Decarb Boston Higher Education and K12 Massachusetts
Higher Education: Advancing Decarbonization & Sustainability
🗓️ Date: June 11, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Waltham, MA
(Further details provided after registration)
🌟 Sponsors/Members: Building Envelope LLC and SGH
Exploring Decarbonization Strategies in Higher Education
This exclusive event brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss financing, geothermal solutions, utility decarbonization, and best practices for building sustainable campus environments. Learn from real-world case studies, innovative technologies, and policy insights to drive impactful change in higher education.
Join us for a morning of expert discussions, strategic networking, and actionable insights aimed at supporting the transition to a low-carbon future in higher education institutions.
Event Highlights & Key Topics
K12 Case Studies in Decarbonization
Case Studies in Campus Decarbonization
Thermal Energy Networks and Clean Technologies
Sustainable Building Envelope Planning
Geothermal Solutions for Campus Energy Efficiency
Event Agenda & Speaker Lineup
8:50 – 9:00 AM Opening Remarks Joshua Kivela, Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
9:00 - 9:45 AM – Concord Middle School Case Study
Joshua Kivela, Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
– Expert in building enclosures and forensic investigation, specializing in durable, high-performance glazing and facade solutions through assessment, design, and innovation. LinkedInLance Brown, Assistant Vice President, Project Management at WSP
– A mechanical commissioning engineer with WSP. His experience spans many building types and includes time as an energy modeler, so he considers energy saving and decarbonization opportunities on every project. Lance is a licensed professional engineer (MA & NH), a certified energy manager (AEE), and a certified commissioning professional (BCCB) LinkedInIan Parks, Program Director at The LiRo Group
– Driving transformative project management across complex construction and development initiatives. With nearly two decades of experience at firms like Hill International and The Gordian Group, he excels in delivering successful, community-focused projects.LinkedInJennifer Soucy, Project Architect at SMMA
– Drives multidisciplinary design projects and champions professional excellence, particularly in commercial interior design. LinkedIn
9:45 - 10:15 AM – K12 Building Envelopes & Decarbonization Practices
Real-world examples of sustainability initiatives transforming campus infrastructure.
Ryan David Ewell (moderator), Director at Envelope LLC. - Championing building resiliency across the Northeastern US with innovative façade solutions. A Pratt Institute graduate focused on regenerative design, he leverages extensive experience—from roles at HOK and GBA—to deliver lasting envelope systems for colleges, government, transit, and more. LinkedIn
Colin Schless, Director, Client Decarbonization Services at Turner Construction Company
– Leads ambitious decarbonization efforts, pioneering net-zero and all-electric building projects while aligning sustainability with financial viability to drive impactful climate solutions. LinkedInKate Bubriski, Principal at Arrowstreet Inc. - A sustainability leader with extensive expertise in net zero energy and integrated design, having led Arrowstreet’s portfolio - including Massachusetts’ first net zero energy school. An active industry advocate, she advances holistic building performance that delivers social, environmental, and economic benefits. LinkedIn
10:15 – 10:45 AM Coffee & Networking
10:45 - 11:15 AM – Best Practices for Planning and Delivering Decarbonization Targets
Developing and implementing actionable strategies for long-term sustainability.
Tanja Srebotnjak, Executive Director, Zilkha Center for the Environment at Williams College
– Sustainability leader with expertise in environmental performance strategy, climate policy, and renewable energy, driving transformative sustainability initiatives across institutions and organizations. LinkedInMichael Richter, President at Brightcore Energy
– Leads energy efficiency advancements, specializing in renewable solutions like solar, geothermal, EV charging, and battery storage to optimize building performance and sustainability. LinkedIn
11:15 - 11:45 AM – Geothermal Solutions
Innovative approaches to integrating geothermal energy into campus infrastructure.
Joshua Soble, Regional Business Development Manager at Celsius Energy
– Drives renewable energy growth and clean tech innovation, specializing in project development, energy efficiency, and strategic financing to optimize sustainability in the built environment. LinkedIn
11:45 AM - Closing Remarks
Scott Donachie, CEO at Decarb Summits.
– Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedIn
Why Attend?
✅ Gain insights from top industry experts on campus decarbonization and energy efficiency
✅ Learn best practices for financing and implementing sustainable solutions
✅ Explore real-world case studies and innovative clean technologies
✅ Network with sustainability leaders and decision-makers in higher education
Register to Reserve Your Spot!
For inquiries or to request an invitation, please contact: andrew.byrne@decarbsummits.com