Sustainability Panelists to Share Insights into Customer Thinking, Company Strategy at FGIA Fall Conference

Moderated by FGIA U.S. Codes and Advocacy Director Kathy Krafka Karkema, four panelists from different companies will share how top industry leaders are turning sustainability into strategy. This panel of experts will share perspectives from commercial design, framing systems, glass and glazing and more, highlighting certification programs, energy use and innovative approaches to end-of-life materials. Register now for the conference.

“Learn how sustainability adds value for customers and why it matters in today’s evolving landscape,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Events Manager. “What's the environment for sustainability today? What does it mean at your company? How do you measure success? Get answers to these questions and motivations behind the sustainability efforts.”

Panelists for the Wednesday, October 8, discussion, “Why Sustainability Matters Today: A Look at How Leading Companies Approach Sustainability,” will include George Bandy (Andersen Corporation), Paul Bush (Vitro Architectural Glass) and Chris Giovannielli (Kawneer Company), and Michelle Foster (Home Innovation Research Labs).

Foster will begin the discussion about why sustainability matters in 2025 and provide an overview of her company’s residential and mixed-use certification program centered around growth in sustainability. Giovannielli will share his perspective of working with architects on the basis of design and framing systems, plus trends in requirements in the architectural community. From the glass and glazing side, Bush will share information including ideas for taking the energy out of the sand melting process to cut costs and encourage sustainability. Finally, Bandy will conclude with a residential focus on energy efficient solutions and considerations for end of life for materials.

About the Panelists

George Bandy Jr. is a nationally recognized sustainability leader with decades of experience driving environmental and social impact at Fortune 500 companies. As Chief Sustainability Officer at Andersen Corporation, he advances strategies that align business growth with purpose, innovation, and sustainability. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Amazon and Mohawk Industries, where he spearheaded award-winning initiatives in circular economy, energy efficiency, product design and community engagement.

Paul Bush is Vice President of Technical Services, Sustainability, and Government Affairs for Vitro’s Architectural Glass Business. Now in his 40th year with Vitro (formerly PPG), he has contributed to major technical innovations, including post-temperable low-E glass. He holds a U.S. patent in glass fabrication and has long been an advocate for the fenestration industry.

Michelle Foster is the leader of Home Innovation's NGBS Green certification program. She had a significant role in the development of the program as well as gaining wide market and legislative acceptance for NGBS Green and continues to champion sustainability in the industry. Prior to joining Home Innovation Research Labs, Michelle cultivated decades of housing experience in planning, environmental, land use, and financing issues.

Chris Giovannielli is Director of Global Product Management for the Kawneer Company based out of our Norcross, Georgia office.  Chris has nearly 30 years of glazing product experience. Representing global architectural glazing products company Kawneer, Chris underscores the importance of proper installation to ensure building envelope performance.  Chris is an accomplished leader and strategist with a passion for delivering business value through sustainability, ESG, product innovation and technology integration.

Registration Fees and Hotel Accommodations

An extended early bird rate of $1,300 is available until September 23. The regular fee for FGIA members is $1,300 after that date. Non-members can register for a fee of $1,600.

Room reservations at JW Marriott Indianapolis can be made using the discounted rate of $259. A $350 facility usage fee will apply for those who attend the event but elect not to stay at the conference host hotel.

For more information about FGIA events, visit FGIAonline.org/events.