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

Speakers

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

Alan Clayton, EIT, MBA, PMP, LEED Green Associate

Sustainable Systems Commercialization Leader
Trane Technologies

Daniel Pate

Director of Engagement
NC Sustainable Energy Association

Deborah Lukan, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Fitwel Ambassador

National Commercial Market Leader, Associate Principal
LS3P Associates LTD.

Jeff Benavides, LEED AP O+M, NABCEP PVA, ISSP-SPC

Director of Product Management-Portfolio Performance
U.S. Green Building Council

Lana Crouse

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

Laurie Colwander

Co-Owner & Director of Multifamily & Commercial Services
Southern Energy Management

Melissa Keeney, LEED Green Associate, TRUE Advisor

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

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
  • 1:30 PM
    Registration opens
  • 2:00 PM
    USGBC Welcome
  • 2:15 PM
    Fireside Chat: LEED v5 & USGBC Tools for Decarbonization
  • 2:45 PM
    Panel: Current Landscape & Practical Pathways to Low-Carbon
  • 3:45 PM
    USGBC Local Leadership Award: Durham Co. Youth Home
  • 4:00 PM
    Tour of Smoky Hollow
  • 4:30 PM
    Networking Reception
  • 5:30 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 mkeeney@usgbc.org with questions.

Thank you to our sponsor

Southern energy Management - Bronze sponsor

Thank you to our host

LS3P

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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