Love great home design? You’re probably familiar with Homerama, which brings together the region’s top builders and designers to create one-of-a-kind, custom living spaces. This year’s Homearama homebuilder showcase will feature something a bit different and really “cool”: an Ice Box Challenge! This demonstration, which is sponsored by the Cincinnati chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), will provide a vivid illustration of the power of high-performance design.

The challenge centers around two miniature homes, each constructed to a different energy efficiency standard. The first one will be built according to the standard residential building code; the second to the super efficient “Passive House” standard. On September 27, the opening day of Homearama, each structure will be filled with identical large blocks of ice. Over the course of the ensuing two weeks, Homearama visitors will be able to track the different rates at which the ice blocks melt in the two structures. At the end of the event, the remaining ice in each house will be weighed, and the results contrasted.

It is exciting to see ideas about energy efficiency and high-performance design breaking into the mainstream. I encourage everyone to visit the Ice Box Challenge (more details in the email below) and see just how much of a difference sustainable design can make in all our buildings!

For more than twenty years, Elizabeth Rojas has helped to shape Cincinnati’s approach to sustainable building design. As President of Rojas Design & Sustainability, and a LEED-Accredited professional, she guides clients on their unique journeys, from sustainable consulting and process development to interior design. Blending beauty, functionality, and environmental responsibility, Rojas creates places that tell a larger story - one of well-being, community, and sustainability. She envisions a world where every building contributes to the health of our planet and enhances the lives of those who live, work, and learn in them. Learn more about her design approach here.

This year we have begun to assemble a series of case studies that showcase cutting-edge sustainability projects from around the tristate region. We are delighted to announce that the first two of these case studies are now online, and feature exciting projects at the new Cincinnati Public Radio headquarters in Evanston, and Long-Stanton Manufacturing in West Chester. More case studies are in the works and will be posted soon! And if you have a candidate project for us to consider, please send us a note at wyatt@greenumbrella.org.

This year, Green Umbrella launched the 25 Communities Project, a new initiative to connect 25 communities across the Greater Cincinnati region with training, resources, and connections to begin or further their resilience work. This ambitious and exciting project will bring the skills, tools, and collaborative connections Green Umbrella has developed over the past 25 years to help communities reduce emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. If you live, work, or play in a community in the Greater Cincinnati area that you think might be interested in learning more about working with Green Umbrella, please let us know! You can contact us at wyatt@greenumbrella.org.

*New Date* September 18 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Online Webinar

Recent months have seen some significant modifications to numerous clean energy funding programs. It can be a challenge to keep track of the changes. If you are looking for financial support for your clean energy project, please join us for an update by Nikki Vandivort from Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability on the shifting landscape of federal, state, and local incentives for clean energy projects.

September 25 | 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

3080 Exploration Ave, Cincinnati OH 45206

The next installment of our Sustainability Breakfast Series will feature an informative discussion by a panel of experts on Healthy Buildings. The Greater Cincinnati 2030 District is unique among other national 2030 Districts in its commitment to helping our members improve their buildings on indices of occupant health and well-being. Come learn more about how and why to make your building safer, healthier, and more comfortable.

September 27 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Foundry Park at Three Oaks, 2800 Robertson Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Join the Cincinnati chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for the kickoff event for the Ice Box Challenge! This demonstration will provide fascinating visual evidence of the power of high-performance home design.

October 2 | 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM | Cintas Center, 1624 Musketeer Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45207

The REBUILD conference is the region’s premier conference focused on sustainable and high-performance building design. This year’s event will be held on October 2 in the Cintas Center at Xavier University, and the theme will be “RE-Think What’s Possible”. The event will feature world-class keynote speakers, insightful panel discussions, and real-world case studies (including some that showcase the work of 2030 District members). PDH/AIA/GBCI credits offered. Click here for more information.

October 20 & 21 | Mitchell Hall, Columbus State University, 250 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43215

The 2025 Ohio Energy Conference is the premier gathering for energy providers, technology innovators, and consumers looking to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re seeking new customers, career opportunities, or insights into Ohio’s evolving energy landscape, this event offers unmatched access to the people and ideas shapring the industry’s future. Discounted tickets are available to friends of Green Umbrella (until they run out) when they use the discount code COLLABORATE2025OEC. Learn more and register here.

The Advanced Energy Fund is administered by the Ohio Department of Development, and provides grant funds for Ohio businesses, non-profit organizations, and public entities to complete energy efficiency and advanced energy projects. Projects are evaluated on technical criteria that will result in significant energy and cost savings. The application window is currently open and closes on October 31 at 5:00 PM. Details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found here.

Interested in sponsoring the Greater Cincinnati 2030 District? Review Green Umbrella’s sponsor package and reach out to charlie@greenumbrella.org.

Reply to this email to reach Wyatt, or for questions regarding membership, visit here or email membership@greenumbrella.org