Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers

00:33:27

Episode 31: Financing energy upgrades with NYC C-PACE

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/09/30

How do you move from a feasibility study to a fully financed retrofit?In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we trace one co-op's journey from energy audit to retrofit project financing with Counterpointe’s Michele Pitale and Co-op President Pierre Castillon. Tune in to hear about the city’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program and the benefits of securing a C-PACE loan over a traditional mortgage. Our speakers will cover how to use C-PACE to finance carbon-reduction projects

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00:33:04

Episode 30: People Positive — The social impacts of...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/09/09

The building industry has developed increasingly sophisticated ways to measure reductions in energy use and carbon emissions. But how can we demonstrate that our work is making people’s lives better? In this episode of Building Tomorrow, we speak with author Gayathri Unnikrishnan about her new book, People Positive, coming out September 22. Gayathri argues that a major gap in sustainability is in how the industry measures human impact. While the industry has pointed to the improved social and health

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00:26:19

Episode 29: Building toward 2030 with Laura Popa

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/07/15

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.

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01:07:16

Episode 28: Meeting the multifamily moment

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/07/08

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

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00:23:44

Episode 27: On energy insecurity with Diana Hernández

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/07/01

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.

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01:07:08

Episode 26: How to Sell Decarbonization in 2026

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/06/24

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

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00:23:09

Episode 25: Keynote conversation with NYC Comptroller...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/06/17

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/

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00:31:05

Uncovering Energy Insecurity with Diana Hernández

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/05/13

“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

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00:19:06

Episode 23: NYC's Grid in Transition

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2026/04/14

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,

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00:43:18

New York State’s Energy Plan: The Path to 2040

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/10/21

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

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00:37:34

Episode 21: Banking on Climate

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/08/13

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

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00:21:39

Episode 20: Statewide Benchmarking in NY: A Path to...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/08/06

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

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00:54:37

Episode 19: Built to Last - Resilience in Every...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/07/30

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

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00:58:17

Episode 18: Boosting the Grid with Battery Storage...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/07/23

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

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00:58:29

Episode 17: Funding the Future of Decarbonization...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/07/16

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, NYSERDAJoe Chavez, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental JusticeSusan Leeds of Garrison

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00:26:31

Episode 16: Educating Building Operators for a Green...

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2025/02/12

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 website32BJ Training Fund Course

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00:33:51

Episode 15: Navigating the Inflation Reduction Act

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2024/10/29

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

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00:27:19

Episode 14: Heating with Ice

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2024/06/13

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,

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00:18:27

Episode 13: Unearthing Geothermal Energy

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2024/04/09

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

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00:25:27

Episode 12: Commissioning, You Complete Me!

Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers ·

2024/02/14

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

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