The Bridge to Innovation, Sustainability, and Community Resilience.
Get Ready: 1,000+ Green Leaders Unite!
USGBC-CA's California Green Building Conference is the state’s premier gathering for sustainability leaders, innovators, and changemakers. More than 1,000 professionals from across industries, including architecture, design, engineering, construction, policy, education, and community leadership, come together under one roof for a dynamic day of networking, learning, and inspiration.
In one powerful day, you’ll explore bold ideas, discover breakthrough solutions, and make connections that drive real impact. Celebrate trailblazers at the Materials and Civic Leadership Awards and be part of the movement that’s empowering people, transforming places, and sustaining California.
Newly Added: Pre-Conference Day Agenda!
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Construction Sustainability Roundtable [invite only] | A convening for contractors and designers to discuss how they can collaborate more to ensure that goals on circularity and embodied carbon are a fundamental part of the project. Light refreshments will be provided. Topics include: Division 01 Sustainability Requirements; Embodied Carbon; Circularity; and Progressive Sustainability Strategies of Various General Contractors, and more. Construction Sustainability Roundtable is cohosted by the Bay Area Sustainability Construction Leaders (BASCL) and the Contractor's Commitment. | |
| Cal BPS Peer Learning Collaborative Meeting [invite only] | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Two fun and interactive hours of networking, connection, conversation, and thought leadership on major topics involving all things benchmarking, decarbonization, and high-performance buildings. |
| CASE Luncheon [invite only] | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Join the California Alliance of Sustainability Executives for an invite-only lunch with sustainability peers. |
| Find your Green Career! Career Fair | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Emerging professionals and recent graduates - join us for a Green Building Career Fair on May 27, 2025 at UC Berkeley. While there are economic headwinds in the construction industry, there is still tremendous opportunity for retrofitting existing buildings as California continues to strive to decarbonize its built environment. Architects, engineers, construction managers, project managers, energy analysts, and sustainability professionals are in high demand. Learn how to position yourself for the current job market, gain industry-recognized certifications and professional experience to have a meaningful and successful career in the green building sector. On May 27 from 3-5pm, USGBC-CA will bring together employers in the architecture, engineering, construction, sustainability and renewable energy sectors with job seekers to learn about current job opportunities, internships, and industry certifications, and professional development. The Green Building Career Fair will feature local and California-wide employers, career coaches, resume review, mock interviews, and more! |
| California Green Building Conference Launch Party | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Ready, Set… Celebrate! Heading to the Bay Area for the California Green Building Conference? Turn your trip into more than a conference—it’s your chance to kick off an unforgettable experience. Join us for an exclusive Happy Hour Celebration. Mingle with Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers, and fellow sustainability leaders while enjoying flavorful vegetarian bites and a hosted selection of wine, craft beer, and signature cocktails. This isn’t just a pre-event gathering—it’s your first step into the future of green building, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. 🌱 Make the trip. Make the connections. Make an impact. We can’t wait to welcome you! |
Abstract Submissions is Now Closed
Imagine your work inspiring hundreds of architects, designers, and sustainability leaders to rethink how we build, connect, and create resilient communities. The California Green Building Conference 2026 is the stage for your vision.
We’re looking for forward-thinking sessions that challenge the status quo, spark meaningful conversations, and provide actionable insights that attendees can take back to their offices, projects, and communities. Whether it’s a case study, a deep dive session, or a table talk, your ideas can leave a lasting impact on how California—and the world—approaches green building.
Why Submit?
-
Share your innovative solutions and research with a passionate audience.
-
Connect with a network of like-minded professionals and potential collaborators.
-
Influence the future of sustainable building practices.
-
Gain recognition as a thought leader in the green building community.
The submission deadline is January 19, 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of sustainable design.
California Product & Civic Leadership Awards
The nominations for the Product Awards and Civic Leadership Awards are now open!
Join us at the conference to celebrate outstanding achievements in sustainability, green building, and innovative products that are making a difference.
Product Awards
Product Awards
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.
Civic Leadership Awards
Civic Leadership Awards
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 Future of Water: Architectural Design Challenge (ADC)
Application is now closed.
How can we design homes that use water and energy more intelligently, without sacrificing comfort or beauty?
The Future of Water: Architectural Design Challenge (ADC) invites architects, designers, engineers, and students to envision residential spaces that advance a water-positive future.
🏆 Winners will be announced live at the California Green Building Conference on May 28, 2026, where they’ll receive free admission and the opportunity to be featured during the event among industry leaders and change makers shaping California’s built environment.
Challenge Timeline:
-
Applications Open: September 24, 2025 - December 12, 2025
-
Design Phase: December 18, 2025 – February 15, 2026
-
Finalists Announced: March 30, 2026
-
Winners Announced: May 28, 2026 at CGBC
The application deadline is December 5, 2025.
📢 Know a student, colleague, or firm pushing boundaries in sustainable design? Spread the word to help them join the movement.
Voices of Experience: Testimonials From Our Past Exhibitors
About the Venue
The University of California was founded in 1868, born out of a vision in the State Constitution of a university that would “contribute even more than California’s gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations.” Named after the Anglo-Irish philosopher George Berkeley, UC Berkeley is the state's first land-grant university and the founding campus of the University of California system.
Designed by Vernon De Mars and completed in 1961, the Martin Luther King Jr. Building stands both as a reminder of Dr. King’s courageous advocacy and as an inspiration for leadership within our community. Renovated in 2015 the building now blends the best of mid-century modernism with all the contemporary amenities necessary such as environmentally sustainable features, complete ADA accessibility, and LEED Gold certification.
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 Annual Sponsors!
As a nonprofit organization, USGBC-CA relies on the generosity of supporters like you to continue advancing our mission. If you’ve found value in this event, please consider making a donation. Every contribution helps us create more opportunities, resources, and community connections.