Decarb NY Higher Education
🌟 Presented in partnership with: Trane, Brightcore, and SOM
Join us on October 8, 2025, for Decarb NY Higher Ed, where industry leaders, educators, and policymakers will unite to explore the pivotal theme of Decarbonizing Higher Education. From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
This summit will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities in transforming educational institutions toward a more sustainable future. We will delve into the essential role of updated building codes in facilitating energy-efficient retrofits, discuss innovative battery storage solutions, and explore advancements in HVAC systems that contribute to campus decarbonization. This summit will also provide insights into how higher education can lead the way in sustainability initiatives, creating models for other sectors to follow.
Be part of this important conversation as we collaborate to shape the future of sustainable practices in education and drive meaningful change across campuses in New York and beyond.
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 - 9:20 AM – Best Practices for Decarbonizing Campuses
Shaun Hoyte (moderator), Head of Clean Energy Networks at Con Edison - Develops cross-sector partnerships and strategies to accelerate clean energy financing, decarbonization technologies, and workforce development, driving market transformation and resilience. LinkedIn
Hany Ayoub, at Columbia University
– Oversees all design, engineering, and construction across the 6.8 million sq ft Manhattanville campus. Since 2017 he’s delivered landmark, award-winning facilities — Jerome L. Greene Science Center; Lenfest School of the Arts; Lee C. Bollinger Forum; David Geffen and Henry Kravis Halls; The Square; and Central Energy Plant expansion, all achieving LEED Gold and the campus’s first Stage 1 LEED Platinum ND award. He’s now leading the new 600 W 125th St residence and master planning future phases. LinkedInAngela Oberg, at Rutgers University - leads institutional strategy for carbon neutrality, climate resilience, and sustainability integration. Previously Associate Director for Rutgers’ Office of Climate Action, she served as Administrative Director of the President’s Task Force on Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience, and teaches sustainable design and policy as an Assistant Teaching Professor. LinkedIn
Randy Topp, Senior Vice President at Ainsworth - Directs the PMO, Energy Services Group, and Service Management Office across Canada. A Schulich mini-MBA graduate, he specializes in mechanical and electrical contracting, energy performance contracting, and integrated design-build delivery. LinkedIn
Michael 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
9:20 - 9:50 AM – Implementing BIPV to Decarbonize the Built Environment
Cory Fry, Sales Director at Mitrex - Leads the commercial rollout of building-integrated photovoltaics, guiding clients in the commercial and institutional sectors to adopt sustainable envelope solutions. Skilled at building strategic relationships, driving sales growth, and delivering tailored renewable-energy cladding systems. LinkedIn