Decarb NY Retrofitting
Retrofitting: Advancing Sustainability in Residential Buildings
🗓️ Date: July 16, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: New York, New York
(Venue details provided after registration)
🌟 Sponsors/Members: 5, ROCKWOOL, Trane and Parity
Exploring Strategies for Residential Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
This exclusive event brings together experts in multifamily retrofits, building envelopes, solar energy, energy efficiency, battery storage, HVAC, and building codes to discuss innovative solutions for improving residential buildings. Learn from case studies and best practices that drive sustainability and cost savings in the built environment.
Join us for a morning of expert discussions, actionable insights, and real-world strategies aimed at transforming residential buildings through cutting-edge retrofit solutions.
Event Highlights & Key Topics
Low-Income Housing Case Studies
Best Practices for Retrofitting Multifamily
Lessons Learned from Retrofitting Projects
Sustainable Retrofits & Energy Efficiency
Decarbonization & Building Performance Improvements
Cost-Saving Strategies for Multifamily Buildings
Event Agenda & Speaker Lineup
8:50 - 9:00 AM – Opening Remarks
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. LinkedInScott 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 - 9:40 AM – Best Practices for Retrofitting Multifamily
Exploring effective strategies to enhance sustainability and efficiency in residential buildings.
Ryan J.S. Baxter (moderator), Carbon Strategist at 5. - A lifelong New Yorker and innovator, specializing in building decarbonization and PropTech strategies. He leverages his extensive expertise as a Carbon Strategist and advisor to drive transformative, high-performance solutions across the built environment. LinkedIn
Laura Spencer Humphrey, Senior Director Of Energy and Sustainability at L+M Development Partners Inc.
– Drives sustainable energy initiatives at the intersection of public and private sectors, specializing in market transformation and real-world implementation in the built environment. LinkedInTodd Kimmel, US Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions at ROCKWOOL North America
– Expert in high-performance, low-energy building solutions, specializing in sustainable materials, technical sales, and business development in the building industry. LinkedIn
9:40 - 10:20 AM – Leading the Way in Urban Retrofits - 55 Water Street as a Model for Resilient, High-Performance Buildings
Join Clayton Brancato of JB&B and Grant Salmon of Trane Technologies for an in-depth look at the transformative upgrade at 55 Water Street, one of New York City's most ambitious deep energy retrofit projects. This session will explore how cutting-edge technologies and integrated design strategies are being leveraged to drive sustainability, operational efficiency, and climate resilience in a dense urban setting. Learn from real world insights and key lessons learned.
Grant Salmon, Comprehensive Solutions Account Executive at Trane Technologies - Leverages eight years of commercial building controls and energy management experience at Honeywell to deliver decarbonization, IoT-driven automation, and smart-building solutions - and authors the weekly BMS reConnect newsletter on HVAC, energy and smart buildings. LinkedIn
Clayton Brancato, Associate at JB&B - Leverages eight years of commercial building controls and energy management experience at Honeywell to deliver decarbonization, IoT-driven automation, and smart-building solutions - and authors the weekly BMS reConnect newsletter on HVAC, energy and smart buildings. LinkedIn
10:20 - 10:40 AM – Coffee & Networking
10:40 - 11:20 AM – The Local 97 - Local Law 11 Nexus: A Case Study on an Integrated Approach
Strategies to reduce energy expenses and improve efficiency in multifamily housing.
James Hannah, Managing Director at Parity Inc.
– Specializing in HVAC optimization and energy efficiency solutions to reduce consumption in multifamily and hospitality buildings. LinkedInEd Rawlings, Principal at Rawlings Architects - A veteran New York City architect and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduate with 28 years of experience, known for award-winning projects like Dance Theater Workshop/The Dance Building and The Roosevelt Island School. LinkedIn
Stefan Unger, Former President of the Board of Directors at 201 East 79th Street
11:20 – 11:50 AM Coffee & Networking
11:50 - 12:00 PM – Hybrid Electrification & Cost Implications
Comprehensive analysis conducted as part of the NYSERDA Empire Building Challenge at the Savoy Park apartments.
Michael Gilbert, Director of Energy & Sustainability at Fairstead
– Leads strategic investments and pilots in energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and smart-building technologies across a $100 M affordable housing portfolio. A Cornell‐trained Professional Engineer and MBA, he brings deep expertise in sustainability, resource optimization, and cleantech strategy to both real estate operations and impact investing. LinkedIn
Why Attend?
✅ Gain insights from top industry experts on residential retrofitting and sustainability
✅ Learn best practices for energy efficiency and cost savings
✅ Explore real-world case studies and innovative retrofit strategies
✅ Network with professionals shaping the future of residential sustainability
Register to reserve your spot
If you have any questions about the event or would like to request an invitation, please contact:
andrew.byrne@decarbsummits.com