hello@verdicalgroup.com, Author at Net Zero Conference

August 25, 2026 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Meet the Final Addition to the NZ26 Keynote Lineup

We’re proud to welcome Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President of Climate Change at World Wildlife Fund, to the 2026 Net Zero Conference as our final keynote speaker. Marcene advances WWF’s U.S. and global climate agenda, strengthening connections between climate mitigation and resilience…

August 18, 2026 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Meet the NZ26 Trailblazer Award Nominees in Metropolis Magazine

We’re pleased to announce our new cohort of Trailblazer Award nominees! Each year, we celebrate interdisciplinary leaders who are making a positive impact on people and the environment. The awards will take place as part of the 2026 Net Zero Conference on…

August 10, 2026 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

The Future of Space Architecture: New Keynote Panel

The future of architecture may be far beyond Earth. Join us at the 2026 Net Zero Conference to hear from space engineers exploring the bold ideas and groundbreaking challenges of designing for life beyond our planet. You’ve probably heard about the International…

July 27, 2026 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

The First Keynote for NZ26 Is a Major Voice in Climate Action

We’re honored to welcome a powerful voice for climate action and environmental justice to the 2026 Net Zero Conference: Loren Blackford, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. For more than three decades, Loren has advanced climate solutions, justice, and democracy by strengthening local…

July 10, 2026 News

Introducing Our Emmy Award-Winning Emcee for 2026

We’re pleased to welcome back Emmy Award–winning environmental journalist and certified meteorologist, Sarah Pilla, as our 2026 Net Zero Conference emcee! Known for making complex climate and weather science accessible, she has spent the past seven years building Spectrum News…

June 24, 2026 News

Drew Shula Featured on Josh Dorfman’s Supercool Podcast

Verdical Group’s Founder & CEO Drew Shula was recently interviewed by climate-tech founder and media personality Josh Dorfman, whose Supercool podcast tells the stories of climate-driven companies. The pair discussed net zero design, embodied carbon, building policies, and Verdical Group’s…

June 1, 2026 Uncategorized

Net Zero Conference Announces Official PR & Media Partner for 2026

We’re excited to announce that the Net Zero Conference will be partnering with cleantech communications veteran and sustainability storyteller Kathy Berardi as this year’s official PR & Media Partner. “We’re thrilled to continue working with Kathy Berardi to spearhead the…

March 19, 2026 News

Shula Featured In ABC News & Good Morning America Story on Fossil Fuels Driving US War in Iran

Our Founder & CEO Drew Shula was featured in a recent ABC News article about how the transition to renewables could reduce international conflicts. The story was picked up by Good Morning America, Yahoo! News, MSN, and AOL. Because the…

March 10, 2026 News

Meet the 2026 Abstract Review Committee

Verdical Group is proud to introduce the Abstract Review Committee for the 2026 Net Zero Conference, a carefully selected group of nationally recognized experts in Climate, Net Zero, ESG, Equity, Carbon, and Resilience. This diverse committee will review submitted abstracts…

February 25, 2026 News

2026 Net Zero Conference Venue Announcement

Verdical Group is pleased to bring the Net Zero Conference back to the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is the City of Los Angeles’ premier convention center and conference hall. The LEED EB: O+M Gold…

February 6, 2026 News

Verdical Group Featured in PCMA: Inside the Net Zero Conference

Verdical Group’s Marketing & Events Manager, Kimmy Ngo, was recently featured in PCMA’s Convene magazine, highlighting the vision and impact behind our Net Zero Conference. In the interview, Kimmy reflects on how the event has grown from a small gathering…

October 29, 2025 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

News Coverage of LA Mayor Karen Bass Trailblazer Award Win

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was named a Trailblazer Awardee at Verdical Group’s annual Net Zero Conference, hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 1, 2025. The Los Angeles Sentinel recently covered the award, which was presented as part…

October 24, 2025 News

Metropolis Magazine Covers NZ25

Anthony Brower recently attended Verdical Group’s Net Zero Conference on behalf of Metropolis Magazine. What he found while there was a consensus that to make change at scale, we need to engage the wider AEC community and push for policy…

October 3, 2025 News

Honoring Past Keynote Speakers and Trailblazer Award Winners

Throughout the years, we have had the honor of having such incredible and influential leaders in the climate space be a part of our Net Zero Conference. We would like to recognize and thank all of our previous keynote speakers…

September 24, 2025 News

Forbes Profile on Net Zero Conference Founder Drew Shula

Forbes contributor Esha Chhabra recently interviewed Verdical Group’s Founder & CEO Drew Shula for a profile on his journey creating Verdical Group and the Net Zero Conference. The piece shares his humble beginning launching a sustainability consulting firm from his Pasadena garage, highlighting…

September 19, 2025 Uncategorized

NZ25 Keynote Shares Conference Highlights & Hope on ‘Less Talk, More Action’ Podcast

Net Zero Conference keynote Joel Cesare recently welcomed Sherrell Dorsey, who will be interviewing Joel at the event, to his ‘Less Talk, More Action’ podcast. Verdical Group’s Net Zero Conference will be hosted October 1, 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention…

September 18, 2025 News

Code Changes & Net Zero Conference Article Featured on USGBC-CA Blog

Verdical Group’s Commissioning Associate Rudy De La O recently authored a post about California’s new Title 24, Part 6 update for the U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA) blog. The article shares specifics on the more impactful changes the new…

September 15, 2025 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

NZ25 Trailblazer Nominees Announced in Metropolis Magazine

The 2025 cohort of Net Zero Conference Trailblazer nominees was announced this week in a Metropolis Magazine exclusive feature. The Trailblazer Awards are presented as part of Verdical Group’s annual Net Zero Conference, which will be hosted on October 1 at the…

September 9, 2025 News

The Hip Hop Architect Takes the Stage As NZ25’s Final Keynote

We’re excited to share that Michael Ford is the final speaker to join the amazing keynote lineup for the 2025 Net Zero Conference! Michael Ford, AIA, NOMA, NCARB—widely known as The Hip Hop Architect—has dedicated his career to increasing diversity…

August 13, 2025 News

Third Keynote Speaker Joins the Lineup for NZ25

We’re thrilled to announce that Joel Cesare will join the 2025 Net Zero Conference as our third keynote speaker! In an engaging interview-style session, Joel will be interviewed by Sherrell Dorsey, exploring bold ideas for advancing sustainability innovation. Joel Cesare is a trailblazer in…

July 15, 2025 News

Second Keynote Speaker Announced for NZ25

We’re thrilled to welcome Leah Thomas as our second keynote speaker for the 2025 Net Zero Conference! Leah Thomas is an award-winning environmentalist based in Los Angeles. A passionate advocate for the often-overlooked connection between social justice, environmentalism, and culture,…

June 23, 2025 News

First NZ25 Keynote Speaker Announced

We are pleased to announce Nalleli Cobo as our first keynote speaker for the 2025 Net Zero Conference! At just 19 years old, Nalleli led a grassroots campaign resulting in the permanent closure of a hazardous oil-drilling site in her…

March 12, 2025 News

Meet the Experts: Introducing Our 2025 Abstract Review Committee!

By: Jennifer Huang, Marketing & Business Development Intern at Verdical Group For the 2025 Net Zero Conference, Verdical Group has carefully curated an Abstract Review Committee composed of 12 highly qualified experts in climate, net zero, ESG, equity, carbon, and…

October 10, 2024 News

Metropolis Magazine Reports on “Collective Action” at NZ24

In a recent Metropolis Magazine article, Justin Wolf shared his experience at the 2024 Net Zero Conference. “The annual Net Zero Conference, now in its eleventh year, has become a go-to event where efficiency experts and design visionaries the world over gather…

September 24, 2024 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

CannonDesign Celebrates Eric Corey Freed’s Win at the 2024 Trailblazer Awards

Eric Corey Freed, Principal & Director of Sustainability at CannonDesign, took home the win for the Innovation category of the 2024 Trailblazer Awards. He leads the health-care, education, and commercial teams toward low-carbon, healthy, regenerative buildings for over 30 million…

September 4, 2024 News

AIA President to Keynote at NZ24

By: Celeste Yun Zhou, Marketing & Events Intern at Verdical Group We are pleased to announce Kimberly Dowdell as a keynote speaker for NZ24! Dowdell is currently the President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has served as…

August 27, 2024 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

NZ24 Trailblazer Nominees Announced in Metropolis Magazine

By: Celeste Yun Zhou, Marketing & Events Intern at Verdical Group The 2024 cohort of Net Zero Conference Trailblazer nominees was exclusively announced this week in a Metropolis Magazine feature. The Trailblazer Awards Gala is hosted in conjunction with Verdical Group’s annual…

August 14, 2024 News

VG’s Chelsea Anderson Joins ESJ Podcast to Talk NZ24

By: Celeste Yun Zhou, Marketing & Events Intern at Verdical Group Verdical Group’s Senior Partnerships & Events Manager was recently interviewed by Wendy Nystrom of Environmental Social Justice (ESJ) to discuss Verdical Group’s upcoming Net Zero Conference, for which ESJ is…

August 14, 2024 News

First NZ24 Keynote Speaker Announced

By: Celeste Yun Zhou, Marketing & Events Intern at Verdical Group We are pleased to announce Donnel Baird as a keynote speaker for NZ24! Donnel is the founder of BlocPower, a climate tech company based in Brooklyn, NY, that analyzes,…

June 13, 2024 News

Meet the Emmy Award-Winning Emcee of NZ24!

Sarah Yourgrau, a two-time Emmy award-winning storyteller and pioneering social anthropologist, is the visionary force behind Common Ground Studios. With over a decade of diverse media experience from Saturday Night Live to United Nations and Netflix, she's a trailblazer at…

April 16, 2024 News

The Path to Net Zero

In an article published by Metropolis Magazine, our Founder & CEO Drew Shula, was commemorated for his role as a pioneer in Net Zero architecture. The article also touches on powerful net zero projects and the Planet Positive Awards, among…

March 12, 2024 News

Meet the 2024 Abstract Review Committee

Each year, Verdical Group assembles an Abstract Review Committee comprised of a group of subject-matter experts in climate, net zero, ESG, equity, carbon, and resilience. The committee members evaluate the abstracts submitted with a focus on diverse, high quality, and…

December 21, 2023 News

2024 Net Zero Conference Venue Announcement

We are pleased to announce that our 2024 Net Zero Conference will be hosted on September 17 + 18 at the Anaheim Convention Center! Located directly across from Disneyland, the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) is consistently ranked as one of…

September 26, 2023 News

A Letter From Drew Shula, Verdical Group’s Founder & CEO

Verdical Group's Founder & CEO addresses attendees of the 2023 Net Zero Conference with a letter.

September 21, 2023 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

USGBC-LA’s ‘Net Zero Accelerator’ Company KIT SWITCH Wins Trailblazer Award

Nominated by the U.S. Green Building Council – Los Angeles, Kit Switch received an award at the 2023 Trailblazer Awards Gala. This female and minority owned small business’s mission is to create a solution for housing providers to leverage existing…

September 15, 2023 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

PR Newswire Reports on Avocado’s Leadership on Climate

Avocado, a leader in organic and eco-luxury sleep products, was honored at the 2023 Trailblazer Awards Gala. The award was presented to Jane Chen, Senior Product Manager of the brand. Chen’s current initiative is to lead Avocado from their current…

September 11, 2023 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Metropolis Magazine Shares Awardees to be Honored at NZ23 Trailblazer Awards Gala

Verdical Group announces their 2023 cohort of Trailblazer Awardees, who will be awarded at the annual Trailblazer Awards Gala.

September 8, 2023 News

Meet 2023 Trailblazer Awards Gala Keynote, Wawa Gatheru!

The 2023 Net Zero Conference is a week away, and we hope you’re getting excited because it’s time to announce our Keynote Speaker for the Trailblazer Awards Gala: Wawa Gatheru!

September 6, 2023 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

NZ23 Featured in Happy Eco News

Happy Eco News, a news outlet dedicated to promoting hope that inspires climate action, recently shared an article about Verdical Group’s 2023 Net Zero Conference.

August 30, 2023 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Innovation & Tech Today Covers NZ23

As we transition out of summer and into fall, 2023 is slowly coming to a close -- but wait, all is not lost! There is still plenty of time to ignite climate action, especially with our Net Zero Conference coming…

August 30, 2023 News

USGBC-LA Shares 5 Reasons Not to Attend the Net Zero Conference

We'll give you a hint, one of them is that you already know everything and couldn’t possibly learn things from sessions around nature-based design, occupant health, equity, new policies & trends, building a roadmap to net zero, and more.

August 28, 2023 News

New NZ23 Keynote Speakers Announced!

Excited to hear from our first two Keynote Speakers, Panama and Alex? There’s certainly more where that came from. Our next two Keynote Speakers are nothing short of incredible; we’re pleased to share that we’ll be joined by the co-founders…

August 24, 2023 News

Conference Founder Drew Shula Talks Net Zero, Climate Education on Climate Rebels Podcast

Verdical Group's Founder & CEO Drew Shula recently joined Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, the Climate Rebels Podcast, presented by Rayven.

August 21, 2023 News

First Keynote Speakers for NZ23 Announced!

Verdical Group is excited to announce that our first two Keynote Speakers for this year's Net Zero Conference are Panama Bartholomy and Alexandra Nagy!

July 19, 2023 News

Meet the Emmy Award-Winning Emcee of NZ23!

Emmy Award winner Sarah Pilla has joined the Net Zero Conference lineup as our 2022 host and emcee! Sarah is a Los Angeles-based climate reporter with Spectrum News. She primarily reports on climate, the environment, and where those two overlap…

June 8, 2023 News

2023 Net Zero Conference Venue Announcement

We are excited to be back at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) for the 2023 Net Zero Conference! Located just steps away from the Crypto.com Arena, L.A. LIVE, and the GRAMMY Museum, LACC is in the cultural, business, and entertainment mecca of…

March 6, 2023 News

Meet the 2023 Abstract Review Committee

Our History With a focus on diversity and thought leadership, our Abstract Review Committee evaluates the multitude of abstracts received in order to select the highest quality educational programming for each year’s Net Zero Conference. This year’s committee is composed…

September 29, 2022 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Outdoor Sportswire Covers Klean Kanteen’s Win at the 2022 Trailblazer Awards Gala

Jeff Cresswell and Michelle Kalberer, co-owners of Klean Kanteen, were presented an award at our 2022 Trailblazer Awards Gala to honor their work and commitment in the climate space. As a part of the annual Net Zero Conference, this award…

September 21, 2022 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Highlights Win at 2022 Trailblazer Awards

Earlier this year, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium became the first professional sports stadium in the world to achieve TRUE Precertification for zero waste. The stadium’s sustainable design was born from the vision and commitment of Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons…

September 19, 2022 News

Trailblazer Awardees Announced at NZ22 Gala

Verdical Group announced their 2022 cohort of Trailblazer Awardees at the annual Trailblazer Awards Gala on September 15, 2022. The event was held in Downtown Los Angeles at the LEED Platinum-certified South Park Center. Emmy Award-winner Sarah Pilla emceed the…

September 13, 2022 News

A Letter from Net Zero Conference Founder Drew Shula

Thank you for joining us this week at our 9th annual Net Zero Conference & Expo! The Verdical Group team and I are thrilled to have this amazing community of climate leaders joining us (in person!) to build an equitable…

September 12, 2022 News

NZ22: Where ESG and Net Zero Meet to Figure Out their Problems

The 2022 Net Zero Conference was recently featured by USGBC Los Angeles in an article by Executive Director, Ben Stapleton. USGBC Los Angeles is a sponsor of NZ22 and long time partner of the Net Zero Conference. You can hear…

August 31, 2022 News

Meet 2022 Trailblazer Awards Keynote, Lindsay Baker!

The 2022 Net Zero Conference is just two weeks away, and we hope you’re getting excited, because it’s time to announce our Keynote Speaker for the Trailblazer Awards & Gala: Lindsay Baker!

August 26, 2022 News

Meet the Emmy Award-Winning Emcee of NZ22!

Emmy Award winner Sarah Pilla has joined the Net Zero Conference lineup as our 2022 host and emcee! Sarah is a Los Angeles-based climate reporter with Spectrum News. She primarily reports on climate, the environment, and where those two overlap…

August 4, 2022 News

NZ22 Shoulder Event: Welcome Happy Hour!

Join us for our Welcome Happy Hour on Wednesday, September 14th at 6pm! We’re partnering with Arts District Brewing Company in Downtown L.A.’s historic Arts District and Good Vodka to kick off this year’s Net Zero Conference in good spirits.…

August 3, 2022 News

NZ22 Keynote Speaker Announced!

Another incredible Keynote Speaker has joined the lineup for this year’s Net Zero Conference: Lakisha Ann Woods!

August 1, 2022 News

NBI Interviews Net Zero Conference Founder Drew Shula

Verdical Group announced their 2022 cohort of Trailblazer Awardees at the annual Trailblazer Awards Gala on September 15, 2022. The event was held in Downtown Los Angeles at the LEED Platinum-certified South Park Center. Emmy Award-winner Sarah Pilla emceed the…

July 26, 2022 News

NZ22 Trailblazer Awards and Gala!

Each year, the Trailblazer Awards recognize leaders building a net zero future through the work they’re accomplishing to decarbonize our environment. The award ceremony is hosted annually as part of the Net Zero Conference.

July 20, 2022 News

First NZ22 Keynote Speaker Announced!

Meet our Net Zero 2022 Keynote speaker, Kate Williams! Kate is CEO of 1% for the Planet, a global movement that inspires action and commitment so that our planet and future generations thrive. 1% for the Planet’s global network has donated…

June 28, 2022 News

Get Ready: 2022 Net Zero Conference Program Announced!

The 2022 Net Zero Conference Program has been announced! This year's event will include educational sessions and keynotes that draw from a roster of more than 100 speakers and industry experts.

September 21, 2021 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

American Realty Advisors Celebrates Win at Trailblazer Awards Gala

American Realty Advisors published an article highlighting their win at the Net Zero Conference’s Trailblazer Awards Gala. The award was given to celebrate their Tomorrow’s Real Estate Leaders program, which is a diversity, equity, and inclusion program that offers college…

September 10, 2021 News

VG Project Manager Rebecca Ramsdale Featured in Real Leaders Magazine

Rebecca Ramsdale, a Senior Project Manager at Verdical Group, recently wrote an article for Real Leaders Magazine on the increasing importance of turning our focus to embodied carbon. The article highlights ways in which the building and construction industry, which…

May 23, 2020 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

Entegrity Celebrates Win at 2019 Trailblazer Awards Gala

The Trailblazer Awards Gala was highlighted in a new article published by Entegrity, an energy services, sustainability, and solar development company. The article commended the Net Zero Conference’s Founder and CEO Drew Shula, on his efforts to recognize what he…

September 11, 2019 News, Trailblazer Awards Gala

1% For The Planet Interviews Drew Shula About the Net Zero Conference

1% For The Planet has acknowledged the Net Zero Conference as the “largest green building event hosted annually in California and the largest net zero building event in the world,” which we are proud to have accomplished. The 1%FTP team…

Author: hello@verdicalgroup.com