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 EDC
• Decarbonization Compass

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We'd like to thank⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Carrier⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring the event and podcast.

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