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.