Greenbuild 2024 Recap and Key Takeaways

Shive-Hattery architects, Grant Nordby and Ryan Anderson recently attended the 2024 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Philadelphia, PA. The focus at Greenbuild 2024 was clear: the built environment can and must rapidly decarbonize. From embodied carbon to resilient communities, the conference revealed actionable insights to tackle climate challenges, satisfy clients, and create a healthier world.

Every project is an opportunity to drive systemic change. Buildings intersect with critical systems—energy, transportation, water, and more — putting owners, designers, and builders in a position of influence.

Key Takeaways

1. Walkability: Building wellness into daily life

“Your ancestors didn’t go to the gym.”

Walkable communities are healthier for people and the planet. Design environments that make walking and biking practical, minimizing reliance on cars.

Prioritizing active mobility reduces emissions and creates vibrant, healthier spaces.

2. Reducing embodied carbon

Operational carbon reduction is well underway, but embodied carbon in materials like concrete and steel remains a significant challenge. Materials like mass timber and zero-carbon concrete are emerging as critical solutions.

This is sustainability’s next frontier, with room for new innovators to lead the way.

“Specifiers have 240x the purchasing power of individual consumers. When we choose lower-carbon materials, it makes a huge difference.”

— Grant Nordby, Architect + Sustainability Community of Practice Leader

3. Clients demand proof, not promises

Corporate sustainability officers are now integrating decarbonization into capital planning. Investors are no longer satisfied with greenwashing — they want measurable outcomes.

Transparency and results have become table stakes. Companies are linking sustainability to financial resilience and long-term success.

“The shift we’re seeing is incredible—clients want proof, not promises. It’s a challenge but also raises the bar for everyone in the industry.”

— Ryan Anderson, Architect + LEED AP BD+C

4. LEED v5 raises the stakes

Coming in early 2025, LEED v5 shifts the focus to decarbonization, with 50% of credits tied to carbon reduction strategies. New LEED versions will be released every five years until 2050 to match the goal of 100% embodied carbon reduction.

LEED-certified projects will increasingly set the benchmark for decarbonization. Start aligning projects now.

5. Storytelling sells sustainability

Plain language and relatable stories can win over resistant stakeholders. Highlight resilience, health and safety, and financial benefits like insurance savings.

Connecting sustainability to personal concerns — like wildfires, extreme weather, and family health — resonates deeply.

“Resilience sells. People are motivated to act when they see how their own decisions can reduce negative climate impacts in their own lives.”

— Grant Nordby, Architect | Shive-Hattery

6. Mass timber: Opportunities outweigh challenges

Mass timber is gaining momentum because it can sequester carbon, shorten construction timelines, and deliver unique aesthetics. While lifecycle emissions remain challenging to accurately estimate, sustainable sourcing and designing for reuse can maximize carbon savings.

Building with biomass is a natural climate solution that reduces reliance on carbon-intensive concrete and steel.

Exploring the city during Greenbuild 2024

What’s Next?

Immediate actions

1. Audit existing facilities: Identify low-hanging opportunities to reduce operational carbon and incorporate renewable energy.
2. Sharpen your messaging: Use storytelling to show the personal impact of sustainability.
3. Prepare for LEED v5: Begin aligning your designs with its decarbonization focus.

Long-term strategies

• Invest in innovation: Experiment with materials like mass timber and adaptive reuse solutions.
• Collaborate across disciplines: Tackle complex challenges with coalitions that unite expertise from design, operations, and leadership.
• Measure and share progress: Prove impact with data to win trust and inspire change.