Decarb NY New Construction & Grid Resiliency

​You're Invited: Decarb NY - New Construction & Grid Resiliency

​​🗓️ Date: Aug 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: New York, New York
(Venue details provided after registration)
🌟 Presented in partnership with: SOM, Voltus

​​Build Smarter. Comply Faster. Decarbonize NYC.

​As Local Law 97, electrification mandates, and grid resiliency reshape NYC's building landscape, Decarb NY New Construction & Grid Resiliency unites leaders from real estate, policy, energy, and finance to tackle these critical challenges.

​Join us for a half-day summit featuring expert panels, practical insights, and case studies focused on high-performance new construction and the evolving electric grid of New York City.

​From Con Edison's grid strategy to innovative C-PACE and NYSERDA's five billion dollar clean energy initiatives, gain essential knowledge to stay ahead in design, development, and sustainability.

​Key Topics:

• ​The evolution of LEED and certification programs toward authentic net-zero.

• ​Building smarter envelopes, foundations, and sustainable materials.

• ​Electrification, HVAC optimization, and net-zero ready design approaches.

• ​On-site renewables, BIPV, microgrids, and clean energy integration.

• ​Navigating Local Law 97 compliance and carbon credit strategies.

• ​Clean construction financing: C-PACE, ESG investing, private equity, and institutional capital.

​Why Now?

​With Local Law 97 deadlines approaching and grid demands intensifying, Decarb NY equips you with the tools and connections to lead climate-smart construction and infrastructure planning. Whether you're a developer, designer, investor, or policymaker, secure your place to future-proof your projects and strategy. Space is limited.

​Event Agenda & Speaker Lineup

​​8:00 – 8:50 AM - Registration & Networking

​8:50 – 9:00 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

​​9:00 - 9:20 AM – Scaling Global Standards to Local Action. How Certifications are Evolving

• ​​Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO of the Global Network for Zero and former President and CEO of USGBC
  – LinkedIn

​9:20 - 9:40 AM – Designing for Performances: SOM's Sustainable Architecture Approach

• ​​Sigal Shemesh, Associate, Sustainability Lead at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
  – Leads sustainability strategy integration across multi-scale projects, focusing on regenerative design, carbon reduction, and occupant well-being. LinkedIn

​9:40 - 10:00 AM – Presentation: Cutting-Edge Technologies to Decarbonize NYC

• ​​Open Slot

​10:00 - 10:40 AM – Panel: New Construction & Grid Resiliency Planning and Investing How do you design tomorrow’s buildings when today’s grid is already under strain?

• ​​Alex Schneider, Regional Sales Manager at Voltus
  – LinkedIn

• ​​Antonio Caccavale, Section Manager - Strategic Planning at Con Edison
  – Leverages 18 years of utilities experience and an MS in Mechanical Engineering to drive strategy development, technology implementation, and asset optimization. Skilled in analytics, quality assurance, and project management, he leads process improvements and real estate initiatives for the company. LinkedIn

• ​Jennifer Cass- SVP of Sustainability at NYC/EDC - Leads a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects driving economic growth and climate resilience in New York City. Over 20 years’ experience in civil and environmental engineering, specializing in integrating emerging sustainability and resilience principles into complex project delivery. LinkedIn

• ​Invited Speaker, Apollo Global Management (Institutional Capital & Energy Transition)

• ​Moderator: TBA

​10:40 - 11:00 AM – Coffee & Networking

​11:00 - 11:15 AM – Case Study: Lessons from the U.S.'s First Net-Zero Mixed-Use Development

• ​​Aundre Oldacre, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at AoRa Development
  – Specializes in sustainable real estate development, innovative financing, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to maximize investment returns. LinkedIn

​11:15 - 11:30 AM – NYC New Construction Guidelines

• ​​Juan Carlos Toro, Partner at GEA Consulting Engineers
  – Leads MEP design for sustainable construction projects. LinkedIn

​11:30 - 11:50 AM – What NYSERDA's $5B Renewable Energy Allocation Means for NYC

• ​​Speaker: TBA

​11:50 AM – 12:00 PM 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