1850 Towers Crescent Plaza | Tysons, VA
Be part of the 11th Annual DC Sustainability Summit (DCSS)—a premier event bringing together leaders in sustainable design and construction. Discover breakthrough innovations at the Green Product Expo and hear from passionate experts who are shaping the future of green building. Explore the powerful connection between safety and sustainability through thought-provoking sessions and presentations.
Throughout the day, you’ll engage in dynamic seminars and discussions that will equip you with practical strategies to advance sustainability in your work. Learn how to reduce carbon emissions creatively and explore the latest technologies and solutions in green building—many of which you’ll see demonstrated live at the Innovative Green Product Expo.
Don’t miss this energizing, full-day conference where you’ll connect with like-minded professionals committed to environmental progress. Your registration includes full access to all sessions, lunch, beverages, a networking happy hour with appetizers, and continuing education credits.
9:00 am – 10:00 am
BREAKFAST AND NETWORKING
Kathy Lawson | DCS Design
10:00 am – 10:15 am
OPENING REMARKS
Kathy Lawson | DCS Design
10:15 am – 11:15 am
BUILDING FASTER, SMARTER, AND WITH 90% LESS WASTE
The demand for sustainable housing continues to grow, and modular construction is emerging as a powerful tool in both reducing environmental impact and accelerating project delivery. Greystar’s Andy Mest is helping lead this transition with a vertically integrated approach to factory-built, light-gauge steel-framed multifamily housing. Greystar’s wholly owned subsidiary, Modern Living Solutions, recently completed its first U.S. modular development, Ltd. Findlay. 40% faster than traditional construction, with 90% less waste and a 10% cost reduction — the environmental and economic advantages of modular housing cannot be ignored. Modern Living Solutions’ system relies on steel modules composed of approximately 75% recycled content, and the buildings themselves are designed with circularity in mind: once decommissioned, the structure can be fully recycled. This shift not only reduces landfill burden and carbon footprint but offers long-term resilience against volatile labor and material supply chains.
In this session, we will share lessons from Modern Living Solutions’ growing pipeline of projects and explore how sustainable modular construction can address housing needs while reducing costs, and expediting project schedules. As the built environment faces mounting pressure to reduce its lifecycle impacts, modular offers scalable, low-waste, and future-forward solutions to the housing crisis.
Session Speakers
Andy Mest | Greystar
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
PREPARING FOR LEED V5: INSIGHTS FROM THE FRONT LINES OF GREEN BUILDING CONSULTING
As the green building industry anticipates the rollout of LEED v5, staying ahead of the curve is critical for project teams aiming for certification. This panel will explore the latest developments in the LEED v5 rating systems.
Drawing on firsthand experience with early pilot projects and pre-submission planning, the panel will discuss major updates to the framework, with a focus on key changes in carbon accountability, equity, and performance metrics. Attendees will gain practical recommendations on how to prepare for LEED v5, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how to align project goals with the evolving sustainability landscape.
Whether you’re a project manager, architect, engineer, or sustainability consultant, this session offers valuable insights to help you navigate LEED v5 with confidence and clarity.
Session Speakers
Hailee Griesmar | Lorax Partnerships, LLC
Casey Ross | Lorax Partnerships, LLC
Corey Enck | USGBC
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
LUNCH BREAK
Lunch to be served
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
CALIFORNIA’S BUILDING ENERGY CODE
California has long been recognized as a national leader in environmental policy, and its Building Energy Efficiency Standards—Title 24—have become a model for energy conservation in the built environment. With each code cycle, California pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable design, electrification, and grid integration.
This presentation explores how Title 24 not only reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in residential and commercial buildings, but also influences national standards, market trends, and technological innovation. From mandatory rooftop solar and electric-ready infrastructure to advanced performance modeling and envelope requirements, the code is transforming how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated.
Attendees will gain insights into the intent, evolution, and measurable impact of California’s energy code, including real-world examples of how these regulations are shaping more resilient, efficient, and future-ready buildings. As states across the country look for proven strategies to meet climate goals, California’s approach offers a blueprint for sustainable success.
Session Speakers
Olivia Parker-Swenson | NRG Compliance
Ben Mobntalbano | NRG Compliance
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
BIOPHILIC DESIGN: NATURE-INSPIRED INNOVATION FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Discover how new research and real-world applications are transforming buildings into living ecosystems that enhance occupant well-being, boost productivity, and reduce environmental impact.
Session Speakers
To be announced
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
INNOVATIVE GREEN PRODUCT EXPO
Explore cutting-edge green building technologies and products firsthand—and get your questions answered—at the Innovative Green Product Expo.
