Verdical Group's Net Zero Conference Enters 12th Year as Climate Action Movement Expands

Drew Shula, Founder and CEO of Verdical Group, discussed the evolution and significance of the Net Zero Conference as it prepares for its twelfth annual event on October 1, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The conference, which began as an educational event for green building professionals, has grown into a major movement addressing climate change through sustainable design and decarbonization strategies.

Verdical Group launched the Net Zero Conference twelve years ago to educate the green building community about net zero design, a concept that was relatively novel at the time. The initial event attracted several hundred sustainability professionals, signaling strong interest in decarbonization initiatives. The conference has since expanded beyond the building industry to include topics such as Biomimicry, Biophilia, Built Environment, Design, Energy, Health & Wellness, Materials, Technology, Transportation, Urbanism, Waste, and Water. This year's event will feature keynotes from Joel Cesare (Growth Lead, Cambio), Leah Thomas (Environmentalist), Nalleli Cobo (Environmental Activist), and Michael Ford (The Hip Hop Architecture Camp), along with educational sessions, an expo hall showcasing decarbonization technologies, and the Trailblazer Awards Ceremony.

Verdical Group, a sustainability consulting firm, supports organizations and projects focused on decarbonizing the built environment. The firm provides services including green building certifications, project management, engineering, and sustainable events, working with clients such as NASA, Google, Johnson & Johnson, LAX, Meta, and Apple. Incorporated as a Benefit Corporation in California and certified as a high-scoring B Corporation, Verdical Group meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance. As a 1% for the Planet Member Company, it donates 1% of annual revenue to environmental nonprofits.

Shula emphasized the timeliness of the conference, noting that climate change is a global issue requiring collective action. He referenced his recent attendance at a TED Countdown event in Nairobi, Kenya, which reinforced the importance of individual contributions to global impact. The Net Zero Conference serves as a hub for industry professionals to bridge knowledge gaps and collaborate on solutions, even amid political challenges. The event's focus on creating positive change in buildings, businesses, and cities underscores its relevance for advancing a net zero future.

The implications of this announcement are significant for the building industry and broader sustainability efforts. As decarbonization becomes increasingly critical, events like the Net Zero Conference provide essential platforms for knowledge sharing and innovation. The conference's growth reflects a shifting industry mindset toward sustainable practices, potentially influencing policy, corporate strategies, and environmental outcomes worldwide.