Is it possible to balance economic growth with environmental protection? Can we learn from international examples like China's sponge city movement? Join us as we navigate the complexities of urban sustainability.

In this deep dive episode, we tackle the complex issue of urban sustainability. From New York City's aggressive emissions reduction goals to Boston's carrot-and-stick approach, we explore how different cities are legislating for a greener future. We delve into the challenges and opportunities of retrofitting existing buildings, the role of technology, and the impact of political climate on policy implementation. We also discuss the broader implications of climate change, including the potential for extreme weather events and the importance of resilience in urban planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote: Change is good. You go first.

02:16 Climate, Latitude, and Building Insulation

03:38 The Challenge of Changing Human Behavior

07:52 The Importance of Measurement and Legislation

10:28 Retrofitting Buildings and Capital Costs

21:03 Embodied and Operational Carbon

27:41 Creating Permeable Cities and Sponge City Movement

31:02 The Impact of Storms and Resilience

34:13 Sustainability and Attractiveness of Cities

42:59 The Potential of Density and Challenges of Coastal Cities

What is the impact of sea level rise on coastal cities and what strategies are we implementing to address this issue? We explore the challenges faced by cities like Boston and New York, the role of design and policy in mitigating the effects of sea level rise, and the need for both individual and collective action. Our discussion highlights the importance of considering future risks and making informed decisions about buying property in flood-prone areas. We also touch on the role of incentives and government programs in supporting resilience efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Impact of Sea Level Rise

08:16 Resilience in the Built Environment

14:49 Assessing Risks and Benefits of Buying Property in Flood-Prone Areas

25:17 Design and Policy Approaches to Addressing Sea Level Rise

32:18 Taking Action: Implementing Strategies for Resilience

39:24 Balancing Optimism and Realism in the Face of Sea Level Rise

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of development and uncover what it takes to become a developer. We start by exploring the roots of development, the essential skills needed, and the various development models that shape the industry.

Traditionally, developers acquire land, oversee design and permits, and eventually sell or rent their projects for profit. However, there's a shift towards newer models like the service model and developer consulting, which spread out risk and engage multiple stakeholders in the process.

Throughout our discussion, we showcase inspiring examples of development projects, from community-driven initiatives to innovative public sector developments. Join us as we unravel the complexities and possibilities in the ever-evolving realm of development.

Chapters

00:00 The Basics of Becoming a Developer

06:12 Exploring Different Types of Developers

17:16 The Goals and Principles of Development

32:40 The Evolution of Development Models

43:14 The Importance of Long-Term Perspective