Let’s get into it—Green Table Talk is where community meets climate action. Hosted by the Building Innovation Hub, this three-part series is all about cutting through the noise and breaking down what BEPS (that’s Building Energy Performance Standards) really means for your building, your budget, and your block.
Whether you’re a property owner, tenant, manager, or just trying to figure out how all this energy stuff affects your space—we got you.
Session 1: Foundations & Fundamentals
What is BEPS? Who does it impact? Why should you care? We’re laying it all out—no jargon, just straight-up facts to help you understand what’s coming and how to stay ahead.
Our lunch guests will be:
Kendra Wiley
Department of Energy, Program Analyst
Wiley joined the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) in September 2024. In this role, Kendra leverages her extensive background in climate policy and sustainability to support SETO’s initiatives aimed at advancing equitable access to solar energy solutions. Prior to SETO, Kendra served as the Legislative Director for the Ward 5 DC City Councilmember, where she managed the legislative portfolio and provided expertise on climate issues. Her experience also includes work at DC’s Department of Energy and Environment, focusing on sustainable transportation, low-income programs, and climate law and policy. Kendra’s diverse background spans real estate law and sustainability consulting, and she holds both LEED AP® O+M and WELL AP credentials. Her career is distinguished by a strong commitment to integrating policy and program implementation with a focus on equity as a key component in mitigating climate change. Kendra earned her Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Texas.
Mary Thomas
Building Innovation Hub, Associate Director
Prior to joining IMT, Mary spent 15 years in the commercial real estate industry in Washington, DC, managing construction projects for Hines, a global real estate developer, and Clark Construction. At Hines, she managed comprehensive design, permitting, and construction activities on a variety of development projects, navigating complicated stakeholder relationships, tracking and communicating project priorities, and fostering collaboration among all parties to ensure positive outcomes. Mary has in-depth experience across a broad range of project types in the DC area, including residential, office, site civil, and mixed-use development. She has a background in visual and environmental studies, earning a BA from Harvard, and she has been an accredited LEED AP BD+C since 2008. Outside of work, Mary volunteers with a local organization to plant and maintain trees in the DC area. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn or contact Mary at mary[at]buildinginnovationhub.org.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a conversation.
Pack your lunch, Pull up a chair, bring your questions, and let’s build something better—together.