Daniel McDermott, a greenhouse gas accounting expert, joins MoPo to dive into his career in sustainability and the challenges companies face in reducing their carbon footprint. From the importance of accurate data and standardized reporting to the role of ESG auditors and breakthrough technologies like carbon air capture, Dan sheds light on the critical steps needed to track, trend, and tackle emissions effectively.

What are sustainability and ESG and how do they fit into the incentive structures that shape the built environment?

Grey Lee. an Sustainability and ESG Specialist at S&P Global and instructor at Harvard, joins Most Podern as we dive into the critical differences between sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and how they impact our daily lives. We explore the role of ESG in the real estate industry—how it drives investment decisions, attracts tenants, and maximizes financial performance. Learn how ESG metrics help manage risks and quantify sustainability efforts, and why a just transition and adaptive reuse are key to future-proofing our built environment.

Grey on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greylee/

In Season 4 of the Most Podern Podcast, we focus on the urgent need for sustainable buildings amid growing housing and infrastructure demands and the need to upgrade existing structures. Our guests discuss how data and technology can improve building performance, as well as the challenges and opportunities of green building practices. We cover key themes such as the impact of inflation on sustainability costs, the importance of industry education, the potential for sustainability to become standard practice, global collaboration, and technology’s role in advancing sustainable practices. We hope you enjoy this season as much as we did.

Schedule:

9/2 - Grey Lee

9/9 - Daniel McDermott

9/16 - Jared Friedman

9/23 - Liz Hauver CPHC

9/30 - Caroline Sorge

Is the Olympics worth it? Alex is on the ground in Paris to find out. From the mind-boggling logistics to the uncertain impact on host cities, we dive deep into the world of the Summer Games. We dissect the spectacle, the spending, and the legacy of this global event. Are the Olympics a celebration of humanity or a colossal waste of resources?

Chapters

00:00 The Olympics: A Moment of Glory for Athletes

02:35 Managing the Impact: Infrastructure and ROI

06:15 Paris: An Established City for the Olympics

08:18 Temporary Structures and Post-Olympics Adaptability

14:00 The Economic and Cultural Significance of Luxury Brands in the Olympics

26:22 The Pattern of Bidding Low and Overspending in Olympic Host Cities

27:34 The Changing Landscape of Potential Host Cities

28:30 The Shift Towards Sustainability and Utilizing Existing Infrastructure

32:34 The Role of Politics and Corruption in the Olympics

38:23 The Cultural Significance of the Olympics

45:49 Potential Future Host Cities

Is it possible to balance economic growth with environmental protection? Can we learn from international examples like China's sponge city movement? Join us as we navigate the complexities of urban sustainability.

In this deep dive episode, we tackle the complex issue of urban sustainability. From New York City's aggressive emissions reduction goals to Boston's carrot-and-stick approach, we explore how different cities are legislating for a greener future. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting existing buildings, the role of technology, and the impact of political climate on policy implementation. We also discuss the broader implications of climate change, including the potential for extreme weather events and the importance of resilience in urban planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote: Change is good. You go first.

02:16 Climate, Latitude, and Building Insulation

03:38 The Challenge of Changing Human Behavior

07:52 The Importance of Measurement and Legislation

10:28 Retrofitting Buildings and Capital Costs

21:03 Embodied and Operational Carbon

27:41 Creating Permeable Cities and Sponge City Movement

31:02 The Impact of Storms and Resilience

34:13 Sustainability and Attractiveness of Cities

42:59 The Potential of Density and Challenges of Coastal Cities

What is the impact of sea level rise on coastal cities and what strategies are we implementing to address this issue? We explore the challenges faced by cities like Boston and New York, the role of design and policy in mitigating the effects of sea level rise, and the need for both individual and collective action. Our discussion highlights the importance of considering future risks and making informed decisions about buying property in flood-prone areas. We also touch on the role of incentives and government programs in supporting resilience efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Sea Level Rise

08:16 Resilience in the Built Environment

14:49 Assessing Risks and Benefits of Buying Property in Flood-Prone Areas

25:17 Design and Policy Approaches to Addressing Sea Level Rise

32:18 Taking Action: Implementing Strategies for Resilience

39:24 Balancing Optimism and Realism in the Face of Sea Level Rise

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of development and uncover what it takes to become a developer. We start by exploring the roots of development, the essential skills needed, and the various development models that shape the industry.

Traditionally, developers acquire land, oversee design and permits, and eventually sell or rent their projects for profit. However, there's a shift towards newer models like the service model and developer consulting, which spread out risk and engage multiple stakeholders in the process.

Throughout our discussion, we showcase inspiring examples of development projects, from community-driven initiatives to innovative public sector developments. Join us as we unravel the complexities and possibilities in the ever-evolving realm of development.

Chapters

00:00 The Basics of Becoming a Developer

06:12 Exploring Different Types of Developers

17:16 The Goals and Principles of Development

32:40 The Evolution of Development Models

43:14 The Importance of Long-Term Perspective

On this episode of our podcast, we dive into the world of sustainable building design with Dr. Irmak Turan, a trailblazer in sustainability and resilience. Discover how integrating sustainability into your projects from the get-go can transform energy efficiency, materials usage, and even enhance occupant well-being. Dr. Turan sheds light on key certifications like LEED and WELL that set the stage for sustainable design excellence. Join us as we explore the pivotal role of daylight, views, and early goal-setting in creating greener, more efficient buildings.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Journey

06:03 Defining Sustainability and Resiliency

08:33 Collaboration between Engineering and Architecture

11:26 Setting Goals for Sustainable Building Design

16:08 Balancing Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

23:27 Challenges and Strategies for Implementation

29:27 The Value of Daylight and Views in Buildings

33:25 Implementing Sustainability Strategies

35:47 Early Design Decisions for Sustainable Buildings

40:20 Setting Design Standards for Multiple Buildings

44:31 Motivation for Sustainable Building Design