Green Buildings: Innovation & Impact (Mini-Delegation)

The Green Buildings delegation brings together German companies, startups, research institutions, and innovation organizations with leading stakeholders across the U.S. construction, real estate, and sustainability sectors. Supported by a grant from the German Consulate General in Chicago as part of the Clean Economy Bridge initiative, the program aims to strengthen transatlantic cooperation in climate innovation, clean technologies, and sustainable economic development.  

During the first 1.5 days, delegates will participate in a curated program of site visits, expert exchanges, and networking opportunities, providing firsthand insights into innovative green building projects and sustainable development initiatives across the Chicago region. Participants will connect with industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and business decision-makers while exploring emerging trends. 

The program concludes with a visit to Chicago Build Expo 2026, one of North America's largest construction and built-environment events. As part of the official program, delegation members will take part in an international panel discussion on sustainable buildings and decarbonization, providing a unique platform to showcase German expertise, share best practices, and engage with a global audience of industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. Delegates will also have the opportunity to network with thousands of construction, real estate, and sustainability professionals attending the expo.

Why join?

• Connect with U.S. industry leaders and decision-makers  
• Speak on an international panel at Chicago Build Expo  
• Showcase your expertise and innovative solutions to a global audience  
• Explore new business and partnership opportunities  
• Gain valuable U.S. market insights  
• Build lasting transatlantic relationships in the sustainable buildings sector 

Event Details:

• Event Start: October 26, 2026
• Event End: October 29, 2026
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Language: English
• Anchor Event: Chicago Build Expo 2026, one of the Midwest's largest construction and design events.  
   

The delegation is currently fully booked. If you are interested in participating, please contact Luca Exenberger at exenberger@gaccmidwest.org to be added to the waiting list. Should a spot become available, we will notify you as soon as possible.

Networking Event

As part of the Delegation, attendees are also invited to join an exclusive networking reception on October 27, starting at 6:00 PM CT, bringing together leaders and innovators from across the green building ecosystem.

Interested in meeting the delegation?  

We invite companies, startups, researchers, and innovators working in green buildings, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and climate technologies join our networking events and connect with the delegates.  

The program includes: 

• Curated networking opportunities with U.S. industry leaders
• Roundtable discussions and expert exchanges
• Site visits to innovative sustainable building projects across Chicago
• Participation in Chicago Build Expo 2026, one of North America's leading construction and built-environment events
• Participation in an international panel discussion at Chicago Build Expo, providing delegates with a platform to showcase German expertise in green buildings, sustainable construction, and decarbonization solutions
• Cultural programming highlighting Chicago's architectural and sustainability leadership
• Accommodation and meals (within the scope of the delegation) are covered by GACC Midwest 

Who Should Participate? 

This delegation is designed for: 

• German startups and SMEs 
• Green building technology providers 
• Climate-tech and clean-tech companies 
• Architecture and engineering firms 
• Research institutions and universities 
• Industry associations and innovation organizations 
• Sustainability professionals and policymakers