World Class Corporate Sustainability Conference Held in Miami

By Joshua Baer, Sustainability Analyst – G&A Institute

The 11th annual World Class Corporate Sustainability & Resource Management conference took place in Miami, Florida on May 7, 2025. Presented by World Class Business Leaders Institute, the conference brought together corporate sustainability leaders from around the world and across many industry sectors. Partners and contributors included U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), G&A Institute, JLL, Sustainable Business Magazine, Amika, Boston Scientific, the Miami Heat, Allegro, Global Green, Winnow, Sabadell, The Cigna Group, and more. 

The conference followed an innovative format with short 5-30 min presentation sessions followed by round table discussions and social gatherings that stimulated an environment of learning, networking, and productive conversations. Topics included a wide range of corporate sustainability and resource management issues, including current events and managing compliance within a dynamic regulatory landscape. Highlights from the round table discussions and presentations include: 

Partnering for a Sustainable Future: Data Driven ESG Solutions

Brian Matt, Head of ESG Advisory at the NYSE, discussed the regulatory environment for ESG data and disclosure, and its importance to investors. Brian discussed pre-competitive collaboration from companies in the same or similar industries to work towards ESG solutions that move the industry and business landscape forward as a whole. He also examined how conducting a materiality assessment should be approached as offensive and defensive for companies to identify impacts, risks, and opportunities. 

Resilient & Responsible: The Future of Corporate Sustainability in an Uncertain World

Rhiannon Jacobsen, Managing Director, U.S. Market Transformation & Development for U.S. Green Building Council, presented on the state of corporate sustainability and LEED green building certifications. Rhiannon discussed the uncertain global outlook and introduced key updates in LEED v5, that was launched in April 2025. 

With over 119,000 LEED certified projects worldwide, USGBC’s LEED plays an important role in the responsibility and resilience of the built environment and its global impact. LEED v5 focuses on three key impact areas: decarbonization, quality of life, and conservation and restoration, and has established new prerequisites and credits towards these areas. LEED v5 has also increased alignment with ESG reporting frameworks including GRESB, GRI, and SASB.

Enhancing Sustainability: Strategies for Resource Optimization, Mindful Practices, and Collaborative Conservation

Zachary Ruiz, Sustainability Manager of the Miami Heat, gave a presentation on impactful sustainability initiatives, challenges faced, and valuable collaborations by the Miami Heat organization, including the Heat’s home arena, the USGBC LEED Gold O+M certified Kaseya Center. The Miami Heat organization takes a collaborative approach in its sustainability efforts focused on four key areas: recyclables & waste management, energy efficiency & water conservation, culinary responsibility, and creating impact through partnership.  

The Miami Heat and Kaseya Center have partnered with several businesses and organizations including on initiatives in the these areas: Ball Packaging, LLC, NO DAYS OFF Premium Water, and Baptist Health to increase recyclables and improve waste management; Amerant Bank to host an annual tree planting event as part of its Green Space Initiative; Levy Restaurants to establish the Re-HEAT Program to distribute unserved food to local homeless shelters; Miami-Dade County Public Schools and its Adopt-a-Tree initiative; and University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef coral conservation program to build healthier, more resilient ecosystems through coral research and restoration.

Overall, the World Class Corporate Sustainability & Resource Management 2025 conference offered a tremendous opportunity to learn about best practices in sustainability from industry leaders, to expand networks, and find business opportunities and innovative partners. Through its presentations and engaging discussions, the conference contributed towards enhancing corporate sustainability efforts in an uncertain and ever-changing world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joshua Baer – Sustainability Analyst, G&A Institute

Joshua Baer is a Sustainability Analyst at G&A Institute. His role includes supporting clients across industries by conducting research, ESG data analysis, development of sustainability reports, responding to annual surveys, peer benchmarking, and providing general sustainability consultancy. Josh is passionate about the environment and enjoys helping clients drive positive impact through sustainable business practices.