From Linear to Circular: Advancing the Built Environment in Ohio

Alcove OTR by MadTree
140 Vine Street
Cincinnati, Ohio

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM Eastern Time

According to the World Economic Forum, adopting circular practices in construction could cut sector emissions by up to 75% by 2050.Circular economy practices in buildings are no longer optional—they’re central to meeting climate goals, reducing embodied carbon, and creating resilient communities. By maximizing the value of resources and extending product lifecycles, organizations cut emissions, reduce risk, reinvest locally, create jobs, and unlock significant savings. 

On November 10, join USGBC Ohio, along with USGBC Indiana and USGBC Kentucky, in Cincinnati for a Transformation Forum exploring circular economy in the built environment. Attendees will learn how circular economy strategies like adaptive reuse and comprehensive life-cycle planning deliver value for companies and communities. We’ll discuss how USGBC tools, such as the LEED v5 and TRUE rating systems, provide comprehensive frameworks to support teams in establishing circular economy practices and demonstrating measurable progress, transparency, and accountability.

GBCI Continuing Education Hours:  
1.5 Hours LEED-specific: LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, LEED Green Associate, TRUE

AIA Hours:
1.5 LU/HSW

Speakers

MaryEllen Etienne, LEED Green Associate, TRUE Advisor

Director, U.S. Market Transformation and Development
U.S. Green Building Council

Rhiannon Hoeweler

CEO
MadTree Brewing

Steve Walker

Senior Manager, Sustainability
The J.M. Smucker Co.

Allison Biernacki

High Performance Project Engineer
Pepper Construction Group

Tim Conway

President
mindful MATERIALS

What to Expect

Leading Edge Education

Earn CE credit and learn from exclusive content

Peer-to-Peer Engagement

Network with our ever-growing green building audience

Scalable Solutions

Real-world case studies and GBCI tools in action 

Agenda at a Glance

See full agenda
  • 2:30 PM
    Check-In and Networking
  • 3:00 PM
    Welcome and Introduction
  • 3:20 PM
    Thought Leadership: Circular Materials and Buildings
  • 4:30 PM
    Q and A
  • 4:45 PM
    Closing Remarks
  • 5:00 PM
    Reception
  • 6:00 PM
    Adjourn

Special student and emerging professional rates available. 

Sponsorship

Reach an engaged audience of green building professionals by signing on as a sponsor. 

Benefits vary by level and can include speaking opportunities, exclusive branding and more. 

Contact metienne@usgbc.org with questions.

Thank you to our sponsors

Champlin Studios - Bronze
Emerald Built Environments, A Crete United Company - Bronze
Pepper Construction - Bronze
Sol design + consulting - Bronze

Thank you to our host

Madtree Brewing Company

About USGBC's Transformation Forums

USGBC’s Transformation Forums convene industry leaders, practitioners, and sustainability professionals to learn and engage around specific, locally relevant topics. Built around growing connections and green building education, forum models adapt to meet audience needs and inspire action. Check out our calendar on usgbc.org to see our upcoming forums nationwide.

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