On May 12–13, USGBC’s ADAPT: Denver Regional Conference will bring together hundreds of industry leaders for two days of engaging education focused on the critical intersection of resilience and the built environment. This year’s program highlights the growing impacts of climate change across the Midwest, Southwest and mountain regions. Packed with actionable strategies and practical solutions for future-ready buildings, ADAPT offers attendees the chance to learn in and about some of the most exceptional and forward-thinking sustainable spaces in the LEED Gold City of Denver and the surrounding area.
Below are some of the incredible, not-to-be-missed spaces where ADAPT attendees will experience the conference.
Populus Hotel
Conference hotel—May 12
With its distinctive biophilic design, the LEED Gold Populus Denver is THE official conference hotel. Populus is dedicated to environmental stewardship and long-term carbon reduction, tracked through its “Road to Carbon Positive” dashboard.
Denver Art Museum
Full-day programming—May 13 (plenaries, education sessions, lunch, closing reception)
Day two of ADAPT will take place at the LEED Silver Denver Art Museum, which integrates sustainability through community engagement, educational programming and eco-conscious exhibitions.
Denver Water: Northwater Treatment Plant
Tour—May 12
The Denver Water Northwater Treatment Plant can treat up to 75 million gallons per day, serving more than 1.5 million Denver metro-area residents. Certified LEED Gold in 2024, its Operations Building is a net energy producer powered by renewable hydroelectric energy from the neighboring Ralston Reservoir.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Tour and Women in Green luncheon—May 12
The iconic, naturally formed Red Rocks Amphitheatre is committed to preserving its natural beauty while minimizing environmental impact through waste diversion, energy and water conservation, sustainable sourcing, green cleaning practices, and support of electric vehicles.
CSU Spur
Tour—May 12
Attendees will explore one of Denver’s newest hubs for innovation in water, food, animal health and sustainable design. The Colorado State University Spur Campus features three signature LEED-certified buildings: the LEED Gold Terra, LEED Gold Vida and LEED Platinum Hydro.
Innovative Denver sustainability projects (by e-bike)
Tour—May 12
This guided e-bike tour will visit key sites shaping Denver’s future as a climate-ready, 21st-century city, including Denargo Market, RiNo Art Park, 39th Avenue Greenway, Confluence Park, River Mile Development, and Weir Gulch and Decatur Crossing.
1900 Lawrence
Workshop and opening reception—May 12
The LEED Platinum 1900 Lawrence high-rise integrates optimized energy performance, enhanced commissioning, water efficiency, materials transparency and all-electric-ready infrastructure, while prioritizing occupant health.
Group14
Workshop—May 12
Group14 Engineering’s Denver office has recertified at the LEED Platinum level three times, most recently in 2023, and is currently pursuing LEED v5 certification. See sustainable and resilient design in practice in the office of a firm that specializes in embodied carbon reduction and climate adaptation strategies, and prioritizes equity, social impact and health.
ADAPT: Denver Regional Conference
The full conference program for ADAPT: Denver Regional Conference is now available. Tickets may be purchased for the full conference, for May 13 only or for specific events.
