Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers

Urban Green Council

Buildings contribute to over 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City, and 38 percent globally. This podcast will introduce you to people who are advancing the reality of healthy, resilient, and equitable low-carbon solutions that help solve climate change bit by bit.

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30 episodes
Updated July 15

Episodes30

Newest first

July 15 · 26 min
Episode 29: Building toward 2030 with Laura Popa
To close out our 2026 conference, we held a fireside chat with NYC Department of Buildings' Laura Popa and Urban Green CEO Chris Halfnight. We're excited to share this special conversation as an episode of Building Tomorrow. Tune in to hear them review the city's progress on Local Law 97, the latest building data and pathways to achieving the city's 2030 climate goals. You can also watch this discussion on YouTube and our website.
July 8 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 28: Meeting the multifamily moment
NYC’s multifamily buildings are at a crossroads: LL97 deadlines are approaching, summers are getting hotter, and the economics of electrification remain stubbornly complex. In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we're sharing the live taping of session 2 from our annual conference, Meeting the multifamily moment! Tune in to hear from a terrific panel of building industry experts about the path forward to affordability, carbon reduction and access to cooling in NYC’s multifamily sector. You can also watch the video for this session on YouTube and our website.
July 1 · 23 min
Episode 27: On energy insecurity with Diana Hernández
Energy insecurity impacts approximately 1 in 3 U.S. households, with many more at risk. In this fireside chat, Diana Hernández, author of Powerless: The People’s Struggle for Energy, joins Daphany Rose Sanchez to unpack the essential dimensions of energy insecurity. They’ll discuss the physical, economic, and behavioral toll of inadequate energy, as well as strategies for advancing equity.
June 24 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 26: How to Sell Decarbonization in 2026
For this episode of Building Tomorrow, we’re excited to share another live taping from our 2026 conference held on June 3 at NYU. In this session, our panelists draw from their diverse experiences in the public and private sectors to discuss the benefits of decarbonization for stakeholders and how building professionals can best communicate them to sell their projects. Tune in for an insightful discussion! You can find the full video of our conference introduction and keynote conversation on YouTube and our event recap page.
June 17 · 23 min
Episode 25: Keynote Conversation with NYC Comptroller Mark Levine
For this episode of Building Tomorrow, we're excited to share our live conversation with New York City Comptroller Mark Levine! At our 2026 conference, the city’s comptroller joined Urban Green Board Chair Sara Kendall to discuss the relationship between the climate and the city’s economy. You can find the full video of our conference introduction and keynote conversation on YouTube and our website at urbangreencouncil.org/2026-conference/
May 13 · 31 min
Episode 24: Uncovering Energy Insecurity with Diana Hernández
“Recognition is the first step to justice,” says Diana Hernández, co-author of Powerless: The People’s Struggle for Energy. In the U.S., energy insecurity impacts over 1 in 3 households, according to a new federal report. With energy costs rising, many more households face high utility bills and struggle to maintain adequate temperatures in their homes. In this episode of Building Tomorrow, Diana Hernández joins Urban Green’s Rebecca Elzinga and Jada Shannon for a special conversation about energy insecurity. Hernández is a leading expert on equity, housing and health. Alongside co-author Jennifer Laird, she has met with homeowners and tenants across America to better understand the barriers to energy access and its impact on quality of life. Listen in to hear about the impact of energy insecurity and how building professionals might address this growing issue. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Carrier!
April 14 · 19 min
Episode 23: NYC's Grid in Transition
In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we delve into the state of New York City’s electrical grid, whether it can handle building electrification today and what is needed to transform it for the future. New analysis from Urban Green Council reveals that electrification doesn’t need to wait: NYC’s current grid has ample capacity to support heat pump installations, and even with a dirty grid, heat pumps reduce emissions and energy costs. At the same time, NYC’s grid is beginning to transform. By 2028, nearly half of the city’s electricity will come from clean sources due to the activation of Champlain Hudson Power Express and Empire Wind 1. Join Urban Green’s research and policy teams as they unpack how NYC can begin electrifying buildings today while cleaning the grid to reach our long-term building decarbonization goals. Host: Danielle Manley, Associate Director, Policy, Urban Green Council Guests: Adam Schiabor, Associate Director, Research, Urban Green Council Miranda Miller, Associate Manager, Policy, Urban Green Council Resources: NYC’s electricity supply Grid capacity remains high for more heat pumps NYC’s grid in transition Guest: Danielle Manley, Associate Director, Policy, Urban Green Council Danielle is responsible for advocacy, analysis and collaboration on Urban Green’s policy initiatives in New York City and State. She previously worked at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University’s Earth Institute researching and communicating local climate risk information for stakeholders in global cities and ecosystems, and served as project manager for the Third New York City Panel on Climate Change Report. Danielle also worked for nonprofits in Buffalo on environmental education and advocacy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University at Buffalo. Guest: Adam Schiabor, Associate Director of Research, Urban Green CouncilAdam is responsible for conducting data analysis and research into sustainability topics. Prior to Urban Green, Adam worked at a non-profit healthcare company that was dedicated to using the Affordable Care Act to expand access to services and lower the cost of healthcare in New Mexico. Adam holds a B.S in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Oregon and a M.A in Economics from the New School for Social Research. Guest: Miranda Miller, Associate Manager of Policy, Urban Green Council Miranda manages Urban Green’s policy advocacy, analysis, and stakeholder engagement initiatives with a focus on advancing building decarbonization in New York City. She previously served as senior staff in the Office of U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko, where she authored and advised on legislation related to clean energy, transportation, and economic development. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College and a Master’s of Environmental Management with a specialization in energy from the Yale School of the Environment.
Oct 21, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 22: New York State’s Energy Plan: The Path to 2040
In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we’re introducing you to New York State’s Energy Plan, the policy that will guide energy-related decision making for the next 15 years — from now until 2040. Today’s host, Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green is joined by John Williams, the Chief Policy Officer of NYSERDA. They discuss the current state of the market and how energy policy can meet future demand, without delaying New York’s emission reduction goals. Listen to the episode to hear about how the state’s energy policy is shifting to deliver affordable, reliable, clean energy to more New Yorkers by 2040. John G. Williams, Chief Policy Officer, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) John Williams was appointed Chief Policy Officer for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on June 24, 2025. In this position, Mr. Williams is responsible for providing guidance for energy policy development for New York State. He oversees the Policy, Analysis, & Research team, providing economic analysis and scientific research to best inform policymakers in energy and environmental issues as well as the Business Performance Management unit, which provides market characterization and evaluation, markets and statistical insights, and metrics and performance analysis, all of which guide effective clean energy strategies. Mr. Williams is the recipient in 2021 of a Public Service Excellence Award from the State Academy for Public Administration. Host: Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green Council Danielle is responsible for advocacy, analysis and collaboration on Urban Green’s policy initiatives in New York City and State. She previously worked at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University’s Earth Institute researching and communicating local climate risk information for stakeholders in global cities and ecosystems, and served as project manager for the Third New York City Panel on Climate Change Report. Danielle also worked for nonprofits in Buffalo on environmental education and advocacy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University at Buffalo. Resources Draft NYS Energy Plan Urban Green Live: The Future of New York Nuclear Power If you enjoyed this episode, please consider⁠ ⁠becoming a member of Urban Green⁠⁠, and subscribing to our podcast for more insightful conversations on building a sustainable future. We'd like to thank⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Carrier⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast. #ClimateGoals #BuildingDecarbonization #EnergyEfficiency Chapters: 00:59 — John’s path to energy policy 03:25 — What deregulation changed for how electricity is generated and delivered 05:32 — What is the State Energy Plan and how does it impact affordability, reliability, decarbonization, and load growth? 09:51 — How the Energy Plan aligns with the CLCPA 16:23 — Why nuclear is back in the mix 22:27 — Buildings continue to be front and center 27:45 — Transitioning the gas system 30:34 — State and local alignment 37:54 — What’s next?
Aug 13, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 21: Banking on Climate
In this episode of Building Tomorrow, guest host Adam Schiabor interviews NYCEDC’s Jamie Horton and NYU Stern Center’s Marianna Koval to discuss the recent report, Banking on Climate, which dives into the role of mortgage lenders in supporting building decarbonization efforts in New York City. They also share their personal journeys into sustainability, the importance of regulatory frameworks like Local Law 97, and the significant investment opportunities available in the green economy. Adam Schiabor, Associate Director, Research, Urban Green CouncilAdam is responsible for conducting data analysis and research into sustainability topics. Prior to Urban Green, Adam worked at a non-profit healthcare company that was dedicated to using the Affordable Care Act to expand access to services and lower the cost of healthcare in New Mexico. Adam holds a B.S in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Oregon and a M.A in Economics from the New School for Social Research. Guests: Jamie Horton is a member of the President’s Office at the New York City Economic Development Corporation. He has been with the organization for seven years and began in the real estate transactions department. In his current role as SVP, Special Projects & Business Operations he leads several initiatives that sit at the intersection of real estate and innovation industries development; Many of his initiatives focus on growing EDC and NYC’s role in the green economy, specifically the creation of a BATWorks, a $100 million climate innovation hub in South Brooklyn and growing the availability of green financing options for building decarbonization. Jamie holds a Bachelors of Public Health from UC Berkeley and a Masters of Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Marianna Koval is an Executive in Residence at the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, where she develops innovative approaches to building decarbonization finance in New York City. Until July 2025, she served as director of Invest NYC SDG, a think tank and incubator that engaged the private sector to advance sustainability, equity, and resilience across key sectors including food and health, waste, climate resilience, renewable energy, the built environment, and sustainable mobility. An attorney with more than 30 years of experience in environmental sustainability, public policy, and government in New York City, Koval holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, a JD from Fordham Law School, and an AB from Princeton University. Resources discussed in this episode: Banking on Climate: The Mortgage Lending for Decarbonization, December 2024, NYC EDC Decarbonization Compass If you enjoyed this episode, please consider ⁠becoming a member of Urban Green⁠, and subscribing to our podcast for more insightful conversations on building a sustainable future. We'd like to thank⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Carrier⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast. #ClimateGoals #BuildingDecarbonization #EnergyEfficiency #NewYorkCity #NYC #NYCLocalLaw97 #Sustainability #Finance
Aug 6, 2025 · 21 min
Episode 20: Statewide Benchmarking in NY: A Path to Climate Progress, with Danielle Manley
In this episode of "Building Tomorrow," we delve into New York State's ambitious climate goals and the pivotal role buildings play in achieving them. New data analysis from Urban Green Council reveals that one-third of all large buildings in the state exist outside of New York City, but we know little about their energy use. Listen in as Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green Council, makes the case for why statewide benchmarking is a crucial first step towards empowering large building owners with energy insights that can guide building upgrades, and drive market demand for efficiency. Guest: Danielle Manley, Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green Council Danielle is responsible for advocacy, analysis and collaboration on Urban Green’s policy initiatives in New York City and State. She previously worked at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University’s Earth Institute researching and communicating local climate risk information for stakeholders in global cities and ecosystems, and served as project manager for the Third New York City Panel on Climate Change Report. Danielle also worked for nonprofits in Buffalo on environmental education and advocacy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Climate and Society from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University at Buffalo. Host: Ellen Honigstock, Senior Director, Education, Urban Green Council. Ellen oversees the development of Urban Green’s Public Programs. She is also responsible for developing the curriculum for Urban Green’s signature programs, including GPRO and Crushing the Code. Ellen has 28 years of experience as an architect and volunteered for Urban Green for several years before joining the staff, where she served as the first Residential Green Building Advocate for Urban Green Council, working to increase green building and LEED for Homes certification in the New York residential marketplace, and as a committee chair of the Green Codes Task Force. Resources The Case for Statewide Benchmarking, May 21, 2025, Urban Green Council DataTrends: Benchmarking and Energy Savings, US EPA Energy Benchmarking and Transparency Benefits, IMT Integrated Energy Data Resource (IEDR) Program, NYSERDA If you enjoyed this episode, please consider becoming a member of Urban Green, and subscribing to our podcast for more insightful conversations on building a sustainable future. We'd like to thank⁠⁠ ⁠Carrier⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast. #ClimateGoals #BuildingDecarbonization #EnergyEfficiency
Jul 30, 2025 · 54 min
Episode 19: Built to Last - Resilience in Every Retrofit (Live from Urban Green Conference)
Live from Urban Green's 2025 annual conference, this special episode of Building Tomorrow features an exciting conversation about how resilience is shaping building design today and how the industry is evolving to meet climate challenges. Sustainability and resilience are closely linked in the building sector. With more frequent heat waves and extreme storms, New York City’s buildings must be prepared for a changing climate. Decarbonization efforts must integrate resilience to ensure long-term sustainability. The panel discussion is moderated by Susanne DesRoches, NYSERDA. The other panel speakers are: Ilana Judah, Arup Jessica Mederson, Stafford Rosenbaum LLP Talley Burley, Environmental Defense Fund Mónika Serrano-Riedlinger, Adaptate LLC This episode was recorded on June 2, 2025 at Urban Green's NYC Next: Shaping Building Decarbonization conference at NYU in New York City. For more information, visit Urban Green's ⁠conference page⁠. We'd like to thank ⁠Carrier⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast.
Jul 23, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 18: Boosting the Grid with Battery Storage (Live from Urban Green Conference)
Live from Urban Green's 2025 annual conference, this special episode of Building Tomorrow features an exciting conversation about the future of battery storage on the grid and in buildings. In the coming years, battery storage will be an increasingly important tool for adding capacity to the electrical grid and increasing resilience. As demand for renewable energy grows, battery storage offers a flexible solution to store excess energy, ensuring a reliable and stable power supply. In this session, leading experts will share valuable insights into how battery storage will be integrated into the green building landscape, helping to optimize energy use, support decarbonization, and improve overall grid reliability. The panel discussion is moderated by Gina Bocra, WSP. The other panel speakers are: Molly Rafelson, Clean Fight John Romano, Con Edison Daniella Leifer, Sustainable CUNY Claudia Villar-Leeman, NY-BEST This episode was recorded on June 2, 2025 at Urban Green's NYC Next: Shaping Building Decarbonization conference at NYU in New York City. For more information, visit Urban Green's ⁠conference page⁠. We'd like to thank ⁠Carrier⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast.
Jul 16, 2025 · 58 min
Episode 17: Funding the Future of Decarbonization (Live from Urban Green Conference)
Live from Urban Green's 2025 annual conference, this special episode of Building Tomorrow features an exciting conversation about a new concept for a program that would dramatically simplify decarbonization projects and drive down costs. The panel discussion is moderated by Chris Halfnight, Urban Green’s Senior Director of Research and Policy. The other panel speakers include: James Gepner, NYSERDA Joe Chavez, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Susan Leeds of Garrison Associates Marc Zulaga of Cadence OneFive This episode was recorded on June 2, 2025 at Urban Green's NYC Next: Shaping Building Decarbonization conference at NYU in New York City. For more information, and videos, visit Urban Green's conference page. We'd like to thank Carrier for sponsoring the event and podcast.
Feb 12, 2025 · 26 min
Episode 16: Educating Building Operators for a Green Future
The 32BJ Training Fund provides free training to eligible 32BJ SEIU workers, ranging from cleaners, maintenance workers, building engineers, and superintendents so they can build the environments where people want to live and work. Hear from Michaela Boren, Manager for Green Programs, about how the 32BJ Training Fund has incorporated sustainability training into their work, and how that training helps workers advance in their careers. RESOURCES: 32BJ Training Fund website 32BJ Training Fund Course Catalog 32BJ SEIU website We'd like to thank ⁠Carrier⁠ for sponsoring Urban Green's podcast.
Oct 29, 2024 · 33 min
Episode 15: Navigating the Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest climate action ever taken by the federal government. In this episode of Building Tomorrow, hear from Amanda Clevinger and Ion Simonides about the IRA’s substantial incentives for green building initiatives, including tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades and renewable energy installations. HOSTS: Ellen Honingstock, Senior Direction, Education, Urban Green Council Amanda Clevenger, Policy and Programs Director, Bright Power SPEAKER: Ion Simonides, Senior Policy and Programs Analyst, Bright Power RESOURCES: NYS Guide to Inflation Reduction Act Savings Rewiring America’s Incentive Calculator ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bright Power: Energy Efficiency Federal Tax Credit for Condos and Co-ops⁠⁠ Bright Power: The Inflation Reduction Act - A Guide for Multifamily Building Owners (Webinar) Bright Power: Unlocking Tax Credits with Energy Star and Zero Energy Ready Homes (Webinar) Abbreviations used in the episode: IRA - Inflation Reduction Act ITC - Investment Tax Credit LIHTC - Low-Income Housing Tax Credit 45L - New Energy Efficient Home Tax Credit 25C - Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit EPA GGRF - EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
Jun 13, 2024 · 27 min
Episode 14: Heating with Ice
In this episode of Building Tomorrow, Mark MacCracken, the Vice President of CALMAC at Trane Technologies, joins host Ellen Honigstock and co-host Whitney Smith to discuss thermal energy storage. Thermal energy storage is a clean energy alternative that involves using ice for cooling and water for storing heat. Listen in to learn more about how this method of heating and cooling compares to fossil fuel systems and conventional electric resistance. HOSTS: Ellen Honigstock, Senior Director, Education, Urban Green Council Whitney Smith, Senior Climate & Sustainability Leader and Associate Principal, Arup GUEST: Mark MacCracken, Vice President and CALMAC Portfolio Leader, Trane Technologies
Apr 9, 2024 · 18 min
Episode 13: Unearthing Geothermal Energy
To decarbonize New York City buildings, heating systems reliant on fossil fuels must be replaced with sustainable alternatives. In this episode of Building Tomorrow, Brightcore’s Jonathan Hernandez joins Urban Green’s Ellen Honigstock to discuss geothermal energy and how it can be expanded in NYC to decarbonize buildings and make them more resilient. Listen in as they dive into the geothermal industry, and how new policies and technologies are making the installation of more ground source heat pump systems possible. HOST: Ellen Honigstock, Senior Director, Education, Urban Green Council GUEST: Jonathan Hernandez, Director of Business Development, Geothermal, Brightcore RESOURCES: Find the images and graphics discussed in the episode here.
Feb 14, 2024 · 25 min
Episode 12: Commissioning, You Complete Me!
Building systems are designed and installed separately, but at the end of the day, they have to work together in order for a building to work as intended. Commissioning makes that happen. In this episode of Building Tomorrow, Kelly Westby from Steven Winter Associates joins Urban Green’s Ellen Honigstock to discuss all things commissioning, including: Commissioning as a systems-thinking process The importance of communication Where human science and building science come together By the end of their conversation, you’ll be able to see how commissioning makes a building complete! This is a crossover episode! Make sure to listen to the Buildings + Beyond podcast to hear Kelly interview Ellen about addressing the skills gap in the sustainable building industry. HOST: Ellen Honigstock, Senior Director, Education, Urban Green Council SPEAKER: Kelly Westby, Managing Director, Building Operations, Decarbonization, and Efficiency, Steven Winter Associates RESOURCES: Listen to our crossover episode featuring Ellen on Steven Winter Associates' Buildings + Beyond podcast: "Mind the Gap – Addressing the Skills Gap in the Sustainable Building Industry" Explore the resources mentioned in this episode: Buildings + Beyond Podcast by Steven Winter Associates Ishmael by Daniel Quinn Workforce Solutions for Decarbonizing Buildings Event, November 15, 2023 Want to learn more? Previous Building + Beyond Episode with Kelly about Commissioning, "The Keys to Commissioning with Kelly Westby"
Jan 17, 2024 · 35 min
Episode 11: Historic Buildings, Modern Policies
Retrofitting existing buildings can help increase energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions. But what do these retrofits look like in a place like Manhattan, where almost one-third of total floor area has landmark status and is, therefore, energy-code exempt? In this episode, Dr. Erica Avrami, Nate Rogers and Kate Reggev discuss these energy code waivers and how, despite the waivers, new greenhouse gas legislation could necessitate energy retrofits in historic buildings. This new era of regulation marks a momentous shift in regulation practices and signals a need for significant reforms to preservation policies in light of climate change. This interview expands on Dr. Avrami’s previous research, including her paper, “Energy and Historic Buildings: Toward Evidence-Based Policy Reform,” which examines the implications of a changing legislative landscape on historic preservation in NYC. Recorded May 10, 2022 HOSTS: Nate Rogers, Senior Associate, Beyer Blinder Belle Kate Reggev, Project Manager, Zubatkin Owner Representation SPEAKER: Dr. Erica Avrami, James Marston Fitch Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation RESOURCES: Article: Energy and Historic Buildings: Toward Evidence-Based Policy Reform Watch the interview on Urban Green’s website
Dec 18, 2023 · 11 min
Episode 10: Workforce Solutions for Decarbonizing Buildings
The first compliance period for Local Law 97 is here, and energy upgrades in NYC’s existing buildings will need to pick up. But what kind of upgrades are needed, and who will do the work? Manny Pastreich, President of 32BJ SEIU, joins Urban Green CEO John Mandyck on Building Tomorrow for a discussion on how we can mobilize the green workforce to complete these energy upgrades. HOST: John Mandyck, CEO, Urban Green Council SPEAKER: Manny Pastreich, President, 32BJ SEIU RESOURCES: Recording of the Workforce Solutions for Decarbonizing Buildings event