ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Each year, the Built Green Conference beckons the brightest and best in green building from across the Northwest and beyond. Attendees receive valuable, cutting-edge information on green building and sustainability through an array of immersive topics. From building science to policy and post-occupancy research to discussions on equity, affordability, and community issues and more, the full-day conference offers education and insight for all.

Conference staples include two keynote addresses and a variety of sessions to choose from, along with a hearty and healthy lunch, all followed by an awards ceremony and buzzy reception primed for networking.

KEYNOTE Speakers

Planetary Futurist Alex Steffen

How do cities define and achieve success during a planetary emergency? How can bold visions, innovative approaches, and new designs make cities not just more sustainable and better ruggedized for a tough future, but also more economically competitive and socially fair? Futurist Alex Steffen—author of the new book, The Snap Forward, answers these questions in this inspiring opening keynote.

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Alex Steffen is a planetary futurist. He believes growing cities are the key to responding to our climate emergency and that in order to build a beautiful future, we have to be able to imagine a beautiful future.

Alex has been on the forefront of climate thinking for more than 25 years. An engaging speaker and a prolific writer, Alex has written thousands of pieces, been profiled in numerous media interviews, and given hundreds of talks to audiences around the world. Alex has spoken at the United Nations, YIMBYtown, performed celebrated TED talks, and, in 2010, initiated Seattle’s Climate Action Plan in a two-night series of talks at Town Hall.

Julie Willem and Sebastian Moreno-Vacca, A2M Architects

Julie Willem and Sebastian Moreno-Vacca of A2M Architects, Brussels, and Future Proof Design New York City, will discuss their concept of “permacity,” which applies the notion of permaculture to the design of cities. The idea is to shape the city as a forest: the more it grows and flourishes, the more it nurtures and improves the environment. In a word, instead of exhausting it, “permacity” regenerates the environment.

Since it was founded in 2000, A2M has worked toward a goal of making the world more livable by championing quality contemporary architecture with high environmental value. Their architectural firm has expertise in passive, sustainable, zero energy, and carbon neutral building.

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Working for A2M since 2004, Julie Willem is an architect and now a partner in the office.

Alongside her work as an architect, she has produced several books, publications, and articles. In 2009, she co-founded and directed “be.passive” magazine. A regular trainer for professional networks, she ensures a steady schedule of presentations, lectures, and training programs.

Building up her vision, Julie directs the international developments of A2M. Now working in New York, she leads projects in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.

As founding member of A2M, Sebastian Moreno-Vacca leads A2M’s vision, design aesthetic, and drive to be the most sustainable and energy-efficient architect possible. Since starting A2M in 2000, Sebastian has led the firm to international recognition through his sustainable building knowledge and his numerous roles as president of the board of the Belgian Passive House Association. During his presidency, he significantly contributed to the establishment of a mandatory passive standard in the Brussels region. Since 2006, he has also been university faculty at ULB Architecture. In 2009, he co-founded and edited “be.passive” magazine.

AWARDS

Built Green Hammer Awards

These awards honor Built Green members for their outstanding projects and participation over the previous year. Awards are given in the following categories:

Builder, Large Production
Builder, Small Production
Builder, Small Speculative or Custom
Builder, Multifamily, 1-50 Units
Builder, Multifamily, 51-150 Units
Builder, Multifamily, 150+ Units
Builder, Remodel
Project of the Year
Judge’s Choice

We will also announce the winners of the Built Green Pioneer Award, which recognizes those who have played an integral role in developing and maintaining the Built Green program. Without the time, energy, and support of these Pioneers, Built Green would not be what it is today.