CREtech Climate Cast: Recent Episodes
Hosted by Michael Beckerman
The CREtech Climate Cast is a podcast series devoted to educating, inspiring, and leading the built environment to address the world’s biggest crisis - climate change. Tune in to in-depth conversations with the leading real estate and tech innovators from across the globe with CREtech Climate CEO, Michael Beckerman. The series will host conversations on how the real estate and tech sectors are driving transformational change to decarbonize the Built World.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Christian Ulbrich, CEO of JLL, shares insights from his extensive career in real estate and leadership. He discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals, the challenges of leading during uncertain times, and the critical role of resilience and empathy in effective leadership. Ulbrich emphasizes the need for technology and data in the real estate sector and reflects on his journey of transforming JLL into a forward-thinking organization. He also shares personal anecdotes about his routines, inspirations, and the nature of leadership.
Takeaways:
- Surrounding yourself with the best people is crucial.
- Resilience is essential for effective leadership.
- Authenticity in leadership builds trust.
- Physical and mental resilience are key to success.
- Understanding market timing is challenging but important.
- Choosing clients wisely can lead to long-term growth.
- Embracing technology and data is vital for the future.
- The strongest leaders must carry more responsibility.
- Empathy helps in understanding and motivating teams.
- Leadership can be lonely, but a strong team can alleviate that.
In this episode of CEO Stories, host Emily Wright interviews Roy Donahue "Don" Peebles, a prominent entrepreneur and CEO of Peebles Corporation. They discuss his early experiences in politics, the challenges he faced in starting his real estate career, and the importance of building relationships in business. Peebles shares valuable lessons learned throughout his journey, including the significance of viewing setbacks as opportunities and maintaining a stable mindset amidst challenges. He emphasizes the need for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, drawing from his personal experiences and family background. In this conversation, the speaker shares insights on their daily routines, the importance of market awareness in real estate, and the impact they hope to have on the industry, particularly regarding representation and access to capital for minorities and women. They reflect on personal challenges, lessons learned throughout their career, and the qualities that define effective leadership. The discussion also touches on personal inspirations and the unique challenges of leadership, emphasizing the importance of support systems.
Takeaways:
- Strong relationships and mentorship are key to personal and business success.
- Setbacks and life experiences often shape resilient, values-driven leaders.
- Diversity and economic inclusion lead to better business and community outcomes.
- Mental focus and morning routines help navigate challenges effectively.
- Access to capital remains a barrier for underrepresented groups, requiring advocacy and support.
- Understanding and reading the market is critical for growth, especially in real estate.
- Balancing family, work, and leadership responsibilities is vital for long-term success.
- Leadership should inspire through integrity, empathy, and moral clarity.
In this episode of CEO Stories, host Emily Wright interviews Mark Allan, CEO of Landsec, discussing his career journey, leadership lessons, and insights into the real estate market. Mark shares his experiences from navigating financial crises to managing responsibilities as a CEO, emphasizing the importance of resilience, decision-making, and understanding market dynamics. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the significant shifts in the real estate market, particularly the transition from retail to logistics, the impact of financial markets, and the challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainties and inflation. The importance of residential real estate is emphasized, along with advice for young professionals entering the industry. The conversation also touches on the opportunities in ESG, the influence of AI on real estate, and the challenges of energy requirements in the digital age. The speaker reflects on legacy, leadership qualities, and personal inspirations, concluding with thoughts on the nature of leadership and the loneliness that can accompany it.
Takeaways:
- Resilient Leadership & Decision-Making – Mark emphasizes the importance of resilience, navigating ambiguity, and making informed decisions with available information.
- Managing Workload & Mental Well-Being – Operating at around 70% capacity helps him balance productivity and mental health while maintaining a varied and engaging routine.
- Market Adaptation & Investment Strategy – Adapting to shifts like retail-to-logistics transitions and understanding financial markets are crucial for long-term success.
- Industry Challenges & Opportunities – The UK housing shortage, geopolitical uncertainties, and the rise of ESG present both challenges and investment potential.
- Future of Real Estate – AI will transform the industry, while data centers’ energy demands highlight the need for sustainable infrastructure.
- Effective Leadership – Great leaders empower others, influence the built environment positively, and find career fulfillment in work they truly enjoy.
In this episode of CEO Stories, host Emily Wright interviews Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, Founder of the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). They discuss Ingels' career journey, the evolution of architectural ideas, and his vision for a sustainable future that combines enjoyment with environmental responsibility. Ingels shares insights on the challenges of innovative design and how criticism can be transformed into opportunities for improvement. In this conversation, the speaker delves into the intricacies of creative problem solving, the significance of routines in leadership, and insights into market trends and future opportunities. They discuss the importance of sustainable design and innovation in architecture, the role of AI, and reflect on the challenges of leadership, including feelings of loneliness. The conversation concludes with profound thoughts on maintaining equilibrium in a dynamic world.
Takeaways:
- Architecture is about orchestrating all aspects of life.
- Every day, the ordinary has all the ingredients for the extraordinary.
- The fundamental question is what life do we want to live?
- We have the power to give form to the future.
- Hedonistic sustainability shows that enjoyment and sustainability can coexist.
- Criticism is the to-do list of things to resolve.
- Every criticism offers an opportunity to improve.
- Starting early in your career allows for more freedom to innovate.
- Each project sends a signal about the architect you want to become.
- The world is shaped by our choices and actions. Creative problem solving requires flexibility and alternative routes.
- Innovation often arises from unexpected challenges and new territories.
- Routines can be shaped by personal life, especially with children.
- Market dynamics are shifting, with a focus on academic and cultural projects.
- Sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in architecture.
- AI will play a significant role in the future of design.
- Leaders should excel in their field to inspire their teams.
- Distractions can fuel creativity and innovative thinking.
- Loneliness in leadership is common but can be mitigated by strong networks.
- Equilibrium in leadership is a continuous process, not a destination.
In this episode of CREtech's CEO Stories, Coen van Oostrom, Founder and CEO of EDGE, shares his journey from traditional real estate development to becoming a leader in sustainable building practices. He discusses the pivotal moment of meeting Al Gore, which inspired a commitment to sustainability, and how this shift has led to increased profitability. Coen emphasizes the importance of change management, teamwork, and innovation in navigating the challenges of the real estate market. He also reflects on his personal routines, leadership philosophy, and the evolving landscape of real estate influenced by technology and market trends.
Takeaways:
- Sustainability can be profitable and beneficial for business.
- Change management is complex but essential for success.
- Team collaboration fosters innovative solutions to challenges.
- Market trends require proactive and entrepreneurial thinking.
- AI and technology will revolutionize the construction process.
- Daily routines are crucial for maintaining balance and focus.
- Leadership involves both innate qualities and learned skills.
- Support systems are vital for navigating the pressures of leadership.
- Real estate is a dynamic industry influenced by various factors.
- Personal growth and continuous learning are key to effective leadership.
In this episode of CEO Stories, John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, shares his remarkable journey in the construction industry, highlighting the pivotal role of relationships, adaptability, and fostering a caring company culture. He reflects on formative career moments, lessons from the Great Recession and COVID-19, and the value of vulnerability in leadership.
John discusses the challenges of sustaining a strong company culture and the importance of prioritizing people over financial metrics. He offers insights into his morning routine, emphasizing preparation and the values that guide his leadership style.
The conversation also explores the complexities of the real estate market, including rising costs and post-COVID dynamics. John highlights the opportunities brought by technology and AI in construction, advocating for a more respectful view of the workforce.
Takeaways:
- Building strong relationships is key to success.
- Adaptability is crucial in times of crisis.
- Vulnerability fosters trust in the workplace.
- A caring company culture leads to better outcomes.
- Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.
- People are the most important asset in a company.
- Morning routines set the tone for the day.
- Embrace diversity and acceptance in the workplace.
- A strong brand should reflect the company's values. Morning preparation is crucial for effective leadership.
- The industry faces challenges due to rising costs and market dynamics.
- AI can enhance accuracy in architectural design and scheduling.
- Building strong relationships is vital for success.
- Leadership can be learned and developed over time.
- Surrounding yourself with smarter people is beneficial.
In this episode of our new CEO Stories podcast, EY's global client service partner Mark Grinis draws on over three decades of experience working alongside some of the biggest, best-known CEOs in real estate to reveal what it takes to be a successful leader. From the intrinsic, circular nature of relationships to the power of milestones within wider strategies, this conversation shines a light on the social science around forging a career that takes you to the very top.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Elizabeth Brink, Co-CEO of Gensler, shares her journey in the design industry, discussing her passion for design, leadership lessons learned, and the importance of optimism in navigating challenges. She emphasizes the significance of building relationships, reading the market, and making confident decisions in a fluctuating real estate landscape. Elizabeth also addresses the balance between work and family life, the impact of sustainability in design, and the value of mentorship for aspiring leaders.
Takeaways:
- Elizabeth Brinkhoe emphasizes the importance of following one's passion in career choices.
- Optimism in leadership can uplift teams and foster a positive work environment.
- Building relationships is crucial in the real estate industry for long-term success.
- Sustainability should be a fundamental aspect of design practices.
- Personal challenges, such as balancing work and family, are common among leaders.
- Leaders must be adaptable and courageous in their decision-making.
- Finding one's voice and perspective is essential for professional growth.
- Daily routines can help manage stress and maintain focus.
- Curiosity can be a double-edged sword, serving both as inspiration and distraction.
- Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding the next generation of leaders.
In our inaugural episode of CEO Stories, a new CREtech podcast lifting the lid on the professional lives of some of the best-known leaders in global real estate, RXR CEO Scott Rechler gives a no holds barred interview about his path to CEO. From what he does to handle challenges and fears to how he reads a market as complex as real estate and from his rituals and routines to the worst piece of advice he has ever been given, this is Rechler a you have never heard him before.
In this episode of CEO Stories, Luke Petherbridge, CEO of Link Logistics, shares insights from his extensive career in real estate. He discusses formative experiences that shaped his leadership style, the importance of being open to new opportunities, and how to effectively read the real estate market. Luke emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with smart people, maintaining a positive outlook during challenges, and the qualities that make a great leader. He also reflects on personal routines, inspirations, and the legacy he hopes to leave in the industry.
Takeaways:
- Character is forged in crisis, revealing true resilience.
- Being open to new opportunities can lead to growth.
- Curiosity drives innovation and challenges the status quo.
- Real estate operates on local insights and data.
- Surrounding yourself with smart people is crucial for success.
- Maintaining a positive attitude helps navigate challenges.
- The worst advice is to stick with tradition without questioning.
- Authenticity is key to effective leadership.
- Great leaders are humble and good communicators.
- Creating a collaborative environment fosters excellence.
In this episode, Michael Beckerman discusses the evolving landscape of climate tech with Lou and Xan from LMRE. They explore the current job market trends, the importance of sustainability in the built environment, and the skills necessary for success in this rapidly changing field. The conversation highlights the growth in job opportunities, the challenges faced by women in the workforce, and the need for a strong company culture to retain talent. Lou and xan share insights on the types of roles available in climate tech and the essential skills for future professionals. In this conversation, Lauren Leal discusses the challenges of the current job market, emphasizing the pressure on graduates and the need for candidates to stand out in interviews. She shares insights on the skills in demand within the real estate sector, particularly in relation to technology and sustainability. The discussion also highlights the opportunities in climate tech, especially in New York, and offers valuable advice for the next generation on building their careers and networks. The conversation concludes with a look ahead to 2025, focusing on the evolving landscape of the industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Takeaways:
- The job market in climate tech has seen a 20% growth recently.
- Women in the industry earn 17.3% less than men.
- Company culture is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.
- There is a growing demand for sustainability-focused skillsets.
- Smart building technology is a competitive field with limited talent.
- Candidates need to be adaptable and resilient in startups.
- Networking and referrals are vital for career advancement.
- Understanding ESG reporting is becoming increasingly important.
- Sales roles in climate tech require navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
- Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in today's job market.
- The job market is challenging for recent graduates.
- Candidates must differentiate themselves in interviews.
- Researching interviewers can create a warmer conversation.
- Basic interview etiquette is often overlooked.
- Networking events are crucial for career development.
- Sustainability skills are increasingly in demand.
- New York is a hub for climate tech innovation.
- Nuclear energy is gaining attention in the tech space.
- Building relationships is key to career success.
In this episode of Cretech Climate Cast, Michael Beckerman interviews Hrisa Gatzoulis, Director of Sustainability at the Rudin Organization. They discuss the importance of sustainability in the real estate sector, the business case for sustainable practices, and the technological innovations that are shaping the future of the industry. Hrisa shares her career journey, the challenges and opportunities in sustainability, and offers advice for the next generation looking to enter this field. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency, collaboration, and hope for a sustainable future.
Takeaways:
- Sustainability is essential for the future of real estate.
- The Rudin Organization is committed to decarbonization and sustainability.
- Making a business case for sustainability is crucial for long-term success.
- Technological innovations can significantly impact sustainability efforts.
- Tenant engagement is key to successful sustainability initiatives.
- Career opportunities in sustainability are expanding across various fields.
- Education and transparency with tenants foster collaboration.
- Young professionals should seek diverse experiences in sustainability.
- Networking and mentorship are vital for career growth in sustainability.
- Hope for the future lies in the next generation's commitment to sustainability.
In this episode of Cretech Climate Cast, Michael Beckerman speaks with Yoann Hispa, CEO of LandGate, about the evolving landscape of the built environment and the significant shifts towards sustainability and renewable energy. They discuss the formation of Landgate, the new real estate paradigm, and the impact of renewable energy and data centers on commercial real estate. Johan emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks associated with the energy transition.
Takeaways:
- The built environment contributes to 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- LandGate provides data solutions for renewable energy projects.
- The concept of 'new real estate' encompasses residential and commercial real estate.
- Three tectonic shifts are reshaping the real estate landscape: new real estate, renewable energy, and AI infrastructure.
- Investors need to consider energy potential when evaluating properties.
- Data centers are becoming crucial for the future of real estate.
- The age of renewable energy is leading to decentralized energy generation.
- Real estate professionals must adapt to the changing demands of the market.
- There are significant financial opportunities in optimizing properties for renewable energy.
- Ignoring the energy transition could lead to reduced margins in commercial real estate.
Check out LandGate here: https://www.landgate.com/
Clemens Brenninkmeijer, Head of Sustainability at Redevco, discusses the company's mission to achieve zero carbon by 2040 and their approach to sustainability in the built environment. Redevco aims to balance people, planet, and profit and sees sustainability as a responsibility and an opportunity for businesses to do good. They focus on reducing operational and embodied carbon, improving biodiversity, reducing water and waste, and creating social value. Clemens emphasizes the importance of starting small, not letting perfection get in the way of progress, and collaborating with stakeholders. He also highlights the role of technology in data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as in design and construction processes.
Takeaways:
- Start small and focus on incremental progress
- Don't let perfectionism hinder progress
- Collaborate with stakeholders and find common ground
- Utilize technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting
- Embrace technology in design and construction processes
- Execution and implementation are key
In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Laura Fox, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Streetlife Ventures. They discuss the focus of Streetlight Ventures on investing in climate tech solutions for the built environment. Laura shares her background and career journey, highlighting her passion for improving quality of life in cities. They also discuss the manifesto of Streetlight Ventures and their approach to supporting startups in the B2B space. Laura emphasizes the importance of cities in addressing climate change and the economic opportunities that come with it. They also touch on the state of New York City in terms of climate tech and decarbonization. The conversation with Laura Fox from Streetlight Ventures focused on the opportunities and challenges in building sustainable cities. The main themes discussed were the importance of logistics and fleet management in the transportation sector, the need for energy efficiency and renewable power in buildings, the potential of wastewater and adaptation technologies, and the role of government in driving sustainable urban development. The conversation also touched on the strategies for scaling a climate tech startup and the vision for future cities that prioritize climate justice, inclusivity, and resilience.
Takeaways:
- Streetlight Ventures focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed stage B2B climate tech startups in five core sectors: mobility and logistics, buildings, energy, waste and water, and adaptation
- Cities play a crucial role in addressing climate change, as half of humanity lives in cities and 70% of emissions come from cities
- New York City is considered the Silicon Valley of climate tech, with a thriving ecosystem of climate tech startups and a range of resources and support for founders
- Government and private sector collaboration is key in driving innovation and decarbonization in cities
- Technology categories with potential in the climate tech space include urban logistics and fleet management, energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy generation, waste management, and climate adaptation solutions. Logistics and fleet management solutions are crucial for the transportation sector to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
- Energy efficiency and renewable power are key in making buildings more sustainable and reducing emissions
- Wastewater and adaptation technologies offer opportunities for innovation and creating value in the climate tech space
- Government partnerships and collaboration are essential for driving sustainable urban development
- Scaling a climate tech startup requires understanding the market, building a strong funnel, and optimizing operations
- The vision for future cities includes climate justice, inclusivity, and resilience
Daniel Dart, Founder, Rockyard Ventures, shares his inspiring journey from prison to PropTech. He grew up in California with a tumultuous childhood, and ended up homeless and in and out of jail. After starting a rock band and achieving success, he ended up back in prison for a few years before rebuilding his life. Dart's focus now is on investing in badass founders who are redefining core industries, particularly in the built environment. He emphasizes the importance of being the best prepared in the room and constantly learning through active learning. Dart also discusses the importance of discipline, being a fierce competitor, and giving back to others.
Takeaways:
- Daniel Dart's journey from prison to PropTech is inspiring and shows the power of resilience and reinvesting in oneself.
- Investing in badass founders who are redefining core industries, particularly in the built environment, is the focus of Rockyard Ventures.
- Constant learning through active learning and being the best prepared in the room are key to success.
- Discipline and being a fierce competitor are important traits in a challenging industry like venture and startups.
- Giving back and helping others is a crucial aspect of Dart's journey and something he encourages others to do as well.
In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Nick Durham, General Partner at Shadow Ventures, about the role of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector in driving decarbonization. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry, the impact of materials like concrete on carbon emissions, and the need for innovation and technology in the built environment. Durham highlights some startups in Shadow Ventures' portfolio that are focused on deep energy retrofits, 3D printed housing, and automation in construction. He also shares insights on what venture capitalists look for in startups and the importance of differentiation and distribution advantages. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the upcoming AEC zone at the CREtech New York event.
Takeaways:
- The AEC sector plays a crucial role in driving decarbonization in the built environment.
- The construction industry faces challenges in adopting new technologies due to the conservative nature of the sector and the need for sound engineering and safety.
- Materials like concrete, while carbon-intensive to manufacture, have long lifespans and can be more sustainable in the long run compared to less durable alternatives.
- Startups in the AEC space need to have a clear advantage in either differentiation or distribution to attract venture capital investment.
- Innovation and technology, including AI, are transforming the AEC sector and creating opportunities for startups.
- The upcoming AEC zone at the Cretech New York event aims to connect the architecture, engineering, construction, and commercial real estate sectors to promote collaboration and innovation.
In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Ben Birnbaum, Partner, Keyframe Capital, about their focus on investing in large and complex projects in the built environment. They discuss the challenges of financing capital-intensive businesses in the climate and decarbonization space, as well as the need for scalable solutions in the industry. They also explore the potential for buildings to become power sources and the decarbonization of materials like cement and steel. Overall, they emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with a knowledgeable team and staying informed about industry trends and developments.
Takeaways:
- Keyframe Capital focuses on investing in large and complex projects in the built environment
- Financing capital-intensive businesses in the climate and decarbonization space is a challenge
- Scalable solutions are needed in the industry to drive widespread adoption
- Buildings have the potential to become power sources and contribute to the energy transition
- Decarbonization of materials like cement and steel is an important area of focus
- Surrounding oneself with a knowledgeable team and staying informed is crucial in the industry
In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Rebecca Becker, the Vice President of Environmental and Climate Adaptation at Equity Residential. They discuss the importance of sustainability and ESG in the real estate industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing buildings. Becker emphasizes the need for data-driven solutions and resident engagement to achieve sustainability goals. She also highlights the role of risk management in addressing physical and transitional risks associated with climate change. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of sustainability in real estate and the importance of recruiting young talent in the climate tech industry.
Takeaways:
- Sustainability and ESG are becoming increasingly important in the real estate industry, with companies like Equity Residential prioritizing these initiatives.
- Decarbonizing buildings requires addressing both physical and transitional risks, as well as engaging residents and utilizing data-driven solutions.
- The cost and logistical challenges of retrofitting buildings for decarbonization need to be overcome, and technology advancements and incentives are crucial in this process.
- The grid and infrastructure challenges pose significant obstacles to achieving decarbonization goals, and collaboration between utilities, governments, and the private sector is necessary.
- Recruiting young talent and encouraging them to pursue careers in climate tech and real estate can drive innovation and progress in sustainability efforts.
Greg Jones, Director of Hoare Lea, discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the built environment. He highlights the progress that has been made in the UK, particularly in terms of legislative and regulatory policies, as well as the establishment of networks and collaborations to drive sustainability initiatives. Jones also shares examples of sustainable technologies being implemented, such as mass timber and energy networks, and emphasizes the need for a mindset shift and thinking differently to make a real impact. He expresses optimism for the future, citing the growing awareness and engagement of younger generations.
Takeaways:
- The UK has made significant progress in embracing sustainability and decarbonization in the built environment through legislative and regulatory policies.
- Collaboration and networks play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives and sharing best practices.
- Examples of sustainable technologies being implemented include mass timber and energy networks.
- A mindset shift and thinking differently are necessary to make a real impact in the built environment.
- There is optimism for the future, as younger generations are increasingly aware and engaged in sustainability efforts.
In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Johnathan Axelrod, the co-founder and managing partner of Remarkable Ventures. They discuss the mission of Remarkable Ventures to drive investment and adoption in climate technologies focused on the built environment. Johnathan emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship in solving climate change and highlights the need for both incremental impact and moonshot solutions. He also shares insights on what makes a remarkable founder and provides advice for founders looking to pitch to investors. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges of the energy grid and the importance of collaboration and adaptation in achieving climate goals.
Takeaways:
- Entrepreneurship is necessary to solve the biggest problems, including climate change.
- Investing in climate technologies for the built environment requires both incremental impact and moonshot solutions.
- A remarkable founder combines determination and flexibility, willing to go beyond what most people would quit while being open to changing direction based on market needs.
- When pitching to investors, founders should focus on understanding the problem, the solution, the market, and the customers' needs.
- The energy transition is already happening on the ground, with consensus and collaboration in many states, regardless of political affiliations.
- The role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges of the energy grid is crucial, including grid orchestration and microgrid solutions.
In this episode of the Cretech Climate Cast podcast, host Michael Beckerman interviews Josh Felser, Co-founding partner of Climactic VC. They discuss the mission of Climactic VC and its focus on investing in software-first climate tech companies that aim to make the built environment more efficient. Felser emphasizes the importance of authenticity and adaptability in founders, and shares examples of portfolio companies like Weave Grid and Orange Chargers that are addressing key challenges in the industry. He also expresses optimism about the role of CEOs in driving decarbonization efforts.
Takeaways:
- Climactic VC focuses on investing in software-first climate tech companies that aim to make the built environment more efficient.
- Authenticity and adaptability are key qualities that Climactic VC looks for in founders.
- Portfolio companies like Weave Grid and Orange Chargers are addressing key challenges in the industry, such as EV load shaping and charging infrastructure.
- CEOs play a crucial role in driving decarbonization efforts, and their commitment is essential for the success of climate tech solutions.
- Despite the challenges, there is optimism about the potential for significant progress in decarbonizing the built environment.
In this episode of the Cretech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Raj Singh, the Managing Partner of JLL Spark Global Ventures, about the importance of sustainability in the built environment and the role of venture capital in driving climate tech solutions. They discuss JLL's commitment to sustainability and the need for innovative startups to address the climate crisis. Raj shares JLL Spark's investment criteria, which includes a focus on game-changing ideas, the maturity of the technology, and the strategic fit with JLL's mission. They also touch on the potential of AI in accelerating climate technologies and the massive market opportunity for decarbonizing the built environment.
Takeaways:
- Sustainability is mission critical to JLL because buildings are a major source of carbon emissions and have a significant impact on climate change.
- JLL Spark is actively looking to invest in early stage climate tech startups that have a game-changing idea and the potential for a material impact on sustainability.
- The intersection of AI and climate tech presents a lot of promise, but the technology is still in its early stages and requires further development and implementation.
- The market for climate tech in the built environment is massive and technology will play a crucial role in decarbonizing the planet.
- Collaboration between venture capitalists, startups, and industry leaders is essential for driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of climate tech solutions.
Join us for a deep dive into real estate decarbonization with Genevieve Gravina, CRE Sales Lead at Omnidian. In this conversation, we delve into the intricate workings of Omnidian, exploring how the platform collaborates with real estate entities to strategize and execute effective decarbonization strategies, touching on the tangible benefits that Omnidian's platform offers to its customers and the ideal customer profile for maximum effectiveness.
Genevieve paints a vivid picture of the evolving real estate ecosystem, where sustainability and profitability harmonize seamlessly and expresses how this innovative platform is not just adapting to change but leading the charge towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the real estate industry.
Discover more: https://www.omnidian.com/
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Mike Kazmierczak, Vice President of the Decarbonization Office at Schneider Electric, to unravel the complexities of achieving sustainability and decarbonization goals in the built environment. Mike shares insights into his personal commitment to sustainability and dives into Schneider Electric's unique position as an "Impact company."
Retrofitting buildings has a pivotal role in the journey towards decarbonization. Mike sheds light on the evidence supporting the benefits and payback of retrofitting, providing a compelling case for organizations to embrace this transformative approach.
Schneider Electric's visionary approach to bridging the gap between ambition and action offers a roadmap for organizations to navigate the sustainable transformation of their buildings.
Discover more: www.se.com/decarbonize
Join us in this episode as we delve into the world of sustainable and tech-driven investments with Micah Kotch, Partner at Blackhorn Ventures. We'll explore their investment thesis and strategy, focusing on the future of climate technology and the evolution of sustainable investments. Discover the pivotal role of green startups in the real estate industry and gain insights from Micah, a seasoned expert, about the influential power of venture capital in propelling sustainable innovation. Tune in for why the real estate sector can act as a catalyst for positive change.
Discover more: https://blackhornvc.com/
Join Anneli Tostar, CEO & Co-Founder, and Nicole Granath, Co-Founder of Tangible, as they discuss their professional journeys and why sustainability matters to them. Explore the vision behind the inception of the Tangible platform and how it addresses marketplace challenges. Their recent successful fundraising journey provides valuable lessons for fellow founders; OWN YOUR POWER.
As we all know the built world contributes to 40% of global carbon emissions, we'll also delve into how the industry can embrace better ESG practices, especially in the context of the supply chain crisis, for a more sustainable future. Keep an eye on Tangible in the coming years as they continue to make a meaningful impact.
Discover more: https://tangiblematerials.com/
Anja Kristina Köhler, Head of Sustainability at EDGE unveils the deep-rooted sustainability ethos driving EDGE's real estate development background, with the company's powerful mantra, "The world needs better buildings," and how it shapes their every endeavour. Anja, delves into the galvanizing processes employed by EDGE to ensure the delivery of high standards across their projects, unpacking the challenges faced in different geographical contexts, diverse social standards and community considerations.
Discover more: https://edge.tech/
Michael Daschle, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Brookfield Properties delves into the unique commitments and strategies of Brookfield Asset Management towards achieving net-zero carbon, uncovering the rationale behind their approach, how it translates into a sustainable return on investment and the innovative solutions deployed. Also highlighted is the pivotal role of tenant demand and satisfaction encompassing the crucial factors influencing decision-making.
Discover more: https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en.html
Stonly Blue, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Third Sphere characterizes the core philosophy of Third Sphere, which focuses on supporting founders who transform theory into action going beyond altruism and embracing nuanced thinking to bring their amazing solutions into the world. Stonly delves into the influencing factors, that shape Third Sphere's investment decisions of why, what, and who whilst also challenging the narrative that hardware is hard, demonstrating that it doesn't have to be a barrier to success. Advice is provided on how technology companies can best grow and scale in the built environment.
Discover more: https://thirdsphere.com/
Martin Powell, Axa's Group Sustainability Director and editor of "The Climate City" book, delves into groundbreaking solutions for urban resilience amid climate change. Discover the pivotal role of technology in emission reduction and the far-reaching impact of our choices on the planet and infrastructure. Explore AXA's unwavering commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and the path to achieving ambitious goals through constant innovation. Gain insight into the consequences of a 4-degree temperature rise, the imperative for real estate to address broader issues like flooding and sewage, and the contrasting approaches of EU and US governments and private sectors in green deal collaborations. Join us for a deep dive into sustainable urban living and the path forward.
Discover more: https://www.axa.com/
In this podcast episode, Joe Sumberg, Managing Partner at Galvanize Climate Solutions, delves into the company's sustainability mission and investment strategies. He highlights the role of real estate in decarbonization and introduces the innovative GOLD tool for identifying eco-friendly investment opportunities.
Sumberg also offers insights on fostering sustainability in the real estate industry and mobilizing it for urgent change, given its significant carbon footprint. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in sustainable real estate investment and its pivotal role in combating climate change.
Discover more: https://galvanizeclimate.com/
Ariel Shtarkman, Managing Partner of Undivided Ventures shares the driving factors behind Undivided Ventures' investment decisions shedding light on why they specifically choose to invest in Property Tech and Construct Tech solutions that pave the way to a sustainable future. Ariel expresses her thoughts on the pivotal role of technology in accelerating the transformation of the built environment, making it faster, smarter, and cleaner.
To all tech founders! Receive invaluable tips and guidance helping you to navigate the world of investment including tactics for pitching to venture firms secure support for your groundbreaking solutions.
Discover more: https://www.undivided.vc/
Join us in this episode as Anand Srinivasan, an Executive at CoreLogic, delves into the world of real estate solutions. Discover their data-driven strategies for risk assessment and sustainability. Uncover insights into their mission-aligned approach, powered by cutting-edge technologies and analytics.
From evaluating climate risks to molding robust real estate values, gain a comprehensive view of CoreLogic's vital role. Tune in for an illuminating discussion on the ecosystem's risks, effective risk management, and the convergence of data science with real estate's sustainable future.
Discover more: corelogic.com
Helen Chartier, Director of Urban Planning and Design of C40 discusses C40 cities collaboration between the largest cities, improving and accelerating their climate policies and action plans. There is an agreement on the emission of cities from buildings including transport and imported impacts, they know what they need to do but the key is how do we accelerate action and make it viable from an inclusion and political perspective?
Discover more: https://www.c40.org/about-c40/
Juliette Morgan, ESG Consultancy Director of Gensler delves deep into why the built environment should take responsibility for our impact on the planet. Juliette explores indigenous communities inspiring living in harmony with nature and reducing consumption. Despite the availability of solutions, the industry is being held back by challenges such as cost, supply chain, regulation, and testing.
Discover more: https://www.gensler.com/
Charlie Green, Co-Founder and President of The Office Group unveils the fascinating story of the construction of London's largest timber building, exploring the driving factors behind this bold endeavor, from the carefully chosen materials to the profound positive impacts on the environment.
Gain valuable insights as he candidly shares the challenges faced during the process and the ingenious solutions they employed to overcome them. Can we truly build mass timber at scale?
Kunal Lunawat, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Ayga Ventures explores investing in the "bits" (software) and "atoms" (materials), recognizing the symbiotic relationship between the two. Explore the challenges of securing capital for hardware ventures and gain insights into the emerging category of capital that will shape the future of atoms-based innovation. Kunal also sheds light on the critical role of accessible energy in enhancing life expectancy and how this drives the urgent need to adopt a new approach that goes beyond decarbonizing the built world.
Discover more: https://www.agyaventures.com/
Brian Swett, Americas East Leader of Arup shares the profound impact of Arup's consulting expertise through case studies on commercial owners, developers, and other stakeholders embarking on their journey to establish ESG strategies and embedding sustainability into their culture, setting the stage for long-term success. Brian discusses the intersection of the private sector and government in driving policies and regulations for climate change in the current market, alongside the forces shaping the sustainability agenda, and the challenges posed by global policies with operational and embodied carbon requirements.
Discover more: https://www.arup.com/our-firm/arup-history
In this podcast episode, Joseph Allen, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, shares his passion for sustainability and discusses the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program. He delves into the impact of "Sick Building Syndrome" on health.
Allen also provides insights from sustainable projects, offers advice to real estate professionals on crafting ESG and Healthy Building strategies, and explores the role of technology in addressing these issues. The episode calls for urgent action in the real estate industry to embrace sustainability, given its significant role in carbon emissions and our daily lives spent indoors. It's a must-listen for those interested in healthier, more sustainable buildings.
Discover more: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/
Lauren Moss, Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer at Vornado Realty Trust highlights the visionary approach behind Vornado's ESG strategy, expanding upon key elements that drive their sustainable initiatives for carbon neutrality, waste diversion, water reduction, and the pivotal role of tenant engagement. Lauren unwraps Vornados’ Vision 2030 commitment to carbon neutrality with two pivotal topics: the collaborative journey between landlords and tenants in reducing emissions, and the optimization of energy consumption.
Discover more: https://www.vno.com/
Juan Francisco Palacios, Visiting Assistant Professor at MIT Center for Real Estate delves into the profound relationship between buildings and their impact on human health and well-being. With the majority of our time spent indoors, the quality of the air we breathe and the comfort of the temperature we experience are directly shaped by building infrastructure. Juan highlights the historical oversight of buildings in the context of health conversations, shedding light on how this narrative is shifting through extensive research, data analysis, and growing customer demand for greener buildings.
Discover more: https://cre.mit.edu/
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) walks us through building sustainability, resilience in respect of climate change, making the ROI case for real estate companies to embrace sustainability, as well as sharing some highlights from the UKGBC’s Whole Life Carbon Roadmap. Julie also discusses her impending departure from the UKGBC, reflecting back on achievements, and what her next challenge might entail.
Jared Della Valle, CEO of Alloy Development sheds light on the sustainability practices that have been weaved into the company’s design, development and advisory practice as well as how technology plays an increasingly important role in these sustainability initiatives within both Alloy and the broader real estate development and design industries.
Peter Merrigan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Taurus Investment Holdings LLC, a real estate private equity firm with an active deal footprint spanning 30 global markets, shares the firm’s global view on ESG and its impact on dealflow, how the firm’s renewable energy investment strategy complements its multi-category real estate portfolio, as well as unpacks some of the philanthropic work Peter engages in, some of the Boards served on, and how all of these initiatives culminate to creating a positive impact on both people and real estate.
Christian Weeks, CEO of enVerid Systems, walks us through how the company solves indoor air quality issues, the importance of having experienced climate tech investors and advisors on your cap table, as well as how the company gained traction in getting the real estate industry to embrace sustainability.
Rao Mulpuri, CEO of View, Inc, discusses some of the measurable impacts that View provides both in terms of health and wellness as well as energy efficiency, how View is being used in the context of occupant experience, which markets the company is operating in and how it has achieved such impressive traction to date.
Carl Brooks, Global Head of ESG - Property Management at CBRE walks us through how technology is a key sustainability driving force, how CBRE is leveraging technology to reduce carbon emissions in buildings, discusses key takeaways and achievements in regards to CBRE’s own 2040 net-zero carbon emissions pledge, as well as the company’s recent accolade, having been recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the fourth consecutive year.
Samantha Kempe, Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer of IMMO sheds light on the company’s mission, discusses why retrofitting the UK’s building stock via the SFR market is so important, and shares IMMO’s unique approach to acquiring buildings, upgrading their energy efficiency and renting them out in the private market.
Clemens Brenninkmeijer, Head of Sustainability, Redevco BV shares why sustainability is such an integral part of the company, how it’s been integrated throughout the company’s DNA, as well as Redevco’s strategic approach to ESG.
Shana Schlossberg, CEO of Upward Labs discusses what drives her as a serial entrepreneur across industries, walks us through the launch of the Net Zero Lab, how startups can get involved, as well as unpacking some of the most illuminating startups emerging to tackle the real estate industry’s outsized emissions.
Dana Robbins Schneider, SVP, Director of Energy, Sustainability and ESG for Empire State Realty Trust shares some of the company’s portfolio sustainability milestones, discusses highlights from the "Empire Building Playbook: An Owner's Guide for Low Carbon Retrofits”, as well as Dana’s experience in serving on multiple real estate sustainability boards, and how they drive adoption within the Commercial Real Estate industry.
Guy Grainger, Global Head of Sustainability Services and ESG at JLL characterizes this present moment in time in respect of the global real estate sustainability movement, underscores some of the milestones achieved in JLL’s own enterprise-wide net-zero carbon emissions goals, highlights frontier technologies, methods and practices used for building decarbonization, as well as unpacks key takeaways from JLL’s Global Sustainability Report and many other well-cited decarbonization reports published by the company.
Alex Edds, Head of Sustainability, Europe, LaSalle Investment Management, discusses how technology can better align to the market needs to support sustainability, the challenges facing the industry, the need to accelerate and scale solutions, and the influence of the 'greening' financial markets on real estate and the differences between Europe, America & Asia. Alex also dives into what is working, what isn’t and how we can do better.
Deb Noller, CEO & Co-Founder, Switch Automation, describes what led them to founding Switch Automation, provides an overview of the company’s suite of smart building platform tools and their benefits in relation to sustainability, as well as a glimpse into the ESG market in New Zealand and the greater APAC region.
Eric Roseman, Chief Revenue Officer of Xeal Energy unpacks how EV charging is fast becoming a crucial tool in the built environment’s transition to net zero, Xeal’s overall mission, as well as how Xeal's patent-pending charging platform eliminates the need for costly IT/network infrastructure upgrades, maximizing ROI.
Erin Dunn-Franklin, VP Sustainable Investing, Goldman Sachs, discusses why sustainability is such an integral part of Goldman Sachs’ philosophy, areas of climate tech that catches Goldman Sachs’ attention, and an inspiring note for future generations seeking to build a career in sustainability.
Andres Guzman, Head of ESG, Europe - Tishman Speyer, unpacks the evolution of Tishman Speyer's ESG & net-zero strategies, how sustainability has been integrated throughout the company and its portfolio, and highlights ESG Data Management and Reporting issues as well as potential technologies to address these.
Carl Silbersky, Chief Executive Officer of BIMobject, discusses BIMobject's mission, markets served, and how he sees the future of BIM evolving to more actively incorporate the AEC sector in building sustainability.
Christy Hill, Head of Americas Asset Management and Global Head of ESG, PGIM Real Estate, walks us through some examples of how PGIM has embedded sustainability throughout the company and its portfolio, discusses how other real estate companies that are inspired by PGIM's ESG initiatives can craft their own successful ESG strategies, as well as highlights some of the most promising built environment decarbonizing technologies encountered.
Rachel Steinberg, Head of Mesa (part of Google), walks us through Mesa’s overall mission of offering accessible building controls to an underserved market, how Mesa automates carbon reduction in commercial buildings and the technology trends she sees evolving in real estate sustainability.
Paige Pitcher, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Moderne Ventures, unpacks Moderne Ventures’ mission in tackling climate change emanating from the built world, highlights some of their portfolio companies leading the way, and how the real estate sector can be mobilized to adopt better ESG practices.
Mazyar Mortazavi, President and CEO, TAS, shares how an “unconventional impact company” balances profit and impact in tandem, sheds light on the ESG market in Canada, and discusses the four pillars of TAS’ recently published inaugural Annual Impact Report.
Jonathan Hannam, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Taronga Ventures walks us through the early stages of his career in China, his passion for addressing the climate crisis as it relates to the built world, as well as the types of solutions Taronga Group and Taronga Ventures’ seeks investment in.
Sandeep Ahuja, Co-Founder and CEO at Cove Tool, sheds light on where her passion for ClimaTech came from, why sustainability is such an integral part of Cove Tool, as well as an outlook regarding the role technology will play in helping to decarbonize the built world.
Rebecca Berry, President, Finegold Alexander Architects, walks us through her observations concerning the current state of sustainability in the real estate state sector, how AEC will play an increasingly important role in sustainability, and what tools are lacking in the marketplace.
Shaun Abrahamson, Managing Partner of Third Sphere (fka Urban Us), walks us through the process of finding climate tech companies to invest in, the risks of investing in climate tech, and how we can vastly increase the market for climate tech by educating the built world.
Troy Harris, Managing Director of Timberland at Jamestown, discusses what Timberland investment is and how it differs from real estate investment, the role of trees in fighting the climate crisis, and some popular misconceptions about forestry in the United States.
Spencer Levy, Global Chief Client Officer and Senior Economic Advisor at CBRE, discusses the significance of ESG in conversations about modern day investing, how PropTech is propelling investment ESG, why some areas are slower to embrace climate regulations than others, and how we can push the entire built environment industry to recognize and embrace sustainability.
Marika Erdely, Founder and CEO of Green EconoME, shares insights into how we can reduce the carbon emissions of existing buildings, how to push the real estate industry to go green, and the biggest challenges when sourcing funding for climate change investments.
Hampus Jakobsson, General Partner, Pale blue dot, speaks on why the climate industry is so interesting, problems that climate tech companies face today, and why the whole industry needs to work together in order to make progress.
Mike Moran, Chief Markets Officer at Microshare, discusses how climate change is becoming much more relevant in global business conversations, why hopping on the “climate change bandwagon” is a good business decision, and how the younger generations are impacting the world of climate tech.
Laura Craft, Senior Vice President and Head of Global ESG Strategy at Heitman, discusses how Heitman uses the resources available for a major global investor to improve carbon emissions, the importance of ESG within modern day investment, and how investment managers assess climate risk and mitigation.
Matthew Plante, Co-Founder and President of Voltus, Inc, walks us through the journey of his company, how they were able to grow in the clean-tech industry, and how they are accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Ami Kotecha, Co-Founder & Head of Venture Investments at Amro Partners, discusses how they are making the real estate industry more sustainable, why investing in the environment is a profitable business model, and where the most room for growth is within the world of climate technology.
Josh Griffin, Co-Founder and Chief Policy Officer of nZero, describes how their technology helps companies reach their carbon emission goals while also helping policy makers create positive changes in local and state government.
Michael Beckerman, CEO, CREtech & Climate sits down with Parag Khanna, Founder and Managing Partner, FutureMap, to unpack the inspiration and drive behind Parag's international best-selling book, ‘Move: The Forces Uprooting Us’. Parag also shares insight on his recent launch of new technology solution, ClimateAlpha, how technology is critical in adaptation and climate resilient geographies.
Raphael Rosen, CEO of Carbon Lighthouse, shares insights behind his technology solution, how it is unique in the marketplace and how we address the climate crisis with a greater sense of urgency that it needs.
David Kolada, Managing Partner of Greensoil PropTech Ventures discusses their new $100m green PropTech fund, what types of investments they will be making and some of the startups they have invested in. David also shares insights into scaling climate tech in the built environment.
Brett Phillips, Vice President of Unico Properties | Unico Solar Investors, discusses the strategy behind the formation of Unico Solar in 2017, the impact that the solar industry has on an eventual net-zero world and insights into their high-profile project, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Emilie Mazzacurati, Founder & CEO of Four Twenty Seven and Global Head of Climate Solutions at Moody's ESG Solutions, discusses how risk management and mitigation is equally important in the fight against the impacts of climate change.
Erik Landry, Climate Change Specialist at GRESB, discusses the suite of products they manage that give real asset managers and investors the tools they need to make informed decisions regarding climate-related risks. Erik also shares insights into how we can get the real estate industry to mobilize as a unified force to fight climate change.
Menno Lammers, Founder of PropTech for Good, unpacks the mission and core objectives behind PropTech for Good and initiatives such as the Ambassador Network. Menno also discusses Society 5.0 and its implications on PropTech and the built world.
Zachary Smith, CEO of Zauben, shares his vision for Zauben and how the platform helps the built world address climate change and embrace sustainability. Zachary also shares insights into their experience with The Google for Startups Accelerator: Climate Change program.
Becca Rushin, VP Sustainability & Social Responsibility at Jamestown provides an overview on why sustainability is an integral part of Jamestown’s mission and why companies should be investing in climate technologies and social responsibility. Becca also shares how technology plays a role in sustainability at Jamestown and in real estate more broadly.
Dan Doctoroff, Founder & CEO of Sidewalk Labs, discusses the big vision that formed Sidewalk Labs and the connection with Google that made them the ideal partner. Dan also shares their mission at Sidewalk Labs and his thoughts on the role the public sector will play in legislating net zero commitments in the built world.
Travis Connors, Co-Founder and General Partner of Building Ventures, sheds light on their investment process, what types of investments they are looking for in the climate tech space and advice for first-time entrepreneurs entering the climate tech industry.
Nikolas Samios, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of PropTech1, takes a deep dive into why Europe is leading the way in addressing climate change and an overview of what they look for when investing in early-stage companies.
Natalie Teear, Senior VP, Innovation, Sustainability & Social Impact of Hudson Pacific Properties, unpacks how they built and implemented a sustainability and socially responsible culture. Natalie also highlights the company’s 2020 corporate responsibility report, including plans to achieve the goals of net zero waste by 2025 and what went into achieving carbon neutrality last year.
Jacob Arlein, CEO of Stok, walks us through projects they are most proud of and how that work has impacted the sustainability of their client’s real estate, the best practices and technologies they have seen in the market and sustainability initiatives they have and are implementing at Stok.
Bryan Bennett, CEO and Founder of Cortex Building Intelligence, takes a deep dive into how their real-time actionable insights improve sustainability and increase ROI for the commercial real estate industry. Bryan also shares lessons learned from building and scaling Coretex and practices that work in terms of adoption.
Jessica Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at International Well Being Institute, shares insights into how IWBI responded to the impact of the pandemic and how they have been able to support the real estate industry more broadly. Jessica also takes a deep dive into IWBI’s WELL Certifications and their 10 concept framework to certify a building.
Anthony Hickling, Managing Director at the Carbon Leadership Forum, gives a brief background to the genesis of the Carbon Leadership Forum, where their support comes from as a non-profit organization, and specific investments and strategies that building owners and operators can use to decrease their carbon footprint.
Executive Vice President at Rudin Management, Michael Rudin, discusses his family’s long tradition of leading by example and their commitment to sustainable development, the role that the public sector plays in addressing climate change and NYC as a Mecca of innovation.
Kathy Hannun, Co-Founder & President of Dandelion, takes a deep dive into how their geothermal solutions are tackling the climate crisis, scaling their solution without sacrificing customer experience and quality, and how Dandelion’s investors help with opportunities and challenges ahead from both the tech and real estate perspectives.
Founder & CEO of Measurabl, Matt Ellis, sits down with CREtech’s CEO, Michael Beckerman, to discuss why data analysis capability is critical in helping companies make a meaningful impact when it comes to implementing a solid ESG strategy and reducing their carbon footprint. Matt also provides an oversight into what the next couple of years look like for Measurabl.
Michael Beckerman sits down with Bryan Koop, Executive Vice President, Boston at Boston Properties and Ben Myers, Vice President, Sustainability at Boston Properties. They discuss the evolution of Boston Properties' sustainability and ESG strategy, and take a deep dive into their 2020 ESG Report, unpacking the core components and strategies that make up the report.
Robert Otani, Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti, shares an overview of their Healthy Reentry App they built during the pandemic, where their sustainability philosophy and commitment evolved from and how they implemented this into the culture at Thornton Tomassetti.
Nicole LeBlanc, Partner, Platform at 2150, provides an overview of 2150’s fund focusing on urbantech which has since closed at $312M, their renowned founding partners, and their ‘Brain Trust’ advisory board. Nicole also shares insights into investing across the Urban Stack and why cities are important for the world of real estate tech and climate investing.
Deepinder Singh, Founder and CEO of 75F, discusses the formation of the company, the problem they set out to solve, lessons learnt along the way and what it means to have their investors involved in the company and helping them to scale their platform.
A/O PropTech’s Founder, Gregory Dewerpe, shares insights into entering the venture world, investment strategies as it relates to climate tech and what shaped his commitment and passion for sustainability and climate change.
Jonathan Flaherty, Global Head of Sustainability and Building Technology Innovation, at Tishman Speyer, discusses measuring ROI from the perspective of running buildings as efficiently as possible, how Tishman Speyer are planning for the future and highlights from their most recent sustainability report.
Fionnuala Hogan, Creator of RElab and Head of Early Stage Investing at Goldacre Ventures, takes a deep dive into their RElab 2021 scale-up program, which focuses on the themes of sustainability and construction technology, what start-ups they are looking for to join their unique program and lessons learnt from driving adoption with their first cohort.
Brian Sudler, Principal at Sudler Companies talks about how his and his family's military background and public service also spurred the company’s commitment to serving the greater community and sustainability. Brian also discusses in-depth about adopting new, green technologies, and shares advice for other development companies seeking to expand into the realm of sustainability.
Brad Klatt, Co-Founder & Chairman of Logical Buildings, discusses how the experience of being in the real estate industry as Co-Founder of Roseland Property Company, gave insights into how to build and scale Logical Buildings in a way that addresses the core challenges that landlords face today. Brad also shares insights on influencing the big real estate companies into adopting and investing in tech.
In this CREtech Climate Cast episode, Anushka Grant, Vice President Business Transformation and Platform Services at Oxford Properties Group unpacks the tools that have made Oxford Properties so successful in climate tech implementation and adoption.
Jesse Uzzell, Founder and CEO of Climate Futures shares with listeners what inspired him to take credible action against climate change. Uzell and CREtech’s CEO Michael Beckerman also discuss common pitfalls companies face when implementing climate strategies, and how to overcome them.
In this episode, Greg Smithies, Partner and leader for Fifth Wall’s Climate Technology Investment team, elaborates on the industry’s role in addressing climate change. Smithies and Beckerman also dive further into opportunities, challenges, and trends that the industry is facing now, and how the industry can adapt to change in the future.
Building Transparency’s Executive Director, Stacy Smedley joins the CREtech Climate Cast to explain her role in helping to develop the Embodied Carbon in Construction calculator (EC3), and how organizations are benefiting from strategically tracking and benchmarking their carbon footprint.
Lindsey Baker, a world renowned environmentalist and CEO of the International Living Future Institute, sits down with Michael Beckerman to discuss the major role that buildings play in global carbon emissions, and talk more about what steps the industry is currently taking to address the evolving climate crisis, while also addressing best practices organizations can take to future-proof their portfolios.
Brad Dockser, Founder & CEO of Green Generation chats with CREtech’s CEO Michael Beckerman about what motivates investors to invest in sustainable technologies. Dockser and Beckerman also unpack how the geopolitical landscape shift has encouraged more investors to look deeper into climate technologies and net-zero solutions.
Kate Frucher, Managing Director of The Clean Fight sits down with Michael Beckerman to discuss the biggest challenges facing the real estate industry in adopting new technologies to scale within the marketplace.
Miranda Massie, Director of the Climate Museum in New York, sits down with CREtech’s CEO Michael Beckerman to discuss what led to the founding and development of the Climate Museum. Through the in-depth conversation, Massie unpacks how she hopes the Climate Museum will help to educate and inspire leaders from across the globe to address the world’s biggest challenge - climate change.
Albert Slap, President of Coastal Risk Consulting, joins the CREtech Climate Cast to share with listeners the importance of protecting existing infrastructure from the impacts of climate related events, while offering risk management best-practice solutions to enhance portfolios at large.
Marta Schantz, Senior Vice President of the Greenprint Center for Building Performance at the Urban Land Institute chats with CREtech’s CEO Michael Beckerman about the industry’s recent appetite for sustainable investments and decarbonizing the built environment. Schantz also unpacks the work of ULI’s Greenprint Center and addresses what companies can do to advance their role in the ESG movement.
Greg Lindsay, the Director of Applied Research at NewCities dives into top issues that urban leaders are facing today and how those leaders are addressing them. Lindsey also addresses the state of cities today and how cities across the globe are starting to think more holistically about the impacts of climate change.
Mark Grinis, Global Real Estate, Hospitality & Construction Leader at EY discusses how EY has been leading the way in addressing the climate crisis, while discussing how other organizations can follow suit in adopting best practices to decarbonize their portfolios.
In this CREtech Climate Cast episode, CREtech’s CEO Michael Beckerman sits down with Robert Niven, CEO & Founder of CarbonCure - the first ever technology for the concrete industry that introduces recycled CO₂ into fresh concrete to reduce its carbon footprint without compromising performance. Together they discuss how CarbonCure has been able to attract an extraordinary group of investors, and how Niven sees his business playing a major role in shifting the concrete industry in the future.
The CREtech Climate Cast is a podcast series devoted to educating, inspiring, and leading the built environment to address the world’s biggest crisis - climate change. Tune in weekly to hear from CREtech Climate's CEO, Michael Beckerman, as he dives into conversations with leading real estate and tech innovators from across the globe to unpack how they are driving transformational solutions to decarbonize the Built World.