Building Innovation Connections Summit - June 25-27 at Biosphere 2

[Jonathan Bean]

Dear MES community,

We hope you will join the Building Innovation Connections Summit.

As you know, this is a time of change for many established programs that have propelled innovation in the US building industry, including EnergySTAR, the Zero Energy Ready Home program, and programs for IAQ and efficient use of water. Furthermore, organizations developing other voluntary standards, as well as local governments looking to standards to address climate goals, are facing huge uncertainty. While many of these changes are coming from DC, they will likely have impacts across North America and the world.

We are also reaching out to key local policymakers, representatives of nonprofit groups, industry leaders, and raters/certifiers. We would appreciate your help spreading the word to others you think should be part of the conversation.

The MES perspective is especially needed right now. This just-in-time event has two goals:

1. better understanding the existing networks and drivers of innovation in the North American building industry, starting with the residential sector; and
2. mapping potential pathways forward that amplify the meaning and impact of our collective efforts.

We may produce a a short article, white paper, or other high-impact output to help move the conversation forward.

The summit will be held June 25-27. We will be meeting in-person using using Chatham House Rules (thus there will be no virtual option). The venue for the meeting is the one-of-a-kind conference facilities at Biosphere 2, located in the Sonoran Desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. Travel funding (up to $600 US) is available for up to 20 attendees from education or nonprofit sectors. Food and lodging for participants will be covered by the Institute for Energy Solutions.

If you would like to join us, please review the information at the Summit website and fill out the short form. We will be in touch with more details shortly.