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Learn, explore and connect at Circle 2026

Registration + Coffee

Circle 2026 ushers the built environment into the resilience era. Under “Forging Resilience” we connect climate risk, insurance, sustainable finance, decarbonization, and data + AI.  

Europe is shifting from emergency response to “preparedness by design”—and buildings are becoming a pillar of security, independence, and long-term value. Circle 2026 is a curated day of interviews, keynotes, and expert discussions spanning finance and insurance, urban policy and planning, venture capital, innovation, and AI-enabled decision-making. Alongside global and European perspectives, we’ll spotlight Italian best practices and leave you with a sharper view of what resilience will mean for assets, cities, portfolios, and standards in the next cycle.

09:00 - 09:30

Circle 2026 Welcome and Opening Keynote – Forging Resilience


Speaker
Peter Templeton
President and CEO @ USGBC and GBCI
Fabrizio Capaccioli
President @ Green Building Council Italia
Kay Killmann
Head of Europe @ GBCI Europe
09:30 - 09:50

Spotlight Italy: Vertical Roots - the Secret DNA of Milan

A conversation with Bosco Verticale architect, Stefano Boeri, Partner Stefano Boeri Architects.

Speaker
Stefano Boeri
Founding Partner @ Stefano Boeri Architetti
Vessela Valtcheva-McGee
Director, Market Development EE @ GBCI Europe
09:50 - 10:05

No V Shaped Recovery: Why This Property Cycle Will Test Patience - and Conviction

Global real estate has entered a long, uneven adjustment phase rather than a swift rebound. Explore the macro forces, regional divergences, and capital flows redefining the cycle—and where disciplined investors can position for opportunity.



Speaker
Andrew Angeli
Global Head of Real Estate Research & Strategy @ Zurich Insurance
10:10 - 10:40

Finance: The Resilience Premium - Pricing Climate Risk in Global Real Estate

As climate risks rise, experts from insurance, policy, and data will explore how the valuation of buildings is changing and why green certifications are now essential tools for protecting property value. 

Speaker
Tsvetelina Kuzmanova
Sustainable Finance Lead @ CISL
Raul García Rodríguez
CEE Lead Strategic Advisory @ Colliers
Erik Landry
Senior Fellow @ GRESB
10:40 - 11:10

Coffee break


11:10 - 11:30

Spotlight Italy: Institutionalizing Social Impact in Real Estate in Milano

Explore how to fund and build fair, green housing for everyone. Bringing together city officials, investors, and technical experts, this Italian example demonstrates how public policy and private money work together to create real results.

Speaker
Fabio Bottero
City Councillor for Public Housing, Milan @ Councillor for Public Housing at the City of Milan
Andrea Vecci
Head of Impact, Sustainability and Communication @ Near spa benefit
Marco Caffi
Director @ Green Building Council Italia
11:35 - 12:10

The Regenerative Developer: Why Net Zero is No Longer Enough

Dive into the shift from "doing less harm" to "doing more good." The conversation will discuss urban innovation, cutting carbon, measuring social impact, and what "dark green" investors are looking for today.

Speaker
Nadia Boschi
Head of Sustainability Europe & ESG Director @ Lendlease Italy
Anna Denell
Chief Sustainability Officer @ Vasakronan AB
Hanane El Hayek
Director, Market Development W. Europe @ GBCI Europe
12:10 - 12:15

Decarbonization & Innovation: Technologies Accelerating a Zero‑Carbon Future

Cutting edge, innovation in next‑generation mechanical equipment as a critical element to forging resilience.

Speaker
George Dimou
Commercial DX Product Strategy Manager @ Daikin Europe NV
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch


13:30 - 13:50

Green Building Materials Jeopardy!

We have adapted the Jeopardy! format for a high-stakes, live stage event that highlights technical expertise without the snooze factor of a slide deck. 

Speaker
Timo Marquez
Senior, Sustainability Marketing Manager @ Saint Gobain
Jean-Pierre Pigeolet
Global LCA & EPD manager @ Knauf
Leonardo Poli
Senior LCA Consultant @ One Click LCA
Iryna Yermakova
EBP Head of Sustainability @ Etex
13:50 - 14:25

Climate-Proofing Real Assets: A Roadmap for Urban Resilience

This session bridges the gap between high-level investment strategy and the technical reality of urban transformation. Gloria Brocchi and Paolo Cresci will discuss how institutional capital and cutting-edge engineering can work together to future-proof our cities.

Speaker
Gloria Brocchi
Head of ESG @ Generali Real Estate
Paolo Cresci
Director - Sustainable Development Leader Italy @ Arup
Roxana Dela Fiamor
Global Policy Lead @ USGBC
14:25 - 14:40

Podcast: Healing the Habitat - Real Estate as a „Health Asset“

The first global pharma B-corporation shares their journey into sustainability on all levels and the effects on the people, the culture and the bottom line.

Speaker
Rossella Ferri
Head of Ecological Transition @ Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.
Alex Edds
Chief Advisor & Podcast Host @ Edds Associates & The Future We Build
14:40 - 14:45

Energy Resilience through Smart Planning and Efficient Solutions


Speaker
Salvatore Rugiero
CEO @ RISE srl
14:45 - 15:30

Coffee break


15:30 - 15:55

Technology: Scaling Resilience with AI and Digital Ecosystems

Join experts from Google, Deepki, and TÜV SÜD as they dive into how AI-powered predictive modeling can forecast environmental risks with unprecedented precision and how digital ecosystems enable the seamless flow of audit-grade data across the building lifecycle.

Speaker
Michelangelo Conserva
Research Scientist @ Google
Gloria Duci
Associate Manager @ Deepki
Hannes Raoul Endriss
Business Line Manager, Smart Sustainable Buildings @ TÜV SÜD
16:05 - 16:25

Spotlight: Luxury Retail and Sustainability


16:25 - 16:40

Closing Keynote

Lars Schernikau will provide a critical overview of the Energy Trilemma, illustrating why the global pursuit “sustainability” must be supported by the requirements for energy security and economic affordability. By dissecting the complex interdependencies of modern power systems, and examining the current geopolitical landscape, Lars will demonstrate how informed energy policy serves as the primary engine for both global stability and a viable long-term energy system.

Speaker
Dr. Lars Schernikau
Shareholder @ HMS Bergbau AG
16:40 - 17:00

Closing Comments with Raffle + Outlook for 2027

We wrap up the day with a fun raffle. Collect a stamp when you visit each of the 5 exhibit stands. Submit your completed stamp card for a chance to win a prize in the raffle. Daikin has donated 3 air purifiers and Knauf has graciously contributed a surprise. Must be present to win! 

Stay tuned to find out where Circle is headed in 2027.  

21:00 - 23:30Spirit de Milan

Circle Community Meetup, hosted by GBC Italia

GBC Italia graciously invites the entire Circle community to meet up for an after-dinner drink at this vibrant, post-industrial venue. Join us to unwind, mingle, and enjoy the evening with our Italian hosts and Milanese music.