NZ26 2026 Call for Abstracts Now Closed
Our 2026 Call for Abstracts has now closed. Subscribe to our mailing list to avoid missing future event updates and deadlines.
2026 Submission Guidelines
The Net Zero Conference abstract submission process is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of approximately 20%, as our speaking opportunities provide valuable access and visibility to leaders in the climate space. Please follow the guidelines below to increase your chances of submitting a successful abstract:
- All abstracts must be submitted online through the Net Zero Conference website. Emailed, faxed, or mailed proposals will not be accepted.
- All complete proposals must be submitted, with all speakers’ details confirmed, and all program policies accepted, by Friday, April 10, 2026 by 11:59 pm PST. To increase the quality of abstracts received and decrease duplicate proposal submissions, the proposal submitter will be charged a one-time processing fee of $25 for each proposal submitted.
- We are committed to a speaker lineup comprised of at least 50% women and 50% people of color. Please strongly consider this when assembling your panel as this is a highly valued component of successful applicants and is heavily weighted in your overall score.
- All abstract submissions must include a minimum of 2 speakers.
- Speaker panels are limited to 5 people or less. Please contact staff at hello@verdicalgroup.com to inquire about exceptions.
All sessions will be presented in person; no proposals for virtual presentations will be accepted.
Selected speakers will receive 50% off their conference pass for themselves and a plus one.
General Session Information: All speaking slots are 45 minutes. This includes time for Q&A. Please plan accordingly.
- Name
- Title
- Company or organization
- Phone Number
- Location
- Gender
- Race
125 words max
- Carbon
- Climate
- Equity
- ESG
- Net Zero
- Resilience
- Biomimicry
- Biophilia
- Built Environment
- Design
- Energy
- Health & Wellness
- Materials
- Technology
- Transportation
- Urbanism
- Waste
- Water
Please provide 3
- Debate
- Lecture
- Rapid Fire
- Panel
- Structured Discussion
Please specify which one(s).
MEET OUR 2026 Abstract Review Committee
Amy Musanti
Director of Sustainable Building Solutions, ASSA ABLOY
Amy Musanti
Director of Sustainable Building Solutions, ASSA ABLOYAmy Musanti is the Director of Sustainable Building Solutions for ASSA ABLOY in New Haven, Connecticut. Amy joined ASSA ABLOY in 2007 and has held many positions across multiple divisions, including customer service, marketing, sales, and sustainability. She supports the group’s sustainable products and processes. Amy provides business opportunities using ASSA ABLOY solutions that contribute to energy efficiency and wellness in commercial, residential, and institutional construction. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Information Technology from Monmouth University in New Jersey and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, where she serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business.
Ashley Besic
Manager of Thermal Energy Networks, Building Decarbonization Coalition
Ashley Besic
Manager of Thermal Energy Networks, Building Decarbonization CoalitionAshley, the Manager of Thermal Energy Networks at the Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC), is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving impactful change. Leading initiatives that engage policymakers, the building industry, and consumers, she pioneers zero-emission lifestyle solutions, aiming to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels and significantly reduce climate pollution. In collaboration with the team, Ashley plays a pivotal role in convening state policymakers, manufacturers, and industry associations, working towards a comprehensive strategy for the phased transition away from gas appliances and implementing BDC's thermal network coalition organizing activities across the U.S. Additionally, Ashley oversees the Making Equity Real process, integrating equity considerations into all stages of project development and execution, ensuring that equity metrics and goals are established, tracked, and met across all TENs activities, and advocating for equitable practices and policies within the organization and among stakeholders. They manage the day-to-day operations of the National TENs Coalition. Acknowledged for her ability to solicit feedback and represent BDC's interests in national dialogues, Ashley serves as a relationship manager for critical stakeholder groups. Before her impactful tenure at BDC, she led the implementation of the ULI Net Zero Imperative and played a key role in establishing sustainability initiatives at LivCor, showcasing her passion and precision. Ashley holds a Master of Science in Real Estate and a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies, along with certifications as a LEED Green Associate, Fitwel Ambassador, and Green Globes Emerging Professional.
David Biello
Head Curator, TED Countdown
David Biello
Head Curator, TED CountdownDAVID BIELLO is the curator for TED Countdown, helping amplify solutions to global warming, accelerate action against climate change, and change the narrative around this crisis from doom and despair to actionable hope. He also serves as science curator at TED, working on talks featuring ideas from astronomy to zoology, including using gene drives to combat malaria, the mRNA revolution in vaccines, and the real impacts of sexual health restrictions. As part of his duties, he has helped judge and prepare finalists for TED’s Audacious Project, a philanthropic effort to pair compelling ideas with the funds to make an impact, including harnessing AI to develop new antibiotics and how to reduce vaccine spoilage. Prior to joining TED, he has been an award-winning journalist. He has been reporting on the environment and energy since 1999—long enough to be cynical but not long enough to be depressed—and wrote for outlets ranging from Scientific American to The New York Times. He also hosted the duPont-Columbia award-winning documentary Beyond the Light Switch as well as The Ethanol Effect for PBS. And he is the author of the book The Unnatural World: The Race to Remake Civilization in Earth’s Newest Age, an Editor’s Pick of The New York Times Book Review. He received a BA in English from Wesleyan University and a MS in Journalism from Columbia University. He currently lives with his children between a Olmsted-designed park and a world-famous graveyard in Brooklyn.
Frank Schwamborn
Senior Energy Engineer, Arup
Frank Schwamborn
Senior Energy Engineer, ArupWith extensive expertise in building decarbonization, Frank Schwamborn is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering operating costs, and strengthening energy security. His broad skill set encompasses HVAC design for healthcare and commercial facilities, performance modeling for district energy systems and life science buildings, and consulting on pharmaceutical and educational projects. Frank takes a comprehensive approach, incorporating life cycle costing, energy tariff analysis, daylight analysis, and assessments of embodied carbon into his work. Currently, he is advancing research in energy economics, focusing on how electrification impacts energy equity and affordability, as well as examining the cost benefits of grid harmonization. Through his efforts, Frank is helping shape the future of sustainable, equitable, and high-performance built environments.
Hani Hadadzadegan
Senior Energy Analyst, Verdical Group
Hani Hadadzadegan
Senior Energy Analyst, Verdical GroupHani is a Senior Energy Analyst III at Verdical Group. He specializes in building performance modeling and sustainability consulting, contributing to high-performance projects pursuing certifications such as LEED, CHPS, and AIA 2030. His expertise spans energy modeling, daylight analysis, life-cycle assessment (LCA), and regenerative design strategies aimed at decarbonizing the built environment. Before joining Verdical Group, Hani worked as a Building Performance Specialist and Regenerative Design Leader, leading simulation-driven design studies and LCA documentation for multiple residential and commercial developments. He also brings architectural design experience from his early career, supporting 2D/3D modeling, environmental analysis, and construction detailing across diverse project types. Hani holds a Master’s degree in Architectural and Energy Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University (National University of Iran). He has presented his research at international conferences, including IBPSA-USA SimBuild 2024, and published several academic articles on sustainable design and thermal performance in architecture. Outside of work, Hani enjoys photography, hiking, traveling, and exploring new technologies in artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP
Design Lead and Project Manager, Practice
Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP
Design Lead and Project Manager, PracticeIsmar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP, works at the intersection of sustainability, equity, housing, and education. With nearly two decades of experience, he is committed to addressing the housing and climate crises by promoting socially inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities. Beyond his design work, Ismar supports academic initiatives that have helped secure over $250,000 in scholarships. He advocates for affordable, equitable, and inclusive housing by working with organizations at the local, state, and national levels. As a Commissioner for the Community Development Department in Long Beach, Ismar contributes to shaping local policies and initiatives. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects, both the Los Angeles and California chapters, and the William J. Worthen Foundation, where he works on efforts related to carbon neutrality, resiliency, climate justice, and equity. His efforts extend beyond California, contributing to policy and advocacy initiatives across the U.S.
Kai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA
Partner, BIG
Kai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA
Partner, BIGKai-Uwe Bergmann, FAIA is a Partner at BIG who brings his architectural expertise to proposals around the globe, including work in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Kai-Uwe heads up BIG's business development--which currently has the office working in over 40 different countries. He also oversees BIG's Urban scales projects and supports BIG’s Landscape projects. He is registered as an architect in the USA (15 states) and Canada. Kai-Uwe most recently contributed to the resiliency plan BIG U to protect 10 miles of Manhattan's coastline. First envisioned through the Rebuild by Design competition to develop proactive responses to Superstorm Sandy, it is now being constructed with a completion date in 2026. Further projects include Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Queens Park, Smithsonian Master Plan, Pittsburgh Master Plan and Miami Beach Square. He complements his professional work through previous teaching assignments at Georgia Tech, University of Pennsylvania, IE University in Madrid, and his alma mater the University of Virginia. Kai-Uwe formerly was on the Board of the Van Alen Institute, participates on numerous international juries and lectures globally on the works of BIG.
Kyle Pickett
Senior Project Manager, Community Initiatives, USGBC California
Kyle Pickett
Senior Project Manager, Community Initiatives, USGBC CaliforniaKyle Pickett is the Senior Project Manager, Community Initiatives with USGBC California, where he plays a hands-on leadership role advancing high-impact initiatives that connect strategy to real-world outcomes in the built environment. As part of the organization’s new eXperience team, Kyle serves as a steward, builder, and “quarterback” for cross-cutting efforts that support the California Alliance of Sustainability Executives (CASE), the Contractor’s Commitment, and the development and dissemination of best practice guides, case studies, and demystified technical resources. His work spans water stewardship, thought leadership amplification, and the coordination of strategic initiatives that strengthen industry alignment and accelerate climate action. Across his career, Kyle has been known for translating complex technical and policy concepts into accessible, actionable tools—aligning mission, partnerships, and execution to deliver measurable impact. He brings more than a decade of experience working across architecture, real estate, and nonprofit sectors, and is a trusted collaborator to executives, practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams. Kyle is also the Co-founder, Board Advisor, and VP Emeritus of the William Worthen Foundation, where he helped shape an organization focused on research and public outreach around the performance and beauty of the built environment. The Foundation produced the award-winning Water Reuse Practice Guide and the seven-volume Building Decarbonization Practice Guide, reflecting Kyle’s long-standing commitment to practical, field-ready solutions. Previously, Kyle led leadership and market development at New Buildings Institute, overseeing the Getting to Zero Forum in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Institute, and co-founded Urban Fabrick, Inc., where he built and led West Coast operations and helped establish the firm’s reputation for inclusive training and successful sustainability project delivery.
Francisco Brown
Senior Editor and Engagement Manager, Metropolis Magazine
Francisco Brown
Senior Editor and Engagement Manager, Metropolis MagazineFrancisco 'Pancho' Brown is Senior Editor and Engagement Manager at METROPOLIS magazine. Pancho is also a correspondent for the Mexico-based Arquine Magazine and co-founder of MICROPOLITAN studio, a multidisciplinary art and design collective. He serves on the Steering Committee for US Architects Declare and the Harvard Graduate School of Design Alumni Council. Pancho is an Associate AIA and a guest Lecturer at Cornell's School of Architecture.
Ruby Rose Yepez
New Construction Senior Advisor, Southern California Edison
Ruby Rose Yepez
New Construction Senior Advisor, Southern California EdisonRuby Rose Yepez is a seasoned building industry professional with 15+ years of experience specializing in building science and sustainability. She is a Senior Advisor with Southern California Edison, supporting builders, developers, and national customers in accelerating decarbonization and high performance new construction. Ruby earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona—where she now serves on the Alumni Association Board—and has completed a Master’s in Public Administration. She is passionate about energy efficiency and creating healthy, sustainable communities. Ruby holds multiple credentials, including LEED AP BD+C, Certified Energy Analyst, and Homes/GreenPoint Rated Green Rater. She has certified more than 30 affordable housing developments as LEED or GreenPoint Rated and continues to champion programs that reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. Her community leadership includes service as a Planning Commissioner for the City of South El Monte and as a School Board Trustee for the Valle Lindo School District. She has also contributed on boards and committees such as USGBC LA, the California Association of Building Energy Consultants, the Building Industry Association/Professional Women in Building, and SCE’s Latino Business Resource Group.
Sara Neff
Partner/General Manager, Sustainability, Cloud Operations & Innovation, Microsoft
Sara Neff
Partner/General Manager, Sustainability, Cloud Operations & Innovation, MicrosoftSara Neff is the Partner/General Manager for Sustainability and ESG for the Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation team, where she is helping its data center fleet meet Microsoft's ambitious goals of achieving carbon negative, water positive, zero waste, and the protection of more land than it uses by 2030. Prior to that, she served as Head of Sustainability for the Americas for Lendlease. In both 2022 and 2023, under her leadership Lendlease earned the top residential score in the Americas on GRESB and multiple green leasing awards from the Institute for Market Transformation. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President, Sustainability at Kilroy, where she helped the company achieve carbon neutral operations in 2020. Ms. Neff serves on the Dynamo Energy Hub Advisory Board in addition to the FIBRA Macquarie Technical Committee. She has been named a Los Angeles Woman of Influence by the Los Angeles Business Journal, a 40 under 40 awardee by ULI, a Los Angeles Power Woman in Real Estate by Bisnow, a Women in Sustainability Leader by Green Building & Design magazine, a Woman of Influence by Globe St Real Estate Forum, a Best in Building Health awardee by the Center for Active Design, and was the recipient of NAREIT’s 2020 Leader in the Light Leadership Personified award, an award that recognizes achievement in sustainability. She is a LEED Fellow and holds a BS from Stanford and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Sonam Shah
Associate Principal, Introba
Sonam Shah
Associate Principal, IntrobaSonam Shah is an Associate Principal in the Energy Strategy practice at Introba. She brings nearly 15 years of experience across consulting and client-side roles, specializing in portfolio-scale decarbonization, energy assessments, electrification of thermal infrastructure, and optimization of storage and renewables for cost-effective grid integration. Prior to joining Introba, Sonam worked as a Building Systems Lead in Google's real estate and workplace services group, where she advanced sustainable and resilient design strategies at scale. Sonam approaches each project through the lens of holistic, high-performance design- bridging planning, implementation, and long-term operations. A licensed mechanical engineer, she draws on her technical foundation to deliver low-carbon, energy-efficient, scalable, and resilient solutions. Sonam is based in Oakland, California.
Will Norten
Senior Sustainability Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School District
Will Norten
Senior Sustainability Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School DistrictWill Norten is a Senior Sustainability Specialist with the Los Angeles Unified School District, with over a decade of experience managing green building projects. He has a proven ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into clear, accessible language for a broad range of stakeholders, including elected officials, students, and building design professionals. Will has led more than 50 green building certification projects and secured over $2 million in incentives through partnerships with local utilities and agencies. Currently, Will is spearheading LAUSD’s transition from Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as the District’s school design and construction standard. His recent projects also include overseeing recycled water initiatives, emerging technology pilot programs, and transportation electrification projects at the District.
