East Coast Green 2026
Designing for Sustainability
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
AIA New Jersey – Committee on the Environment (COTE)
The AIA New Jersey Committee on the Environment (COTE) invites architects, designers, planners, engineers, researchers, and allied professionals to submit proposals for East Coast Green 2026 Designing for Sustainability, a two-day virtual conference focused on advancing sustainability in the built environment.
This conference explores how sustainable design strategies—at every scale—can address climate change, reduce carbon emissions, strengthen community resilience, and promote equity and well-being. We seek forward-thinking, educational presentations that share practical strategies, research, and real-world case studies that support a more sustainable future.
Event Details
Dates:
Friday, July 10, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Format: Virtual Conference (Zoom)
Location: Online
Schedule: Two separate full-day programs
Topics of Interest (including, but not limited to):
- Sustainable Design Strategies
Proven approaches and case studies that improve environmental performance and long-term value. - Decarbonization & Climate Action
Net-zero and low-carbon design, electrification, embodied carbon reduction, and life-cycle analysis. - Resilience & Climate Adaptation
Designing for extreme weather, disaster preparedness, and long-term climate impacts. - Equity, Inclusion & Environmental Justice
Sustainable design strategies that advance social equity and community well-being. - Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency
Adaptive reuse, material reuse, waste reduction, and design for flexibility. - Health, Wellness & Sustainability
The intersection of environmental performance, indoor environmental quality, and occupant health. - Green Infrastructure & Ecosystem Integration
Biodiversity, sustainable water systems, and urban ecological strategies. - Emerging Tools & Technologies
Data-driven design, digital tools, AI, and performance modeling for sustainable outcomes.
Conference Theme
Designing a Low-Carbon, Resilient, and Equitable Built Environment
As sustainability moves from aspiration to obligation, architects play a critical role in shaping healthier communities and a more resilient planet. This conference highlights approaches that integrate environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term performance into architectural and planning practice.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome submissions from professionals and thought leaders across disciplines, including architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, engineering, planning, research, policy, and academia. Interdisciplinary and collaborative presentations are strongly encouraged.
Presentation Requirements
To maintain the integrity of the educational experience:
- Presentations must be educational in nature
- No product endorsements, marketing, or sales pitches are permitted
- Submissions that do not adhere to this policy will not be considered
Submission Guidelines
Title
A clear, engaging title
Abstract
Up to 350 words describing the presentation content and its relevance to the conference theme
Speaker Bio(s) & Headshot(s)
100–150 word bio and headshot for each presenter
Format
50-minute total session (minimum 40-45 minutes of presentation plus Q&A)
Learning Objectives
A minimum of four learning objectives aligned with AIA CES requirements
(To qualify for HSW credit, content must address Health, Safety, and/or Welfare as defined by AIA CES.)
Health
Those aspects of professional practice that improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings and sites.
Safety
Those aspects of professional practice that protect occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings or sites from harm.
Welfare
Those aspects of professional practice that enable equitable access, elevate the human experience, encourage social interaction, and benefit the environment
Deadline for Submission: May 20, 2026
Submit your proposal online [link to submission form]
Questions?
For more information, please contact:
Christina Goldstein, CMP
Director of Events and Operations
AIA New Jersey
cgoldstein@njpsi.com
609-393-5690
Why Present at East Coast Sustainable Futures?
- Share your expertise with a broad audience of architecture professionals
- Contribute to meaningful dialogue on sustainability and climate action
- Receive recognition through a prominent East Coast AIA platform
- Help shape a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environment
