Sustainability Summit Schedule

June 4-5, 2024, Minneapolis

The 2024 Sustainability Summit will take place in Minneapolis on June 4-5. Schedule and agenda information will be provided here as soon as it's available.

Review the sessions and topics from the 2023 NAR Sustainability Summit in Austin, Texas, below, or view the digital program.

Monday, September 11

6:00—7:30 pm Welcome Networking Reception at Hyatt Regency Austin

Meet and mingle with attendees from around the country at this welcome reception in the Hyatt Regency Austin! Appetizers and drinks will be served.

Tuesday, September 12

9:30—11:30 am Optional Field Experience “Innovate Austin – Tour of Austin’s Green Landmarks” – SOLD OUT

This walking tour will explore the innovative designs and environmentally conscious features of prominent buildings in the heart of Austin. This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity for an inside look at how these buildings contribute to the city's efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and creates a sustainable living environment, protecting Austin's quality of life now and for future generations.

(Note: this event is separate from the Summit registration cost)

10:30 – 11:30am Optional Walking Tour: “Exploring Sustainability - Hyatt Regency Austin”

Sustainability is not just interwoven into your stay and experience here at the Sustainability Summit; it is incorporated throughout the hotel property. Experience the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, TX like never before with our exclusive Sustainability Tour! Join this 60-minute walking tour throughout the hotel to witness innovation and sustainability seamlessly intertwined, setting new standards in eco-conscious hospitality.

12:00 pm Lunch

1:00 pm Welcome Address: The State of Sustainability at the National Association of REALTORS®

  • Jennifer Wauhob, 2023 Vice President Association Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®
  • Tracy Kasper, 2023-2024 President, National Association of REALTORS®

1:15 pm Sustainability Market Update

  • Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research, National Association of REALTORS®

This session will provide indicators of sustainability trends in the current real estate market and explore where the market is headed. It will also cover how buyers and sellers are facing the changing preferences for healthier, more sustainable options in their homes and communities.

1:40 pm Climate Risk & The Built Environment

  • Kent David, Senior Leader, Analytic Consulting at CoreLogic
  • Rod Helm, 2023 Sustainability Advisory Group Chair and REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Gain comprehensive insights into the diverse range of climate risks that can impact the built environment, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting patterns of temperature and precipitation. Learn how these risks can impact property values, insurance costs, and long-term viability, and explore solutions for the market.

2:20 pm Sustainability, Segregation, and Environmental Justice

  • Laurie Benner, Associate Vice President of Housing & Community Development at the National Fair Housing Alliance

This enlightening session invites you to explore how your work can be a catalyst for positive social change. In an era where addressing systemic disparities is paramount, this session serves as a platform to engage in thought-provoking discussions on how sustainable real estate practices can drive equitable development and foster environmental justice. It's an opportunity to empower your practice with insights that transcend traditional boundaries, fostering communities that thrive economically, environmentally, and socially.

3:00 pm Networking Break

3:20 pm Financing Resilient and High Performing Homes

  • Kerry Langley, Vice President/Senior Loan Officer & HERS Associate at PrimeLending, a Plains Capital Company.

Delve into the innovative financing models and strategies that are propelling the shift towards homes that not only embrace sustainable practices, but also stand strong against the challenges of a changing world. Explore case studies and expert insights to discover how to navigate the financial landscape and create homes that offer long-term value, reduced operational costs, and a more sustainable future for homeowners and communities alike.

3:45 pm Innovation in Sustainable Construction – What You Need to Know

  • Todd Usher, President & Visionary of Addison Homes

This session will cover some of the most popular practices in sustainable construction, where innovation meets environmental consciousness. Explore some of the latest innovations in building materials, technologies and systems that promote sustainability and can bring cost savings and health benefits to homes, homeowners, and communities. Through easily understandable illustrations and explorations, we will focus on the numerous client benefits and relative costs of each.

4:15 pm Partnerships, Policy and Property

  • Cullum Clark, Director, George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative & Adjunct Professor, SMU

Unlock the power of collaboration and policy alignment in driving sustainable real estate innovation! Join us for an engaging session that delves into the dynamic interplay between Partnerships, Policy, and Property in the realm of sustainability. In an era where environmental concerns and energy efficiency needs only continue to grow, this session explores the immense potential that arises at the intersection of public and private sectors.

4:50 pm Closing Remarks

  • Jennifer Wauhob, 2023 Vice President Association Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®

6:00—9:00 pm Opening Reception at Umlauf Sculpture Garden

Celebrate, relax, and recharge after the first day of Sustainability Summit sessions with fellow attendees as the sun sets at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden. Wander amongst the artwork at this stunning outdoor venue, enjoying Austin-inspired food, beverages and live music.

Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the Hyatt Regency Austin during this reception.

Wednesday, September 13

8:00—9:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Welcome & Keynote Address

  • Jennifer Wauhob, 2023 Vice President Association Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®
  • Andrew Winston, Global Thought Leader and Best-Selling Author on Strategy and Sustainability

10:00 am Electrification: Unplugging the Pros and Cons

  • Wayne Beals, Managing Broker with The Beals Group at EXIT Strategy Realty
  • Kristen Weida, Association Executive, Bloomington Association of REALTORS®
  • John Rosshirt, 2023 NAR Sustainability Advisory Group Vice Chair and Broker at Stanberry REALTORS®

Join us for this fireside chat as we delve into the complexities of electrification in real estate. Speakers will share case studies, market insights, and innovative strategies that highlight the advantages and potential pitfalls of this transformative shift. Together, we will explore how electrification can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for homes and communities in the real estate industry.

10:35 am Gateway to Greater Value and More Accurate Appraisals

Greater value for homes with green features is achieved when the entire real estate ecosystem works together. REALTORS® are the gateway to making the most headway by promoting the features in marketing and populating the search MLS fields. Appraised values may be positively or negatively affected by the MLS marketing of properties. This session will empower you with resources to enhance your knowledge and marketing of homes with green features.

11:00 am Networking Break

11:20 am Riding the Wave: Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate — Trends, Strategies and Impacts

  • John Saxon, Chief of Staff, Howard Hughes Corporation

11:45 am Sustainability Engagement with Past, Present, and Future Clients

  • Craig Foley, Chief Sustainability Officer for LAER Realty Partners

The demand for sustainability in the real estate industry is rapidly increasing and understanding the significance of incorporating sustainability into our business practices will not only contribute to a more sustainable future, but can also benefit our clients and the industry as a whole. During this session, discover the crucial impact of the accurate valuation of homes with high-performance home features, climate risk, and powerful tax incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy property improvements before, during, and after the point of sale that make sense for our business and our industry. By leveraging these incentives, real estate agents can provide their clients with a competitive edge in the market, increasing the desirability and value of their properties.

12:10 pm Lunch


Book Signing with Keynote Speaker Andrew Winston

Andrew's book Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take is available for preorder here.


1:10 pm Innovation and Decarbonization in America’s Neighborhoods

  • Carina Bracer, Director of Conservation Finance and Natural Climate Solutions, National Forest Foundation
  • Billy Stanbery, Research Professor at Colorado School of Mines
  • Conn Fraser, Green Building and Sustainability Consultant Sr at Austin Energy
  • Todd Shipman, Immediate Past Chair, NAR Sustainability Advisory Group, and Associate Broker at Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty

Hear the latest thought leadership on bridging the natural and built environments to bring the benefits of sustainability and decarbonization to homeowners. This panel will offer a specific look at the Mueller Community in Austin, Texas, and discuss creative approaches to neighborhoods and communities that promote accessibility, connectivity and decarbonization strategies. Uncover the many diverse ways in which urban and suburban areas can draw advantages from forests and urban tree coverage.

1:45 pm Inflation Reduction Act Rebates & Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act will bring increased visibility to high-performing, energy-efficient homes in the market, impacting the way we market listings and advise buyers. Homeowners will be incentivized to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes, and agents can be the resource for their clients to utilize those programs effectively. Millennial homeowners, as the largest percentage of the market, spend four times as much as other generations on home improvements, with an emphasis on smart devices and energy efficiency. This session will provide a clear picture of what agents need to understand and how to cater to these priorities.

2:30 pm Closing Remarks

  • Jennifer Wauhob, 2023 Vice President Association Affairs, National Association of REALTORS®

The Sustainability Summit agenda includes real estate sustainability sessions like:

IRA Rebates and Incentives

Discover the opportunities to help clients offset costs and increase access to green improvements

Electrification - Pros and Cons

Understand the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to cleaner energy

Data at the MLS

Maximize the value of your clients’ sustainable home improvements

Sustainability Policy and the Built Environment

Better understand the impact of state and local policy on community growth and opportunities

Affordable Housing Options and Sustainability

Explore sustainable solutions to housing affordability

Green Financing

Guide your clients with innovative financing options that go beyond PITI and promote efficiency and resilience

Best Practices in Sustainability Transactions

Navigate the Do’s and Don'ts to best represent a home’s green features

Green Features and Home Value

Stay informed on the most desirable green features based on client interest