Future-Ready: Transforming Carbon Challenges into Solutions in the Carolinas
Smoky Hollow
421 N. Harrington Street, 2nd Floor
Raleigh, North Carolina
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Eastern Time
Decarbonizing buildings is critical to meeting climate goals. The built environment is responsible for over 40% of global carbon emissions and nearly one-third in the U.S. (USGBC, 2023). Operational carbon from building energy use is now central to climate strategies and asset valuation. State and local jurisdictions are increasingly requiring carbon reductions through codes and building performance standards, while companies—from developers to tenants—are tracking emissions as part of ESG commitments.
LEED v5 raises the bar with stronger requirements for energy performance and whole-building life-cycle assessment, helping projects align with market expectations and regulatory trends. Join USGBC Carolinas for a Transformation Forum exploring practical tools, resources and strategies to cut emissions, boost market value, and position your portfolio for an ultra-low-carbon future.
GBCI Continuing Education Hours:
2.5 Hours LEED-specific: LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, LEED Green Associate
AIA Hours:
2.5 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
Agenda at a Glance
- 1:30 PMRegistration opens
- 2:00 PMUSGBC Welcome
- 2:15 PMFireside Chat: LEED v5 & USGBC Tools for Decarbonization
- 2:45 PMPanel: Current Landscape & Practical Pathways to Low-Carbon
- 3:45 PMUSGBC Local Leadership Award: Durham Co. Youth Home
- 4:00 PMTour of Smoky Hollow
- 4:30 PMNetworking Reception
- 5:30 PMAdjourn
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 mkeeney@usgbc.org with questions.
Thank you to our sponsor
Thank you to our host
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.









