"If you work a full-time minimum wage job in America, there is not a single county in which you can afford to rent an apartment (2 bedroom) with a child." - Jonathan F.P. Rose

Jonathan F.P. Rose has been revolutionizing affordable housing and sustainable development for over 35 years, long before ESG became mainstream. Rose discusses the stark reality of America's housing crisis, revealing that full-time minimum wage workers cannot afford rent in any U.S. county. "Our current economic system cannot build new housing affordable to the bottom quartile of renters," he explains. The conversation explores innovative building materials like mycelium insulation and mass timber, showcasing how the green building ecosystem has finally matured. Can sustainable real estate development scale quickly enough to address both climate change and housing inequality?

Jonathan F.P. Rose is founder and CEO of Jonathan Rose Companies, a leading developer and investor in sustainable, affordable housing. With over 35 years of experience, Rose pioneered the integration of environmental sustainability, social equity, and market-rate development long before ESG investing became mainstream. He launched the world's first real estate impact investment fund in 2005, and recently closed another $660 million fund. Rose's company has developed award-winning green buildings and recently completed the world's largest affordable passive house project. His approach combines sustainable building practices with social health and education programs for residents, demonstrating that profitable real estate development can simultaneously address climate change and housing inequality.

In This Episode: 

• (00:00) Introduction to Jonathan F.P. Rose and Age of Adoption concept
• (03:25) Jonathan's early career journey and family real estate background
• (06:43) Building the first impact-focused real estate investment fund
• (09:25) Housing crisis statistics and systemic economic challenges
• (12:30) Early green building challenges and creating lead standards
• (15:10) Future innovations in sustainable building materials and practices
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About the show: 

The Age of Adoption podcast explores the monumental transition from a period of social, economic, and environmental research and exploration – an Age of Innovation – to today's world in which companies across the economy are furiously deploying sustainable solutions – the Age of Adoption. Listen as our host, Keith Zakheim, CEO of Antenna Group, talks with experts from across the climate, energy, health, and real estate sectors to discuss what the transition means for business and society, and how corporates and startups can rise above competitors to lead in this new age. 

This podcast is brought to you by Antenna Group, a global marketing and communications agency that partners with Fully Conscious brands – those with the courage to lead transformative change across Climate & Energy, Real Estate, Health, and beyond. Our clients include visionary corporations, startups, investors, and nonprofits who recognize that meaningful impact requires more than awareness; it demands bold action. In today's Age of Adoption, where every sector must incorporate sustainable solutions into foundational systems, we amplify brands standing at the forefront of change, shaping a better future for our planet and its people. To learn more, visit antennagroup.com.

Resources:
Jonathan F.P. Rose LinkedIn

Antenna Group

Keith Zakheim LinkedIn