Day 5: Urban Development
Over half of the global population now lives in cities, which are responsible for approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As urban areas continue to grow, they must evolve to reduce their environmental impact and become more resilient to future challenges.
Join industry experts for an inspiring day focused on how cities across the globe are driving innovation, reducing carbon footprints, and planning for a more sustainable future.
Key topics for the day include:
Greening Construction Materials: Advancing sustainable building practices.
Smart Cities of the Future: Planning and designing urban areas that are efficient, connected, and climate-resilient.
Inter-City Collaboration: Building momentum and sharing solutions across urban centers.
Proven Urban Solutions: Strategies that address the biggest challenges facing cities today.
Since the venue has limited seating, tickets will be given through a lottery system. If you've been accepted to join us at this DC Climate Week's hub location, you will be notified by April 9th.
Day 5 Agenda
10:00AM – 10:20AM | Welcome
10:20AM – 10:40AM | Opening Keynote
🎯 Description: This featured presentation delivers visionary insights on regenerative design principles and their application to urban environments. Attendees will gain perspective on how transformative approaches to the built environment can create positive ecological and social impacts for generations to come.
10:45AM – 11:30AM | Regenerative Building: Mass Timber Spotlight
🎯 Description: This panel explores the revolutionary potential of mass timber as an alternative building material that connects urban development to sustainable forestry practices. The discussion will cover design innovations, regulatory frameworks, and how this renewable resource can create carbon-negative structures while supporting rural economies and habitat restoration.
11:30AM – 11:45AM | Networking Coffee Break
10:45AM – 12:30PM | Smart City Planning
🎯 Description: This session examines how thoughtful zoning and regulations can guide city development toward more sustainable outcomes without leaving vulnerable communities behind. Panelists will discuss incentives for mindful planning and highlight emerging solutions that can be applied to urban centers facing climate challenges.
12:30PM – 1:30PM | Lunch
12:30PM – 1:55PM | DMV Startup Spotlight
🎯 Description: This lightning round showcases innovative local startups developing cutting-edge solutions for sustainable urban development challenges. Each presenter will highlight their unique approach to addressing climate impacts through technology, materials science, or system design.
1:55PM – 2:00PM | Afternoon Stretch Break
2:00PM – 2:45PM | Decarbonizing Our Buildings: The Right Stuff: Greening Construction Materials
🎯 Description: This panel examines strategies for reducing embodied carbon in construction materials and advancing circular economy principles in building design. Discussion will cover alternatives to carbon-intensive materials, opportunities for material reuse and recycling, and how these approaches can scale across residential and commercial applications.
2:45PM – 3:00PM | Coffee Break
3:00PM – 3:40PM | Lightning Round Talks: Case Studies From the Frontlines of Urban Development in DC
🎯 Description: These rapid-fire presentations highlight real-world case studies of sustainable urban development projects throughout the District. Each speaker will share lessons learned, measurable impacts, and replicable strategies that demonstrate how climate-responsive design is being implemented in Washington DC.
3:45PM – 4:15PM | Resilient Cities: Designing for Climate Shocks & Extreme Weather
🎯 Description: This forward-looking session explores how cities can build infrastructure that withstands and adapts to climate-related disasters and extreme weather events. The discussion will cover nature-based solutions, policy frameworks, and strategies
to protect vulnerable communities from increasing climate risks.
4:15PM – 5:00PM | Closing Interactive Keynote
5:00PM – 5:20PM | Closing Ceremony
5:20PM | Closing Happy Hour Reception & Exhibition