CREtech Climate Cast

Clemens Brenninkmeijer, Head of Sustainability at Redevco, discusses the company's mission to achieve zero carbon by 2040 and their approach to sustainability in the built environment. Redevco aims to balance people, planet, and profit and sees sustainability as a responsibility and an opportunity for businesses to do good. They focus on reducing operational and embodied carbon, improving biodiversity, reducing water and waste, and creating social value. Clemens emphasizes the importance of starting small, not letting perfection get in the way of progress, and collaborating with stakeholders. He also highlights the role of technology in data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as in design and construction processes.

Takeaways:

• Start small and focus on incremental progress
• Don't let perfectionism hinder progress
• Collaborate with stakeholders and find common ground
• Utilize technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Embrace technology in design and construction processes
• Execution and implementation are key

In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Laura Fox, the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Streetlife Ventures. They discuss the focus of Streetlight Ventures on investing in climate tech solutions for the built environment. Laura shares her background and career journey, highlighting her passion for improving quality of life in cities. They also discuss the manifesto of Streetlight Ventures and their approach to supporting startups in the B2B space. Laura emphasizes the importance of cities in addressing climate change and the economic opportunities that come with it. They also touch on the state of New York City in terms of climate tech and decarbonization. The conversation with Laura Fox from Streetlight Ventures focused on the opportunities and challenges in building sustainable cities. The main themes discussed were the importance of logistics and fleet management in the transportation sector, the need for energy efficiency and renewable power in buildings, the potential of wastewater and adaptation technologies, and the role of government in driving sustainable urban development. The conversation also touched on the strategies for scaling a climate tech startup and the vision for future cities that prioritize climate justice, inclusivity, and resilience.

Takeaways:

• Streetlight Ventures focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed stage B2B climate tech startups in five core sectors: mobility and logistics, buildings, energy, waste and water, and adaptation
• Cities play a crucial role in addressing climate change, as half of humanity lives in cities and 70% of emissions come from cities
• New York City is considered the Silicon Valley of climate tech, with a thriving ecosystem of climate tech startups and a range of resources and support for founders
• Government and private sector collaboration is key in driving innovation and decarbonization in cities
• Technology categories with potential in the climate tech space include urban logistics and fleet management, energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy generation, waste management, and climate adaptation solutions. Logistics and fleet management solutions are crucial for the transportation sector to improve efficiency and reduce emissions
• Energy efficiency and renewable power are key in making buildings more sustainable and reducing emissions
• Wastewater and adaptation technologies offer opportunities for innovation and creating value in the climate tech space
• Government partnerships and collaboration are essential for driving sustainable urban development
• Scaling a climate tech startup requires understanding the market, building a strong funnel, and optimizing operations
• The vision for future cities includes climate justice, inclusivity, and resilience

In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Ben Birnbaum, Partner, Keyframe Capital, about their focus on investing in large and complex projects in the built environment. They discuss the challenges of financing capital-intensive businesses in the climate and decarbonization space, as well as the need for scalable solutions in the industry. They also explore the potential for buildings to become power sources and the decarbonization of materials like cement and steel. Overall, they emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with a knowledgeable team and staying informed about industry trends and developments.

Takeaways:

• Keyframe Capital focuses on investing in large and complex projects in the built environment
• Financing capital-intensive businesses in the climate and decarbonization space is a challenge
• Scalable solutions are needed in the industry to drive widespread adoption
• Buildings have the potential to become power sources and contribute to the energy transition
• Decarbonization of materials like cement and steel is an important area of focus
• Surrounding oneself with a knowledgeable team and staying informed is crucial in the industry

In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Gautami Palanki, Senior Vice President of ESG Strategy at Howard Hughes Holding Corporation. They discuss how Howard Hughes approaches sustainability at scale, the role of technology in their ESG strategy, and the positive progress being made in the real estate industry. Gautami shares that Howard Hughes focuses on enhancing quality of life in their communities and considers sustainability metrics in their development projects. She also highlights the increasing demand for sustainability talent and the importance of transparency in reporting. Gautami is excited about the upcoming community in Terravalis, Arizona, where they have the opportunity to create a sustainable and innovative development.

Takeaways:

• Howard Hughes focuses on enhancing quality of life in their communities and considers sustainability metrics in their development projects.
• Technology plays a role as an accelerator and unifier in Howard Hughes' ESG strategy.
• There is increasing demand for sustainability talent in the real estate industry.
• Transparency in reporting is important to showcase sustainability efforts.
• The real estate industry is making positive progress in terms of sustainability and impact on communities.
• Howard Hughes is excited about their upcoming community in Terravalis, Arizona, where they have the opportunity to create a sustainable and innovative development.

In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Nick Durham, General Partner at Shadow Ventures, about the role of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector in driving decarbonization. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry, the impact of materials like concrete on carbon emissions, and the need for innovation and technology in the built environment. Durham highlights some startups in Shadow Ventures' portfolio that are focused on deep energy retrofits, 3D printed housing, and automation in construction. He also shares insights on what venture capitalists look for in startups and the importance of differentiation and distribution advantages. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the upcoming AEC zone at the CREtech New York event.

Takeaways:

• The AEC sector plays a crucial role in driving decarbonization in the built environment.
• The construction industry faces challenges in adopting new technologies due to the conservative nature of the sector and the need for sound engineering and safety.
• Materials like concrete, while carbon-intensive to manufacture, have long lifespans and can be more sustainable in the long run compared to less durable alternatives.
• Startups in the AEC space need to have a clear advantage in either differentiation or distribution to attract venture capital investment.
• Innovation and technology, including AI, are transforming the AEC sector and creating opportunities for startups.
• The upcoming AEC zone at the Cretech New York event aims to connect the architecture, engineering, construction, and commercial real estate sectors to promote collaboration and innovation.

Daniel Dart, Founder, Rockyard Ventures, shares his inspiring journey from prison to PropTech. He grew up in California with a tumultuous childhood, and ended up homeless and in and out of jail. After starting a rock band and achieving success, he ended up back in prison for a few years before rebuilding his life. Dart's focus now is on investing in badass founders who are redefining core industries, particularly in the built environment. He emphasizes the importance of being the best prepared in the room and constantly learning through active learning. Dart also discusses the importance of discipline, being a fierce competitor, and giving back to others.

Takeaways:

• Daniel Dart's journey from prison to PropTech is inspiring and shows the power of resilience and reinvesting in oneself.
• Investing in badass founders who are redefining core industries, particularly in the built environment, is the focus of Rockyard Ventures.
• Constant learning through active learning and being the best prepared in the room are key to success.
• Discipline and being a fierce competitor are important traits in a challenging industry like venture and startups.
• Giving back and helping others is a crucial aspect of Dart's journey and something he encourages others to do as well.

In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Rebecca Becker, the Vice President of Environmental and Climate Adaptation at Equity Residential. They discuss the importance of sustainability and ESG in the real estate industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing buildings. Becker emphasizes the need for data-driven solutions and resident engagement to achieve sustainability goals. She also highlights the role of risk management in addressing physical and transitional risks associated with climate change. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of sustainability in real estate and the importance of recruiting young talent in the climate tech industry.

Takeaways:

• Sustainability and ESG are becoming increasingly important in the real estate industry, with companies like Equity Residential prioritizing these initiatives.
• Decarbonizing buildings requires addressing both physical and transitional risks, as well as engaging residents and utilizing data-driven solutions.
• The cost and logistical challenges of retrofitting buildings for decarbonization need to be overcome, and technology advancements and incentives are crucial in this process.
• The grid and infrastructure challenges pose significant obstacles to achieving decarbonization goals, and collaboration between utilities, governments, and the private sector is necessary.
• Recruiting young talent and encouraging them to pursue careers in climate tech and real estate can drive innovation and progress in sustainability efforts.

Greg Jones, Director of Hoare Lea, discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the built environment. He highlights the progress that has been made in the UK, particularly in terms of legislative and regulatory policies, as well as the establishment of networks and collaborations to drive sustainability initiatives. Jones also shares examples of sustainable technologies being implemented, such as mass timber and energy networks, and emphasizes the need for a mindset shift and thinking differently to make a real impact. He expresses optimism for the future, citing the growing awareness and engagement of younger generations.

Takeaways:

• The UK has made significant progress in embracing sustainability and decarbonization in the built environment through legislative and regulatory policies.
• Collaboration and networks play a crucial role in driving sustainability initiatives and sharing best practices.
• Examples of sustainable technologies being implemented include mass timber and energy networks.
• A mindset shift and thinking differently are necessary to make a real impact in the built environment.
• There is optimism for the future, as younger generations are increasingly aware and engaged in sustainability efforts.

In this episode of the Cretech Climate Cast podcast, host Michael Beckerman interviews Josh Felser, Co-founding partner of Climactic VC. They discuss the mission of Climactic VC and its focus on investing in software-first climate tech companies that aim to make the built environment more efficient. Felser emphasizes the importance of authenticity and adaptability in founders, and shares examples of portfolio companies like Weave Grid and Orange Chargers that are addressing key challenges in the industry. He also expresses optimism about the role of CEOs in driving decarbonization efforts.

Takeaways:

• Climactic VC focuses on investing in software-first climate tech companies that aim to make the built environment more efficient.
• Authenticity and adaptability are key qualities that Climactic VC looks for in founders.
• Portfolio companies like Weave Grid and Orange Chargers are addressing key challenges in the industry, such as EV load shaping and charging infrastructure.
• CEOs play a crucial role in driving decarbonization efforts, and their commitment is essential for the success of climate tech solutions.
• Despite the challenges, there is optimism about the potential for significant progress in decarbonizing the built environment.

In this episode, Michael Beckerman interviews Johnathan Axelrod, the co-founder and managing partner of Remarkable Ventures. They discuss the mission of Remarkable Ventures to drive investment and adoption in climate technologies focused on the built environment. Johnathan emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship in solving climate change and highlights the need for both incremental impact and moonshot solutions. He also shares insights on what makes a remarkable founder and provides advice for founders looking to pitch to investors. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges of the energy grid and the importance of collaboration and adaptation in achieving climate goals.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship is necessary to solve the biggest problems, including climate change.
• Investing in climate technologies for the built environment requires both incremental impact and moonshot solutions.
• A remarkable founder combines determination and flexibility, willing to go beyond what most people would quit while being open to changing direction based on market needs.
• When pitching to investors, founders should focus on understanding the problem, the solution, the market, and the customers' needs.
• The energy transition is already happening on the ground, with consensus and collaboration in many states, regardless of political affiliations.
• The role of technology and entrepreneurship in addressing the challenges of the energy grid is crucial, including grid orchestration and microgrid solutions.