Every year, thousands of industry experts, professionals, and enthusiasts gather at the Greenbuild Conference and Expo, presented in partnership with the US Green Building Council. From education to networking and hands-on workshops, this event is a catalyst for growth and innovation in the green building sector.
This year, Work in Mind was thrilled to attend in Philadelphia, USA as a Media Supported and absorb key insights. Here are some of our highlights:
Greenwash is penetrating the supply chain at all levels
The risks and visibility of misleading green claims, also known as greenwashing, are at an all-time high, affecting industries from airlines to financial institutions. This year, conversations on this pressing issue resonated throughout Greenbuild, featuring insights from leaders at Marriott, other major corporations, and sustainability experts.
Our Content Manager, Sophie Crossley, attended the “7 Sins of Greenwashing” session, where experts shared actionable strategies to combat greenwashing across the supply chain, from manufacturers to end users. The panellists represented manufacturers, specifiers, and end users, pointing to the fact that greenwash is a concern that’s echoed throughout the entire supply chain. But, for the most part, highest demand is coming from end-users.
Addressing greenwash is central to the our ethos of our parent company, Content Coms, and we’re proud to continue these conversations with resources like our Anti-Greenwash Playbook: Second Edition. If you’re navigating the complexities of communication your sustainability journey, this guide is an invaluable resource.
Working together is the key to progress
A recurring theme across sessions and discussions was the value of collaboration. From architects to sustainability officers, and even policy advocates, many speakers emphasised that solving today’s climate and sustainability challenges requires partnerships across industries and disciplines. Innovation thrives when diverse voices come together to create solutions that benefit everyone, from global organisations to local communities.
With thousands of attendees from across the country and across the globe, Greenbuild served as a space for the cross-pollination of many ideas and conversations across sectors and supply chain.
Up-and-coming: LEEDv5
Upcoming release of LEED v5, excitement was palpable in workshops and roundtables, where attendees explored the practical implications of this updated rating system. LEED v5 adopts a globally adaptable, lifecycle-focused approach, prioritising decarbonisation, resilience, equity, and occupant wellbeing. Its scoring framework emphasises:
- Climate action (50%)
- Quality of life (25%)
- Ecological conservation and restoration (25%)
With new prerequisites for climate resilience, social impact, and carbon projection, LEED v5 reflects the evolving demands of sustainable building. The release of LEED v5 in 2025 promises to redefine green building standards, and Greenbuild attendees were eager to dive into the details.
IAQ as a trend: Out of sight, out of mind?
In the United States, indoor air quality (IAQ) continues to be a hot topic, especially in commercial properties and schools, which are increasingly investing in IAQ improvements. However, some industry leaders raised concerns about whether the momentum for IAQ innovations has waned since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greenbuild highlighted promising case studies and solutions, but it’s clear the industry must remain committed to keeping IAQ top of mind. We’re eager to see how this vital trend evolves in the coming years.
Book your Greenbuild 2025 ticket – it’s worth it
Greenbuild 2025 is already on our radar, and we highly recommend attending if you’re passionate about the intersection of buildings, sustainability, and human health. This year’s event was energising and inspirational—a reminder that, together, we can build a greener, healthier future.
Content Team
Work in Mind is a content platform designed to give a voice to thinkers, businesses, journalists and regulatory bodies in the field of healthy buildings.
