Where innovation meets sustainability, uniting advocates and companies statewide to shape a greener California

 

 

Mark Your Calendars!

May 21: Pre-Conference Workshops + Happy Hour (More info below)

May 22: California Green Building Conference

For the first time we’re bringing California’s leading green building conference to San Francisco, where green building pros, sustainability rockstars, and change-makers from across the state will come together under one roof.

Expect an electrifying day filled with fresh ideas, game-changing insights, and endless opportunities to connect with industry leaders. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into sustainability or you’re a seasoned expert, this is your chance to learn, share, and make an impact!

Stay tuned for more details. 

Make The Most of Your Trip!

If you’re traveling to San Francisco for the California Green Building Conference, don’t just attend—immerse yourself in the movement. On May 21, elevate your trip with two exciting add-on events that offer impactful learning, valuable networking, and unforgettable experiences before the main conference begins. We also encourage you to explore iconic architecture, enjoy the vibrant local culture, and discover the historical landmarks this amazing city has to offer.

Don’t miss these registration add-ons—experience San Francisco, connect with leaders, and dive deeper into the future of sustainable building.


Both options below are available as add-ons on the registration form—reserve your spot early!

Evening Add-On: Happy Hour Celebration at Rivian

📍 Rivian | 340 Fell Street San Francisco, CA 94102
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Wrap up the day with an exclusive Happy Hour at Rivian’s stunning new flagship showroom in the heart of San Francisco. Connect with Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers, and fellow green building leaders over delicious bites and a hosted selection of wine, craft beer, and signature cocktails.

The perfect way to network, celebrate, and kick off the conference in style.

📍 SPUR | 654 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
🕐 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Lunch 12–1 PM, Program 1–4 PM)

Join USGBC and regional leaders for a half-day summit focused on city-scale sustainability, zero waste, and circularity. Perfect for local government staff, sustainability professionals, NGOs, and consultants, this event explores how to use LEED for Cities and TRUE certification to improve sustainability outcomes and lead by example in your community.

Agenda Highlights:

  • Welcome & Keynote: Scaling sustainability and advancing zero waste
  • Local Leaders Panel: Practical insights from cities and counties
  • Breakout Discussions: Collaboration on circularity challenges and solutions
  • Networking Lunch: Connect and fuel up before the program

Main Stage Speakers

Agenda

We’ve got an exciting lineup planned—don’t miss out! Head over to view the full agenda and start mapping out your must-see sessions. Keep in mind, things are subject to change as we fine-tune the details, so be sure to check back for the latest updates!

*Please click on each session to learn about session speakers, description, and location!

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 22, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

California Product & Civic Leadership Awards

The nomination period for our Civic Leadership Awards and Product Awards has now closed. Join us at the conference to celebrate outstanding achievements in sustainability, green building, and innovative products that are making a difference.

Through our annual Product Awards, USGBC-CA honors products that have a significant impact on both policy and projects, transforming Southern California into a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable region for all.

Categories:

Material Impact Award: The Material Impact Award honors a building product or material presenting the biggest opportunity to move the market forward by reducing embodied carbon in buildings across California and beyond.

Market Transformation Award: The Market Transformation Award recognizes a product or solution that has significantly influenced the adoption of sustainable practices and transformed how the market approaches green building and sustainability.

Ripple Effect Award: The Ripple Effect Award honors a product, technology, initiative, or organization that catalyzes sustainable water management. By driving conservation, efficiency, capture, or reuse, this innovator is creating a far-reaching impact, helping to build a more resilient water future for California and beyond.

Categories

The Policy Leadership Award honors a municipality or agency that is leading the way in advancing green building and sustainability for California and beyond.

The Elected Official Award honors an elected official who is leading on sustainability for California and beyond.

The Venue

We’re thrilled to host this year’s California Green Building Conference at the iconic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco! Nestled along the stunning waterfront, Fort Mason is a vibrant hub for innovation and creativity. Its rich history, paired with its commitment to sustainability and green practices, makes it the perfect setting for our statewide gathering.

With panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and an atmosphere that inspires collaboration, Fort Mason Center is where ideas come to life. Get ready to experience our conference in this unique venue that blends the best of the past and future!

Address: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

Conference Accommodation

We are pleased to offer a special conference rate at the Kimpton Hotel Enso, located in the heart of San Francisco.

Hotel Address:
1800 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94115
United States

This modern and stylish hotel provides the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring an exceptional stay during your conference. Take advantage of the exclusive discounted rate for attendees and enjoy amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and easy access to nearby attractions.

Book your room today to secure this special rate and elevate your conference experience.

Looking to get involved or to become a Sponsor?

As a sponsor, your organization will have the unique chance to showcase your brand to a diverse audience of industry leaders, innovators, and professionals. Our conference brings together thought leaders and key decision-makers from across the field, offering you an unparalleled platform to highlight your products, services, and thought leadership.

With a variety of sponsorship packages available, ranging from Platinum to Start-Up levels, there’s an option to suit every organization’s needs. Benefits include prime speaking slots, exhibitor booth spaces, branding on conference materials, and exclusive networking opportunities with our attendees.

By partnering with us, you'll not only gain visibility and recognition, but you'll also play a pivotal role in advancing the conversation and fostering connections within the industry. Join us to elevate your brand and make a lasting impact!

Thank You To Our Conference Sponsors!

Voices of Experience: Testimonials From Our Past Attendees

“I think this is one of the best events that we’ve been to all year...Come out, join us!”

Melissa Zepeda, Tournesol Siteworks, LLC

“Brilliant. You should be proud.” 

Kevin Hydes, Introba

“My cup truly runneth over from so many inspiring interactions with so many phenomenal people.”

Dave Intner, Southern California Edison

"The conference was fantastic. We all appreciated the curation of the presentations which yielded great conversations...Well done, inspiring and informative. Thank you for helping us stay grounded in reality and having opportunities to share the work.”

Mia Lehrer, Studio-MLA

“I wanted to thank you and your team for curating an excellent conference on Thursday.  All your planning and execution came together to make something truly special. The all-electric panel alone was worth the price of admission.”

Robert Fortunato, President, For Strategy

“Of all the conferences I do, this was one of my favorites...truly an exceptional event. We are super excited to be joining the 2024 Cohort for their #netzeroaccelerator, and can’t thank the USGBC California team for all their support and hospitality!”

Neel Vasavada, OVERDRIVE

“This pivotal event served as a forum where innovation meets sustainability, uniting dedicated advocates and forward-thinking companies with a shared vision: shaping a greener California. CalPortland is honored to join this essential conversation, highlighting our crucial role in the ongoing commitment to sustainability within the construction industry. Thanks for all the great discussions.”

Karin Perissinotto, CalPortland

“The conference offered meaningful dialogue, empowerment, recognition, inspirational stories, networking opportunities, and a wealth of resources. There were many local climate heroes I had the pleasure of reconnecting with, as well as many new connections. I leave inspired and motivated to continue our work through advocacy, education, and design. I’m looking forward to the next conference.” 

Ismar Enriquez, Practice

“The Green Building Conference convenes cutting-edge technology along with tried-and-true methods and connects the people and the solutions necessary to meaningfully reduce the emissions and environmental impact of buildings...There was a depth and breadth of panels, companies showcasing their solutions, and not least companies participating in the Net Zero Accelerator pitching their new ideas."

Thomas Riebs, AXEL

Thank You To Our Annual Sponsors!