Decarbonizing ESG

Christina McPike
Proposal Status
Ready for Committee Review
Username
Christina McPike
Proposer First Name
Christina
Proposer Email
cmcpike@winnco.com
Proposer Last Name
McPike
Proposed Session Description
The headlines are splashy - fortune 500 companies committed to net zero, banks establishing multi-billion dollar funds, and major financial institutions prioritizing sustainable investments in their asset profiles. And yet, there doesn't appear to be an immediate connection between ESG commitments and money and building decarbonization. This session will consider the connection - real, perceived, or possible - between ESG and building decarbonization, including problem solving for a solution.
Why is this session important?
Building decarbonization will cost billions of dollars - from grid infrastructure to buildings and real estate. We need sources - financing, grants, and investment -- to get the work done. We need to push the ESG market to make more meaningful change - where better to start the discussion than at NESEA?

Comments

Danielle Donnelly Mon, 05/22/2023 - 1:42 pm

Round 1: YesNeeds some work on speaker recruitment, but I this exploring alternative sources of capital/investment opportunities to support decarbonization is an incredibly important topic. Should include focus on current standards and improving accountability.

Ben Sachs-Hamilton Thu, 05/25/2023 - 10:50 am

Round 1 discussion: Very interesting; Reporting is taking a lot of time and less progress on decarbonization. Panel of companies talking about what is and what isn't ESG to them. ESG as a feeling vs ESG as something that is tangible and can/how to be measured. Talk to proposer on more information and hash it out more/give more direction.

Christopher Palmese Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:04 pm

Yes.  This has potential to be a great panel.  Although the details and speakers are still being worked out, Christine expressed an interest in this session possibly being either (i) a workshop format where attendees work together to create a list of 5-10 things that building owners can do to decarbonize (perhaps in the end, the list can be something NESEA approves and disseminates); or (ii) a challenge to attendees or panelists to discuss ways that their organizations are putting ESG building decarbonization goals into practice (with an emphasis on what are they actually doing).

Diversity and Inclusiveness
The session will brainstorm how 'big money' can support decarbonizing affordable housing.
Learning Objectives
What is ESG and how are ESG commitments driving "projects"?
What types of companies exist to measure and monitor impacts of ESG funding?
Who is paying for carbon savings in buildings, or what policies are needed to create that mechanism/market?
What data is needed to drive greater ESG funding into low income communities?
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
I think this session can compliment the finance/debt session and offer a really interesting, relevant, and I think currently overlooked opportunity for funding decarbonization. We need to research panelists but have inquiries out to a bank, healthcare provider, and ESG tracking firm.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.

NYC 2023 Areas of Focus

Recommended Length
60-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - NYC 2023

Reviewer 1
Donnelly, Danielle
Reviewer 2
Palmese, Chris
Proposal #
174
Committee Decision
Being Considered