Decarb DC
On September 11, 2025, from 8 AM to 12:00 PM, a select group of top experts and key stakeholders will convene to explore strategies for decarbonizing the region's most vital assets - from federal facilities and large-scale commercial properties to residential housing and Loudoun County's 180+ data centers.
This exclusive, invitation-only summit will feature:
Strategic insights from Loudoun County leadership
Real estate perspectives from AvalonBay Communities
Tax incentive expertise on 179D and other programs.
In-depth sessions on District Energy, Geothermal, and Solar solutions
Best practices in green procurement, high-performance design, and low-disruption retrofits
Through a series of expert-led discussions, attendees will gain practical strategies to meet energy efficiency targets, reduce carbon emissions, and tap into emerging state and federal funding opportunities.
Whether you're driving a net-zero retrofit or shaping a broader regional sustainability plan, this summit delivers the insights and connections to help accelerate your progress.
Event Agenda & Speaker Lineup
8:00 - 8:20 AM – Registration
8:20 - 8:30 AM - Opening 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
8:30 - 9:10 AM - Challenges in Decarbonizing Data Centers and How to Overcome Them
Mike Turner, Vice Chair at Loudon County
– Elected Ashburn District Supervisor in 2019 and Vice Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in 2025, chairs the Transportation & Land Use Committee and represents Loudoun on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board. LinkedInChris Pehrson, CEO at MobileNuclear
– Leader in advanced energy solutions, driving innovation in mobile microreactor technology to enhance energy security for military, civil, and commercial applications. LinkedInStephanie Choi Brookes, Chief Marketing Officer at Emtel Energy USA
– Nearly 20 years into a cross-sector career spanning federal projects, commercial construction, and marketing, Stephanie Choi Brookes now serves as CMO at Emtel Energy USA, where she drives market strategy and business development for its groundbreaking, lithium-free long-duration energy storage technology. LinkedInKate Smiley (invited), Director of Virginia Government Affairs at Data Center Coalition
Buddy Rizer (invited), Dir. of Economic Development at Loudoun County.
Rey Banks (invited), Head of State & Local Public Policy and Government Affairs at Equinix
9:10 - 9:40 AM - Setting Multifamily Emissions Reduction Goals
Marta Schantz, Director, Sustainability and Reporting at AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
– Accelerates building decarbonization by driving embodied carbon reduction, water and waste efficiency, and physical climate-risk integration across its real estate portfolio. Previously Co-Executive Director of ULI’s Randall Lewis Center and Senior VP of its Greenprint Center, she now serves on the Carbon Leadership Forum Advisory Board and the DOE Better Buildings Commercial Real Estate Steering Committee. LinkedIn