Buildings 2.0
In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Cortney Koenig Worrall, President and CEO of Waterfront Alliance, talks about the catalysts and turning points of climate change that apply to the built environment, and the significance of the Waterfront Edge Design guidelines.
Cortney emphasizes the positive impacts of collaborative efforts from not only the building and real estate industry but from all fields to implement the systemic changes we need to see to become more sustainable and mitigate climate change impacts. She also touches on the future outlook of housing, work, and parks in the next 50 years.
Topics discussed:
- Historical context of climate change awareness, with a spotlight on Hurricane Sandy's impact on New York and New Jersey.
- The importance of consulting help for building owners, focusing on energy efficiency and resilience amidst changing regulations and climate impact demands.
- The role of the Waterfront Edge Design guidelines in promoting climate resilience and ecological soundness in waterfront projects.
- Discussion on the need for systemic change and community involvement in combating climate change.
- Success stories of projects like offshore wind developments and resilient industrial facilities adhering to high standards.
- Future projections of greener urban landscapes, elevated infrastructure, and adaptive waterfront designs for climate resilience.
- Economic benefits and return on investment in climate resilience initiatives, emphasizing the long-term value of sustainable practices.
- The challenges in balancing high initial investment with long-term benefits, including the need for innovative insurance and financial solutions.
- The importance of public involvement, advocacy, and industry support in driving systemic changes for a sustainable future.
Guest Quotes:
#1.)
“We like to say that there are many ways to accommodate public access and in fact, that's one of the requirements within our standard. These can be huge enhancements to properties. And look, we still need to really enjoy and take all the benefits from water, even as this environment is changing and even as climate change bears down.” (23:03-23:28)
#2.)
“But one thing to start with in terms of energy efficiency and resilience is that if you are in a location where there aren't minimum requirements, then you have to look at what's going to happen down the road and get prepared.” (2:39-3:52)
#3.)
“So in terms of what we need to change and design, and one of the parts of our WEDGE standard is that when you're making these changes to prevent damages to your property from climate change, you're also designing in a way that enhances the ecology of the site.” (21:17-21:32)
#4.)
“There is a study that shows that for every $1 invested in climate resilience, there's a $6 return. So it's a return that will pay over time. And it's just a really important concept to understand and to look into how this can work for your locations.” (26:24-27:02)
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