Learn about the connections between real estate, health, equity and economic development from the experience of Cortex Innovation Community in St. Louis. The Cortex Innovation Community story demonstrates that simply focusing on developing high quality buildings doesn't lead to a thriving community. Rather, a holistic, equitable and community-oriented approach to real estate development supports more robust economic development. Hear about the future direction of Cortex and the real estate implications of an equitable approach to economic development.
This course is approved for .5 General GBCI CE hour and for .5 AIA LU.
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will be able to describe the connections between real estate, health, equity and economic development.
- Attendees will consider the negative economic implications in creating a building that has sustainable features but left out the larger community.
- Attendees will consider how to take a more inclusive approach to real estate development to create a thriving community that is sustainable and equitable.
- Attendees will explore how to take a community-centric approach to the development of individual buildings.

10:40 am-11:55 am
Improving the Process for Health Equity
The industry is on a journey to better understand the role that professions in the built environment play in advancing social equity. As the health, well-being, and equity needs of every community will differ, it has never been more essential to engage community members to prioritize health-promoting building and neighborhood strategies. Unique communities require unique solutions. Hear case study examples of the successes and remaining challenges from community leaders, public health and building professionals. In this session, learn how practitioners across the built environment industry can use their varied dimensions of power and influence to challenge conventional project delivery, improving health and equity. Come away with tools you can use to center equity in your current project work.
This course is approved for 1.5 General GBCI CE hour and submitted for 1.5 AIA LU/HSW.
Panelists
Rodolfo Rodriguez
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will be able to define health equity in relation to the built environment and describe how the real estate industry impacts health equity.
- Attendees will garner an understanding of tools that can be used to promote health equity through their practice.
- Attendees will discuss how to develop interdisciplinary partnerships to address equity, sustainability, and health from the beginning of their projects.
- Attendees will discuss how to measure the health equity impacts of their projects.
11:55 am-12:25 Pm PST
breakout session
Richard Gelb
CO-HOST
Environmental Health Planner
Healthy Community Planning and Partnering Team
Public Health Seattle/King County

12:25 pm-12:35 pm PST: Wellness break
This will be a short break from the program with a chance to move a little with yoga provided by Beth Ament.


12:35 pm-1:50 pm PST
Inside Out: Air Quality Research and Technology
Get a sneak peek at the latest and greatest indoor air quality research and development with a National Laboratory’s building specialty team. These researchers are asking new questions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and developing innovations not yet on the market. You’ve heard that the pandemic will transform the way we design and manage buildings; come discover how indoor air sensors, IOT, air cleaning, and ventilation fit into the next generation of a healthy building.
This course is approved for 1.5 General GBCI CE hour and 1.5 AIA LU/HSW.
Panelists
Learning Objectives
- Attendees will be able to discuss data that specifically supports the importance of indoor air quality.
- Attendees will be able to discuss specific tools for incorporating regular IAQ measuring and monitoring within their projects from the start.
- Attendees will explore ways IAQ support occupant and community health while ensuring sustainability within design.
- Attendees will be able to discuss the importance of IAQ measurement and monitoring in securing public trust for returning to offices.
1:50 Pm-2:20 pm PST
breakout session
This will be an engaging continuation of the conversation about To Air Quality Research and Technology. This will be part of the continuing education credit and will need to be attended for credit.
2:20 pm-2:45 pm PST
closing keynote
Advancing sustainability, health and wellness, equity and resiliency in the places we work, learn, live, and play is fundamental to USGBC’s founding and continued vision. Join USGBC’s Interim CEO and President, Peter Templeton, for the closing keynote to gain insight into what’s next for health and wellness in the green buildings industry. He will explore USGBC’s legacy in advancing building occupant health and share his perspective on the next chapter in our journey towards health equity for all.