September Newsletter: Eliminating Fragmentation in Green Building
This monthly newsletter rounds up GNFZ updates, network highlights, and net zero insights. This issue was sent to our email subscribers on September 30, 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest directly to your inbox.
At our Climate Week NYC event, one of our panelists, Dr. Sunita Purushottam, said, “Real change requires bringing governments, private sector, and local experts to the same table. We can’t do this alone.”
GNFZ leadership has seen firsthand the power in working together toward shared goals— as well as the way fragmentation can set us back. That’s why one of GNFZ’s foundational goals was to move beyond solely being a certification body, and to develop a network that would eliminate the fragmentation that has long hindered green building progress.
We’re actively building this network, and the timing is absolutely critical. As another one of our panelists, GNFZ Advisor Eric Corey Freed, said, “Our old paradigm isn’t working. We’re stuck on a plateau, and we need to turn the wheel, not just slow down.” I think Mahesh put it succinctly during the panel when he said, “If the green building community is fragmented, then the net zero community is even more so. To succeed, we must all move in the same direction — with unity and purpose.”
Our vision is for a connected community that drives innovative decarbonization solutions across every region — that organizes leaders, projects, and knowledge into a unified movement. Over the past month alone, we’ve added quite a few GNFZ Partners to our network, including bnzero, ENVIRO, Eosis, JWA, 3Lotus, and more. GNFZ Partners steward clients through the process of understanding, achieving, and maintaining net zero certification. We’ve also added a number of GNFZ Advisors recently, including Joyce Lee, Eric Corey Freed, Monte Hilleman, Kristy Walson, and more. Our GNFZ Advisors are truly at the forefront of decarbonization, and bring extensive technical and market expertise.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a GNFZ Partner or joining our advisory group, reply to this email and we’ll chat. I look forward to advancing a zero-emissions world together.
— Sonja Trierweiler, GNFZ Vice President of Community Development
Network Spotlight
"We strongly believe that sharing tools and resources with the public — many of whom may be considered competitors — is a critical way to move decarbonization forward quickly. We're all running in the same race, it's important that we're aligned on how we get to the finish line."
We recently spoke with sustainability leader Kristy Walson, Principal and Building Science Practice Lead at BranchPattern and GNFZ Advisor. Read more insights from Kristy in her interview.
Call for Pilot Projects
To advance a zero-emissions world, it's important that we look at all regions and geographies, building types and sizes, and resource access. That's why we're looking to expand our roster of pilot projects in the U.S.
Do you have a project, or know of someone who does, that could benefit from net zero planning and certification? Let's get in touch and see what's possible. Fill out this form and an expert will be in touch.
Newly Certified Projects
We’re excited to announce two new GNFZ certification achievements!
Mauritius Villa building has achieved Net Zero Design: Energy certification, showcasing a high-performance residential design that consumes just ~13,439 kWh/year—nearly 50% less than baseline! With on-site solar generating more than its annual energy demand, the project is set to operate net positive from day one.
Pravin Masalewale Warehouse in Pune has earned Net Zero Operations: Energy certification, becoming a fully operational, energy-positive industrial facility. Through rooftop solar, energy efficiency, and active monitoring, the warehouse now exports more clean energy than it consumes annually.
Case Study Spotlight
Brazilian law firm LFRV (Limongi Franca, Ricardino & Valadão) achieved GNFZ’s Net Zero Operations: Emissions certification for its São Paulo office. In partnership with OTEC, the firm conducted a full Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions assessment and implemented strategies to eliminate sources across energy use, commuting, procurement, and operations. Explore the presentation and webinar to learn more about their net zero journey and the broader implications for decarbonizing the professional services sector.
Events and Webinars
GNFZ has a number of upcoming webinars, as well as recordings of recent ones available to stream — learn more and explore on our website.
Upcoming:
October 1 | From Construction to Occupancy: Navigating the Net Zero Journey
October 22 | Net Zero en Acción: Estrategias reales e historias de éxito en América Latina
November 19 | Affordable, Incremental, Scalable: Accelerating Building Decarbonization
Stream:
September 25 | Net Zero in Action: Global Stories of Innovation
August 28 | Inside the Net Zero Movement: Insights from Industry Leaders in the U.S.
And be sure to join us in-person in cities across India and the UAE this October for dialogues on accelerating net zero through local leadership and innovation:
October 6 in Pune | Explore community-driven climate action with academics, industry leaders, and policymakers.
October 8 in Jaipur | Dive into conversations on urban development, renewable energy, and regulation for resilient cities.
October 10 in Chennai | Connect with changemakers working on green buildings, clean energy, and sustainable public policy.
October 17 in Dubai | Join leaders at the intersection of design, policy, and innovation to drive measurable climate impact.
