Lloyd Alter

Decades of research, proven building practices, and growing knowledge about how to reduce carbon and improve housing affordability exist. So why is putting that knowledge into practice still so difficult? Professor and decarbonization authority Lloyd Alter challenges the assumptions behind how we build, while Sarah Cipkar brings the perspective of someone who studied the housing problem, set out to build a home, and learned firsthand what it takes. Together, they explore the gap between what we know and what we do—and how sharing knowledge can help create better outcomes for businesses, people, and the planet. The conversation questions established assumptions about housing, materials, energy, and the way buildings are delivered. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to connect building science and decarbonization to the practical decisions that influence cost, performance, and environmental impact; identify opportunities to apply proven knowledge to create better housing