The Net Zero Conference, organized by Verdical Group, will hold its 12th annual event on October 1, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, reflecting a significant evolution in the net zero movement that began with a focus on building design and now encompasses sectors from biomimicry to transportation. Founder and CEO Drew Shula noted that the conference has grown from an educational gathering for the green building community into a hub for climate leaders addressing global environmental challenges.
Verdical Group, the consulting firm behind the conference, specializes in decarbonizing the built environment and works with major organizations including NASA, Google, Johnson & Johnson, LAX, Meta, and Apple. The firm is incorporated as a Benefit Corporation in California and is third-party certified as a high-scoring B Corporation, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. As a 1% for the Planet Member Company, Verdical Group donates 1% of its annual revenue to environmental nonprofit organizations.
Shula's recent attendance at a TED Countdown event in Nairobi, Kenya reinforced his perspective on climate change as a global issue. During a time when political turmoil can be discouraging for climate advocates, the event served as a reminder that individual efforts worldwide collectively create significant impact.
This year's conference will feature keynotes from Joel Cesare (Growth Lead, Cambio), Leah Thomas (Environmentalist), Nalleli Cobo (Environmental Activist), and Michael Ford (The Hip Hop Architecture Camp). The event convenes climate leaders to collaborate on global solutions for change in the built environment, serving as a hub for industry professionals to gather, bridge knowledge gaps, and inspire a net zero future. The conference includes educational sessions, an expo hall featuring decarbonization technologies, and the Trailblazer Awards Ceremony celebrating interdisciplinary leaders making positive environmental impacts.
For HR vendors, the conference's expansion signals a growing market for sustainability-focused roles and training. As organizations like those in Verdical Group's client base—NASA, Google, Johnson & Johnson—prioritize net zero goals, demand for talent with expertise in decarbonization, environmental health, and sustainable design is likely to increase. Vendors offering recruitment, training, or HR technology solutions tailored to green building and sustainability sectors may find new opportunities at the intersection of HR and environmental performance.
Shula believes the conference is more timely than ever as the net zero movement now spans beyond individual buildings to businesses, states, countries, and global systems. He emphasizes that even during political uncertainty, focusing on creating positive change in buildings, businesses, and cities remains crucial. The conference represents an opportunity to advocate for building a net zero future for everyone, demonstrating how localized actions contribute to global environmental solutions.
