 Thermographer, and earned a BS in Business from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has 25 years of experience in the residential building industry with small and large companies, non-profits, and volunteer work. Since 2009, he has completed analysis and advising on over 6 million square feet of residential and commercial buildings. Shawn strives to expand his building science knowledge and skills at every opportunity. He enjoys sharing that knowledge through hands-on training and mentoring for all levels of building professionals.

Steve Linton

President, Deltec Homes

Steve Linton is a structural engineer and the President of Deltec Homes, a panelized custom home building company in Asheville, North Carolina. Deltec Homes is known for its hurricane-resistant and sustainable homes with a rich 50-year plus history. With nearly 20 years of experience, he oversees all Deltec Homes building projects in the United States and around the world. Steve, a LEED Accredited Professional and formerly a BPI Certified Professional, has been with Deltec since 2007. He has a degree in Civil Engineering from Cornell University. He was hired at Deltec to lead its sustainable home area, and as President has led their mission to be a responsible corporate citizen. This includes being the first prefab manufacturer to achieve a B-Corp certification. Prior to Deltec, he worked as a project manager on multiple historic renovation projects in Boston as well as teaching math and science. An active member of the community, Steve is on the board of the Western North Carolina Green Building Council and volunteers for Meals on Wheels. He’s married with two sons and loves rock climbing and mountain biking.

Chris Magwood

RMI & Builders for Climate Action

Chris Magwood is obsessed with helping reverse climate change by making carbon-storing buildings that are also healthy, beautiful, efficient and inspiring and assisting others to do the same.
In 2022, Chris joined the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Embodied Carbon initiative within RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings team.
From 2011-2022, Chris was a director and teacher at The Endeavour Centre, a not-for-profit sustainable building school in Peterborough, Ontario.
In 2019, he helped to establish Builders for Climate Action, and has been leading development of the BEAM carbon estimator tool for low- rise construction. He is working closely with many levels of government to develop embodied carbon benchmarks and regulatory programs, and helping developers and builders figure out how to reverse climate change with their buildings.
Chris has authored seven books on sustainable building. His new book, Building Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture, is co-authored with Bruce King and will be available in June, 2022 from Island Press.
In 1998 he co-founded Camel’s Back Construction, a design-build firm focused on straw bale construction and renewable energy.
Chris has completed an MA at Trent University. His thesis, Opportunities for Carbon Removal and Storage in Building Materials which was published in the fall of 2019.
Chris is an active speaker and workshop instructor in Canada and internationally.

Alisha McFetridge

Co-Founder & CEO, RainStick

Alisha is the co-founder and CEO of Rainstick, a clean technology company committed to building water technology products that drive the future of water conservation and allow people to thrive with only 50 litres of water per day without compromise.
Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. Alisha has worked with high-growth technology companies including Disney's Club Penguin and Bananatag and has spent time working in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today. She's built RainStick Shower, North America's first circular shower that saves 80% water and up to 80% energy while providing almost 2X the flow rate. RainStick won Best of Innovation at CES 2022 (out of 1800 companies), Best of KBIS 2024 and has been featured in Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Toronto Sun.

Joe Medosch

Client Success Manager, measureQuick

Joe Medosch {med-osh} - Client Success Manager for measureQuick, Owner of Energy & Environmental Consulting. He is an Industry Master Trainer, national presenter, and his diverse background in multiple trades provides a unique understanding of “The House as System.” Joe has been evaluating homes for 20+ years and has been a Comfort Consultant /Trainer for over 15+ years providing solutions on Healthier/Energy Efficient Home Performance and co-creator of Retrotec rCloud app.

Remy Moorhead

Project Architect & Certified Passive House Designer, Buck Moorhead Architects

Remy Moorhead, RA, CPHD Project Architect and Certified Passive House Designer, Remy is a building science aficionado, specializing in high-performance and carbon-neutral building design. She achieved her Passive House Certification shortly after joining the Buck Moorhead Architect team in 2017, and considers herself lucky to have never had the opportunity to practice Architecture another way. Projects of note include The Catskill Project, a 26-home carbon-neutral community in Livingston Manor, NY, and surgical energy retrofits at the residential, commercial, and institutional scale. Remy is a native New Yorker, a proud Stuyvesant alumnus, and a graduate of the University of Virginia.

Gene Myers

CEO of Thrive Home Builders, Thrive Home Builders, Inc.

Gene is owner and CEO of Thrive Home Builders (formerly New Town Builders), Denver’s leader in building green, energy efficient production homes and recent winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Housing Innovation Award.

Gene has served on numerous state and local housing groups and currently serves as a member the board of directors of Denver Civic Ventures and the Challenge Foundation. He has served on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel for Housing, the Boards of Housing Colorado and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver and co-chaired Denver’s Housing Task Force. His company is Denver’s largest builder of for-sale affordable housing.

As a production builder in the Stapleton community, Thrive has logged a number of firsts in Colorado and the Denver Area including:

First to offer standard solar panels
First to construct all of its homes with Colorado beetle-kill lumber
First to offer a Zero Energy option on all its single-family homes
First production homes with Zero Energy as a standard feature
First Department of Energy Challenge Home, which broadens criteria to include indoor air quality and water conservation

Nationally, Thrive has been recognized as EPA’s Millennium ENERGY STAR® Builder, EPA’s Leadership Award for Indoor Air Quality, Green Building Magazine’s Green Home of the Year and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Winner for Innovation in Housing.

Melissa O'Mara

Founder, The Leaders Co-Lab

Melissa O’Mara is a Transformative Systems Change Coach, Facilitator & Consultant, and Founder at The Leaders Co-Lab. In her previous corporate leadership role as VP of Green Buildings + Smart Cities Catalyst at Schneider Electric, Melissa was leading the strategy and go-to-market approach for smart cities and smart, green buildings. She has 38 years of experience focused on enabling leading-edge innovation and change initiatives, and specializes in working with leaders and teams who are leading change in engineering, manufacturing, construction and I/T firms. She excels at unleashing innovative thinking, cross-discipline teaming and brings significant industry expertise. Melissa enables success through conscious leadership practices, mental fitness, and inner development - helping her clients transform their organizations from the inside out - growing themselves, their relationships, and their teams. Before founding The Leaders Co-Lab in 2014, Melissa was a serial intrepeneur and innovator at Andersen Consulting, IBM and Schneider Electric. Melissa O’Mara earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from Clarkson University. She is a patent holder, a certified professional co-active coach (CPCC), a certified Integrative Enneagram practitioner, PQ (Positive Intelligence) Coach, a certified Collective Leadership Coach and Facilitator, a certified Bigger Game Coach and Trainer, an accredited Theory U practitioner and an experienced global speaker and group facilitator on the topics of Transformative Change, High-Performance Green Buildings, and Smart Cities.

Ben Park

Research Engineer, NREL

Ben Park is a research engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He is dedicated to enhancing the energy efficiency and sustainability of residential environments. He earned his Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2016. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in the development and refinement of building energy modeling software. His areas of expertise include building energy modeling and the development of building energy simulation tools.

Mark Pignatelli

Director Residential & C&I, ICF

Mark Pignatelli has over 18 years of experience in the energy efficiency industry including program design, implementation, direct technical assistance and workforce training development. At ICF, he is a Director and National New Homes Offering Owner providing leadership and guidance to ICF teams designing and implementing over 25 residential new construction programs across the country. He works closely with Utility clients, HERS Raters, builders, and developers to transform the market towards above-code new construction, drive deeper energy savings, and maximize energy efficiency incentives. He is currently a member of EEBA, the Association of Energy Services Professionals, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and holds an Enterprise Program Management and HERS Associate certification.

Austin Pooley

Lead Energy Efficiency Specialist, CenterPoint Energy

Austin Pooley is a Lead Energy Efficiency Specialist at CenterPoint Energy in Houston, Tx, where he manages the Strategy and Research & Development projects for the Electric Energy Efficiency Portfolio. Austin previously spent five years implementing many of the residential programs, which includes the High Efficiency Homes program, which incentivizes more than 13,000 above-code new homes annually and has won CenterPoint Energy the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for 19 consecutive years. Austin is passionate about creating and delivering cost effective solutions to reduce the energy burden on customers. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Finance degree and is a father to two energetic boys.

William Ranson

Building Knowledge Center Leader, DuPont Building Performance Solutions

William W. Ranson is the leader of the Building Knowledge Center, a team that uses DuPont industry leading building science to support and grow with our customers through field support, content development, and industry influence. He has 12 years’ experience specifically within the high-performance building industry, and over 21 years of experience managing and developing professionals in a variety of functions. Throughout his career, William has led technical support, quality, research and development, manufacturing technology, maintenance, marketing support, and application development teams within various DuPont businesses globally. Prior to joining DuPont, he completed his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech, with a focus on heat transfer. He is an active member of the EEBA manufacturers advisory council, the suppliers’ advisory board for RESNET, the calculations subcommittee of RESNET Standards Development Committee 300; and he is a Boy Scout leader. His hobbies include traveling, reading, and anything about wine.

Paul Raymer

Senior Advisor, ICF

Paul H. Raymer has been working with building science for more than forty years. He is a Senior Advisor with ICF and the Chief Investigator for Heyoka Solutions. He is the author of the Residential Ventilation Handbook V2 (2017), Recalculating Truth (a novel) (2014), and Death at the Edge of the Diamond (2020). He was a member of the LEED EA Technical Advisory Subcommittee, BPI’s Standards Technical Committee, and is Subcommittee Chair for Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation of the NREL SWS. He is BPI Envelope, Building Analyst, Heating Professional, AC/Heat Pump, and Healthy Home Evaluator certified and a certified HERS Rater. He is an IREC assessor, a former IREC Certified Master Trainer and he is a full member of ASHRAE (a voting member of the 62.2 SSPC). And he was the lead SME for the NREL/IREC QCI micro-credential development project.

Bill Rectanus

VP of Operations, Thrive Home Builders

Bill Rectanus, COO at Thrive Home Builders. Bill is a dynamic leader and experienced manager with business to business sales, account management, project management, and sustainability experience. Recognized as a dedicated self starter skilled at managing multiple projects in tandem. Outstanding trainer who continually creates excitement and interest while effectively presenting complex information. Passionate about the advancement of energy efficiency, building science and renewable energy.

Scott Sanders

Partner, BrightLeaf Homes

Scott started building high performance, energy efficient infill homes under the BrightLeaf Homes brand in 2012 hoping to find the balance between his experiences with large production homebuilders and small non-profit organizations. Scott studied Construction Management at Illinois State University and interned for Centex Homes (now part of the Pulte Group) before moving to Washington DC and working as a Project Manager for Ryan Homes, part of NVR Group, the nation’s 4th largest home builder. After spending a number of years there, he moved back to the Chicago area and worked for a nonprofit organization responsible for assessing and coordinating energy efficiency improvements to low income housing. This opportunity gave him a unique insight into how homes have been built over the past 100 years and how energy efficiency and varying building methods can affect their long-term durability and cost of ownership.

Scott left that organization in early 2012 and began laying the groundwork to grow BrightLeaf Homes into the best known high performance home builder in the Chicago area. As a National Association of Homebuilders Certified Green Building Professional and Certified Master Builder, Scott had the expertise and ability not only to design the company’s original floor plans and building envelope assemblies, but also to interact with and educate, and of course manage the sub contracted Trade Partners on site during construction. Under the current BrightLeaf Homes brand Scott is responsible for coordinating much of the over-arching business strategy for the company and handles the financial reporting and analysis. Scott’s passion for high-performance building is manifested in the company but rooted in a personal focus on sustainability in his day-to-day living and community involvement.

Jonah Schein

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Jonah Schein is the National Program Manager for Homes & Buildings at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense® Program. He has overseen the technical development and implementation of the WaterSense labeled homes program since its inception in addition to numerous efforts to better understand and influence water use in the field. In addition to the WaterSense labeled homes program, these have included the EPA Water Score for multifamily properties as well as several standards, research reports, and papers focused on modelling, quantifying, and understanding water use. Mr. Schein holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Indiana University as well as a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the Johns Hopkins University.

Ben Schott

Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager, BGE

Ben got his start in the field conducting home energy audits and retrofitting old homes for a contracting business in Maryland. Today, Ben is a Senior Energy Efficiency Program Manager at BGE overseeing implementation of residential DSM programs, which includes BGE's Residential New Construction Program. Previously, Ben managed energy efficiency programs for utility clients in the Mid-Atlantic and led industry engagement activities as a consultant supporting U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR Program. Ben received his Master of Science in Environmental Planning and Management from Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, and a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse, NY.

Robby Schwarz

Founder, BUILDTank, Inc.

Robby Schwarz has been a champion of the applied building science industry for over 25 years. He Founded BUILDTank, Inc. in 2020 to be a practical building think tank whose mission is to use what we learn by applying building science in the field to affect meaningful change in the construction industry. To chase issues that hold the industry back and generate ideas and innovations that move sustainable building into mainstream building. Robby is a sought-after trainer and routinely presents at RESNET®, EEBA, the Colorado Chapter of the IECC®, Educode, and local Home Builders Associations, Colorado Energy Office, Xcel Energy and more.
Robby works with industry partners and builders offering a complete set of research, training, consulting, energy modeling, code and program compliance, inspections and diagnostics services designed to help clients build homes that perform.

Conor Sedam

Higharc

With over 20 years of homebuilding experience with companies like Pulte Homes and HRS Communities, Conor has worked as a warranty, purchasing and construction director with both production and high-end custom homebuilders. His passion is the interception of process improvement and homebuilding technology. At Higharc Conor started out as a customer success manager working with builders to transform their businesses. Conor's current focus is telling customer stories that highlight the unique qualities great builders around the country bring to the industry. Outside of work Conor holds a private pilots license, enjoys rock climbing and mountain biking and is a youth hockey director.

Corey Self

Director – Corporate Sustainability and ESG Reporting, PulteGroup

Bill Shadid

Strategic Marketing Leader, AeroBarrier

Bill Shadid leads marketing for AeroBarrier and is also an architect. He brings relevant experience across his dual career background to AeroBarrier, with over 25 years in marketing, product management, and new product innovation in his current career in addition to over 9 years in his first career as a sustainable architect. Bill has extensive experience with new, innovative sustainable and energy efficiency building technologies – including several years with air sealing and building envelope products.

Brian Shanks

Purchasing Manager, Beazer Homes

Isaac Smith

Senior Manager of Market Transformation Products, Center for Energy & Environment

Isaac Smith has worked at CEE since 2011. He is currently the Senior Manager of Market Transformation Products, where he works to build a pipeline of emerging technologies and market transformation concepts for Minnesota’s Efficient Technology Accelerator (ETA). Isaac has a deep understanding of technical efficiency issues and works closely with CEE’s research department to bring new technologies to market. Most recently Isaac helped launch ETA's initiative focused on accelerating the adoption of high-performance windows. Isaac is the president of the Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions (PAWS), and is also on the board and president of the Minnesota Building Performance Association (MBPA).

Kevin Stack

Founder, Northeast Natural Homes / Northeast Green Building Consulting

Kevin works as a builder, building scientist, and ecoliteracy educator to teach, support design, and Build in Nature’s Image™. He is founder and former CEO of Northeast Natural Homes and Northeast Green Building Consulting, (NGBC) companies focusing on innovation, health, resilience and sustainability for the human-built environment using building science, biomimicry, resilience and the sciences of life. He builds, supports the design, and verifies the performance of innovative, sustainable and affordable construction projects, including complex and unique residential, sustainable, affordable and mixed use projects. He is a PHIUS+ Builder & Rater, LEED for Homes Green Rater, HERS Rater, ICC 700 National Green Building Standard Verifier. Kevin has served on several industry boards and working groups in resilience and green building, including the USGBC national board and past chair of the USGBC LEED for Homes Committee. Kevin has BS in Biology, MS in Sustainable Construction Management & Engineering SUNY ESF. USGBC LEED FELLOW/Faculty, NGBS Verifier, LEED Green Rater, PHIUS Rater, NYS Licensed Home Inspector, Biomimicry Biologist at the Design Table, HERS Rater, NYSERDA Code Rider, Grandfather of 12.

Steven Sylvestre

Initiative Manager - High-Performance Windows, Center for Energy & Environment

Steve Sylvestre is the initiative manager for High-Performance Windows (HPW) at Center for Energy and Environment. The HPW initiative is part of Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator, a statewide market transformation effort funded by Minnesota's investor-owned utilities. Prior to joining CEE in 2023, Steve worked for 15 years in Chemistry R&D, including 10 years at Cardinal Glass Industries, one of the largest manufacturers of residential insulated glass units (IGUs) in the country. Steve led insulating glass sealant R&D, new product qualification, and service life prediction projects at Cardinal Glass. Additionally, he led the site’s sustainability work as their Sustainability Specialist, and was a founding member of the Safety, Environmental, Ergonomic, and Security (SEES) team that achieved MNSTAR/OSHA VPP status in 2020.

Todd Usher

Founder, Addison Homes

In 2002, Addison Homes became the only company in South Carolina to certify 100% of its homes to high-performance standards such as Energy Star and EarthCraft House, and, most recently, U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home.

As the first builder in the U.S. to earn NAHB's Master Certified Green Professional designation, Todd freely shares his expertise with the building industry. He serves on the Industry Advisory Board for Clemson University's Department of Construction Science and Management, where he encourages the next generation of builders to pursue residential green building. Todd is also a frequent guest speaker in courses within the Sustainability Science Major at Furman University. Todd volunteers on several boards including Trees Greenville and the National Association of Home Builders where he is the Education Chair for the SC Home Builders Association.

Carl Uthe

VP Sales, EMBERTEC USA

Jaime Van Mourik

US DOE

Jaime Van Mourik, Associate AIA, LEED AP, is an ORISE Science, Technology, and Policy Fellow in the Building Technologies Office of the Department of Energy supporting the Residential Buildings Integration program working towards a zero carbon emissions future for all homes. Jaime is passionate about educating people of all ages about the impacts of the built environment on their lives. She believes that providing knowledge and opportunities for action will result in true transformation. Prior to coming to DOE, she served as the Vice President for Education Solutions at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) where she led a team to create and deploy education solutions for every learner whether that be a young child, a student pursuing a post-secondary degree or a professional looking to advance in their career path. She collaborated with higher education institutions and advocates across the country to develop and deliver innovative learning platforms that integrate sustainability and green building concepts into curriculum and create pathways to professional credentials. She has extensive experience leading colleges and universities looking to “go green,” guiding them through the planning and implementation process and advising on how the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system can help shape sustainability initiatives in teaching, research and practice.

She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and Master of Architectural History from the University of Virginia.

Gayathri Vijayakumar

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Steven Winter Associates

Gayathri Vijayakumar is a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Steven Winter Associates, Inc, with over 17 years of experience supporting high-performance multifamily buildings. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Engineering Science and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a MS in Mechanical Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Energy Policy and Management. Gayathri currently provides technical support to the EPA's Indoor airPLUS program and ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction programs. She currently is the Chair of RESNET’s Standards Development Committee, SDC300, and a voting member of the 2024 IECC Residential Consensus Committee.

Joe Wachunas

New Buildings Institute

Joe’s work at NBI primarily focuses on the Advanced Water Heating Initiative, which seeks to decarbonize water heating through heat pump water heaters. He believes that electrifying everything, from transportation to homes, is the quickest path to an equitable, clean energy future. Previously he worked on electric school buses and vehicle to grid charging at Forth. Joe promotes individual action through Electrify Now, sits on the board of PACE Ghana and contributes to the blog CleanTechnica. In a previous life, he was an Italian language teacher. Joe and his family live in an all electric, net zero energy home.

Dennis Webb

Vice President of Operations, Fulton Homes

Dennis is the Vice President of Operations for Fulton Homes where he oversees Sales, Marketing, Operations, and the Fulton Homes Design Center. In his 25 years there he has led the charge of using technology combined with past retail experience to help transform the company into one of the most advanced homebuilders in the country in the areas of customer experience, operations, and marketing. He served on the city of Tempe’s Development Review Commission for 12 years and is President of the Board of Directors for the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA). Prior to joining Fulton Homes, he was Vice President of Stores for Eagleson’s a men’s clothing retailer owned by Ira Fulton, who sold the business to concentrate on homebuilding. Before Eaglesons, Dennis had a 20 year retail career with Hart, Schaffner and Marx, where he held increasingly responsible positions of Salesman, Store Manager, Buyer, Merchandise Manager, General Manager, and Store President. Dennis graduated from Chapman University in Orange, CA, and currently resides with his wife Janis of over 40 years, in Tempe, AZ. His daughter Laura is the Executive Director of a non-profit organization in Los Angeles, and son Darin is a lawyer in San Diego.

Brandon Weiss

Chief Innovation Officer, Dvele

As Dvele’s Chief Innovation Officer, Weiss is responsible for the technical strategy behind Dvele’s high-performance, ultra efficient, luxury homes. He brings to the role more than 15 years in performance-focused homebuilding. Weiss’ approach to designing, building, and measuring the performance of homes has been applied to Dvele’s integrated platform under his leadership. Weiss’ previous venture, Evolutionary Home Builders, builds highly sustainable, health-centric, custom homes in the Chicago area. They built Chicagoland’s First Certified Passive House in River Forest, IL. Their following projects were built to third party certifications including Passive House, LEED Platinum, and / or NAHB Emerald standards.

Dan Wildenhaus

Senior Technical Manager - Training and Consulting Services, Center for Energy & Environment

As a Technical Advisor, trainer, and consultant for residential, multifamily, and small business programs Dan has completely immersed in the discussion of what is required to create High Performance Buildings and the technologies that operate within them. After completing his bachelor’s degree at the Evergreen State College, with a focus on Energy Studies, Dan has developed over 29 years of experience, 15 of them working directly for a contractor; performing energy audits and Ratings, weatherization and HVAC repairs, consulting, and analysis for private clients in both New Construction and the existing buildings market. Over 10 years ago, Dan transitioned to the consulting side of the business, working with program implementation companies and finding a home at the Center for Energy and Environment. Dan currently provides Decarbonization and HVAC consultation, technical management, market channel development, and training and presentation services for a variety of programs across the country.

Dan Wildenhaus

TRC

Bradford Wills

Director: Strategic Customers & Programs, Home & Distribution U.S.A, Schneider Electric

Bradford Wills is the Director for Strategic Customers & Programs for the US Home & Distribution segment at Schneider Electric where he is responsible for strategic development and execution of go-to-market and business programs. In his more than 25 years with the company, Brad as held numerous roles of increasing responsibility across sales and marketing, including market research, product management and development, segment sales management, channel management and other groups.

Glenna Wilson

Charis Homes

Glenna Wilson’s passion for building began when a friend became disabled and needed housing. After searching relentlessly for affordable housing that could be accessible to someone with disabilities, she realized the great need for more of this type of housing in Stark County. This led her to eventually start Charis homes in 2003 with a goal to build high performance healthier homes. Utilizing the latest innovations in building science such as ICFs and indoor air cleaning components, she has been awarded many accolades in her field. Charis has won six U.S. Housing Innovation Awards since 2015, five EPA Leadership Awards, and was awarded the grand prize in 2019 for a Zero Energy Ready Home.” In 2010, she was the first female president of the Building Industry Association of Stark County, Ohio. Wilson serves EEBA’s board of directors.
She has 3 children who are married and 7 grandchildren. Two of her grandchildren work at Charis Homes.

Camille Winnie

Vice President, The Other Side Village

Camille Winnie spent 10 years working for the Salt Lake Downtown Alliance, an affiliate of the Salt Lake Chamber, in a variety of roles including Director of Business and Community Relations, and Director of Community Services In 2016, after a decade with the Downtown Alliance Camille transitioned into a consulting role with the Alliance and also worked with other related community partners on issues surrounding homelessness including Advantage Services and The Salt Lake Civil Network.

At the Alliance, Camille played a key role in developing several programs serving homeless individuals and the surrounding business community including a transitional job program called the CLEAN Team that employs homeless individuals to do trash pickup and other maintenance tasks in the Rio Grande neighborhood and its sister transitional job training program called the GREEN Team. This program employs homeless women in an urban farm setting to grow produce for the local Title 1 after-school programs. While in this program, participants receive ongoing job and life-skills training and one-on-one mentorship. She also founded the Alliance’s Downtown Ambassador program which provides support to businesses and visitors and outreach services to people experiencing homelessness on the streets of downtown Salt Lake City.

Camille also served as the director for the Salt Lake Civil Network and played a key role in organizing Project Homeless Connect, an annual homeless services fair in partnership with Salt Lake City modeled after the original Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco and organizing the annual TEDxSaltLakeCity event for several years.

Camille joined forces with The Other Side Academy in early 2021 to build The Other Side Village after spending the previous two years advocating and building support for building a tiny home village for the chronically homeless in Salt Lake City, patterned after Community First Village in Austin, TX. Camille serves as Vice President at the Village and oversees the construction of the homes for the Village and is passionate about creating effective solutions to address homelessness in our community.

Program

Track Color Key

Day 1: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

7:30AM

8:30AM

12:00PM

4:30PM

Day 2: Wednesday, October 2, 2024

7:00AM

8:00AM

9:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

12:15PM

1:30PM

2:30PM

3:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Thursday, October 3, 2024

7:00AM

8:00AM

9:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

11:00AM

12:15PM

1:30PM

2:30PM

3:00PM

Registration & Check-In

Opening Expo Reception

Registration & Check-In

Empowering the Workforce: Strategies for Being an Effective Ally to Women in Construction

Learning Objectives

Presenters

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Expo Demonstrations & Lunch Served

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Networking Reception

EEBA Building Excellence Awards Banquet

Registration & Check-In

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Expo Demonstrations & Lunch Served

Break in Manufacturers' Showcase

Solar Decathlon Students Winning Presentations

Connected Communities: A Microgrid Overview and Panel Discussion with SunPower, KB Home & Schneider Electric

Learning Objectives

Presenters

The Energy Transition in Homebuilding

Learning Objectives

Presenters

Case Study: Selling High Performance and Resilience using the Easy Button

Learning Objectives

Presenters

Anatomy of a High Performance Builder Bankruptcy; How to Fail or Improve Your Odds of Avoiding It

Learning Objectives

Presenters

High Points and Hurdles in Off Site Modular Construction

Learning Objectives

Presenters

Rethinking the Buyer Experience in Homebuilding

Learning Objectives

Presenters

ZERH & Energy Star Homes from a Production Builder's View - Lessons Learned

Learning Objectives

Presenters

ESG for Building: Best Practices, Trends, and Lessons Learned

Learning Objectives

Presenters

Retail Principles in New Homebuilding

Learning Objectives

Presenters

A Deep Dive into Heat Pump Water Heaters in Multifamily Buildings

Learning Objectives