This virtual, hour-long education session provides a practical introduction to decarbonizing existing buildings, covering the urgency of climate action, key sustainability concepts, and the business case for emissions reduction. Speakers will provide an overview of the 5M Decarbonization Roadmap, a best practice approach to developing and implementing comprehensive decarb strategies for existing buildings. 

Participants will also gain a clear understanding of operational vs. embodied carbon, carbon neutrality vs. net zero, and how certifications like Green Globes, LEED v5, and WELL support carbon reduction and wellness goals. The speakers will share perspectives from relevant case studies and explore how this roadmap can align with key sustainability pathways like CRREM (Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor). 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the environmental, financial, and regulatory drivers for decarbonizing the built environment.
• Differentiate between key sustainability concepts, including embodied vs. operational carbon and carbon neutrality vs. net zero.
• Assess the role of green building certifications in driving carbon reduction and occupant wellness goals.
• Apply the 5M Decarbonization Framework to systematically develop and manage low-carbon strategies for existing buildings.

Speakers:

• Satish Ravindran, P.E., LEED AP, CBCP, PMP, CEM, GRI, Fitwel Ambassador 
  Senior Project Manager, Energy, UL Solutions
  
  
• Sumayyah Theron, E.I.T., ASHRAE CDP, GGP, GGA, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, 
  Founder, Avant-garde Sustainable Solutions