Building the Movement

Reflections from NESEA’s BuildingEnergy Boston 2025

Laurel Chadzynski, Director at Parallel, joined the conversation at NESEA’s BuildingEnergy Boston 2025, where one thing was clear: we’re done with incremental progress. It’s time for collective impact.

The conference theme — building the movement — was more than just a headline. It resonated through every session, conversation, and keynote. From rethinking what our buildings are made of to how we structure and support our teams, this was about shifting systems, not just checking boxes.

Here are a few top takeaways from this year’s conference:

✔️ Biobased + Regenerative Materials Are Ready: Momentum is building around scalable solutions like hemp insulation, lime-based paints, and prefab straw panels. The Biobased Materials Collective and Seed Program, run by New Frameworks, are enabling a nationwide network of regional prefab manufacturers to make these materials mainstream.

✔️ Buildings Can Be Carbon Sinks: Inspired by RMI’s Chris Magwood, the concept of “Drawdown Buildings” shifts our perspective: What if buildings stored carbon instead of emitting it? With the right materials and design, we can help restore regenerative ecosystems, not just reduce harm.

✔️ Breaking Silos = Building Power: Andrew Himes shared a five-part framework for driving collective impact. It’s about aligning our work, integrating actions, and leading with love to create systems-level change together.

✔️ Inclusion + Workforce Development Are Non-Negotiable: We must support a diverse workforce to scale sustainable solutions. That means apprenticeships, inclusive training programs, and designing with neurodiversity in mind. It's how we build a movement that works for everyone.

Laurel Chądyzński

Director, Parallel

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