To reduce carbon emissions to net zero, New York City must continue to undergo major changes. But what will these changes be? And what trends will shape the city of 2050?
At the 2024 Urban Green Conference, NYC Next, we’re bringing together experts to explain three key trends that will shape the city: how artificial intelligence will affect construction, the growth of heat pump water heaters, and tangible solutions for cutting embodied carbon. We’ll talk to the individuals who have an inside look at these trends and are doing the work to decarbonize buildings.
Schedule and speakers
Guests Check In • 12:30 – 1:00 pm
Opening Remarks
John Mandyck, Urban Green Council
Keynote Conversation
Elijah Hutchinson, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
Session 1 • AI in Construction: Disruption or Dud?
Artificial intelligence has the potential to completely reshape the way we design and construct buildings. In this session, we’ll discuss how the industry can use AI to its advantage.
Nora Swanson, JB&B (Moderator)
Shane Burger, Woods Bagot
Denis Leff, Suffolk Construction
Robert Otani, Thornton Tomasetti
Session 2 • Turning Up the Heat (Pumps) on Hot Water
Heat pump water heaters are critical for decarbonization, and momentum is building as an early-mover electrification opportunity. This session will examine the state of the market for efficient electric water heating, from product innovation to real-world implementation.
Bomee Jung, Cadence OneFive (Moderator)
Sara Bayer, Magnusson Architecture and Planning
Nicole Ceci, Steven Winter Associates
Jennifer Leone, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Session 3 • Embodied Carbon is Here to Stay
As governments begin to regulate the climate impact of building materials, embodied carbon is set to take on a tangible, central role in the sustainability conversation. In this session, leading experts will provide solutions for cutting embodied carbon in buildings, as well as resources and tools to help practitioners take action in their own projects.
Amanda Kaminsky, Lendlease (Moderator)
Chris Erickson, Climate Earth
Diana Farmer, Science-Based Targets Initiative
Mariane Jang, NYS Office of General Services
Tess McNamara, Arup
Closing Remarks
Networking Reception • 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Thank you to our sponsors!
Networking reception
Stick around after the conference to network with fellow sustainability professionals! Join us across the hall from the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium from 5:00 – 6:30 pm for drinks and conversation.
Thank you to our reception sponsors!
