From Linear to Circular: Advancing the Built Environment in Minnesota

McKnight Foundation
921 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Central 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.  

Join USGBC Minnesota to discuss circular economy practices in the built environment. Adaptive reuse and comprehensive life-cycle planning aren’t just good for the planet; they deliver measurable value for companies and communities. USGBC’s 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:
3 Hours

AIA Hours:
3 LU/HSW

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 

Speakers

See the full agenda with speakers, descriptions and continuing education information.

Annie Perkins, LEED Green Associate

Senior Director, Green Building and Supply Chain
Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc.

Ashley Lundgren

Senior Interior Designer
Studio BV

Brent Suski, LEED Green Associate

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

Zero Waste Specialist
Hennepin County

Cassidy Clarity

Materials Researcher
Habitable

Julia Eagles

Senior Program Officer, Midwest Climate and Energy
McKnight Foundation

Katie Fernholz

President/CEO
Dovetail Partners, Inc.

Kristine Wentworth, AIA

Project Architect
Studio BV

Laura Salveson

Director of Facilities and Guest Services
McKnight Foundation
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Liz Kutschke

Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Building Research
University of Minnesota

Matt Spesser

Account Manager
Trane

Michelle Watanabe

Senior Architect
Ryan Companies

Olivia Cashman

Senior Construction & Demolition Waste Specialist
Hennepin County
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Petrina Rhines

Founder
The Birch Group

Randy Johnson

Senior Superintendent
Greiner Construction

Terry Leonard

Senior Project Manager
Greiner Construction

Tyler McRoberts, PE

Senior Mass Timber Specialist
SmartLam North America
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Vanessa Nguyen, CID

Interior Designer
Studio BV

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 bsuski@usgbc.org with questions.

Thank you to our sponsors

Andersen - Gold
MBJ - Silver
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
Alternative Business Furniture - Bronze
Birch Group - Bronze
Cambria - Bronze
Greiner Construction - Bronze
Trane - Bronze

Thank you to our partners

McKnight Foundation
AIA Minnesota
CLF Hub Minnesota
IIDA Northland

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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