Building Tomorrow: Conversations with Climate Solvers

Urban Green Council
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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.

  1. 10/21/2025

    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?

    43 min

  2. 08/13/2025

    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 EDCDecarbonization 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

    38 min

  3. 08/06/2025

    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 CouncilDataTrends: Benchmarking and Energy Savings, US EPAEnergy Benchmarking and Transparency Benefits, IMTIntegrated 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

    22 min

  4. 07/30/2025

    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.

    55 min

  5. 07/23/2025

    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.

    58 min

  6. 07/16/2025

    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.

    58 min

  7. 02/12/2025

    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.

    27 min

  8. 10/29/2024

    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

    34 min
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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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