Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/27/2026
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Categories
MD/DC APPA Spring Event 2026 at the Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center
When: Fri, March 27, 8am – 2pm
Where: The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
Click HERE to Register for the Spring Meeting
The Maryland DC Chapter of APPA (MDDCAPPA) is pleased to announce our upcoming Spring Meeting. We will have two exciting presentations and an optional tour.
Session 1: Decarbonizing the Built Environment: Understanding Building Energy Performance Standards
This presentation provides an overview of Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), a policy tool increasingly used by cities and states to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings. BEPS establishes mandatory, phased performance targets—based on energy use intensity or emissions—that require building owners to meet specific thresholds by set compliance dates, with reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance.
The presentation explains why BEPS are critical to achieving climate goals, particularly in urban areas where buildings account for the majority of energy use and emissions. Benefits include lower operating costs, improved occupant comfort and air quality, job creation in building retrofits, and alignment with long-term decarbonization targets.
It also describes how BEPS typically operates, including building size thresholds, performance metrics, multi-year compliance cycles, and alternative compliance pathways. Examples from jurisdictions such as New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Colorado, and Maryland illustrate different program designs.
Finally, the presentation addresses key implementation challenges, including equity, data tracking, and enforcement, and highlights common strategies used to address them.
Presenter: C. Bruce Christman Jr., AIA, BECxP, CxA+BE , LEED AP, GAC
Bruce Christman, Jr., AIA, LEED AP, GAC is an accomplished architect and sustainability leader with more than 25 years of experience in architectural design, construction administration, and high-performance building consulting. As the Principal of 3Volve, LLC, Bruce helps organizations identify and implement design and construction strategies that maximize return on investment by improving building efficiency, indoor air quality, and occupant health. His expertise includes sustainable and LEED consulting, building diagnostics and commissioning, and select architectural and interior design services.
Previously, Bruce served as Managing Principal and Director of Sustainable Design at Beers Hoffman Architects, where he led strategic planning, business growth, and firm operations, doubling revenue and significantly expanding staff. He has held senior leadership and project management roles at several respected firms, managing healthcare, senior living, educational, and commercial projects while advancing sustainable design practices. Licensed in multiple states and deeply involved in professional and community organizations, Bruce is a recognized advocate, educator, and speaker in sustainable architecture and green building practices.
Session 2: All About APPA
Do you want to be perceived and recognized as a professional in educational facilities management? APPA is the gathering place for those of us engaged in educational facilities management and dedicated to the ongoing evolution of our professionals into influential leaders in education. This course will introduce you to APPA’s outstanding programs and offerings. It will also discuss APPA’s highly sought-after credentialing program, Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP).
Presenter: Michelle Frederick, APPA Vice President, Professional Development
Michelle Frederick has been an active APPA member for 30+ years. Presenting and teaching for APPA at the chapter, regional, and international levels. She began her career in facilities management at the Smithsonian Institution and retired from American University in 2024. Michelle joined the APPA staff in December 2024 as the Vice President of Professional Development, bringing 30+ years of experience in training and development.
SCHEDULE
8:00-8:30 Registration/Light Breakfast
8:30-9:00 Welcome/Business Meeting
9:00-9:15 Networking Break (Visit our Sponsors!)
9:15-10:30 Educational Session 1
10:30-11:00 Networking Break
11:00-12:00 Educational Session 2
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-2:00: Optional tour of the Smithsonian Institution Environmental Research Center’s projects on solar and geo-thermal energy
Thank you to our yearly sponsors!
PARKING INFORMATION:
Using the provided address in the GPS, it will bring you down a backcountry road. Keep going until you reach a security booth, where you will identify yourself as attending the MD/DC APPA event. This is where the map comes in. Take a right one mile after the booth, then another right at the three-way stop.