Neutral Podcast Ep 11 – Sustainable Cities | Cara Eckholm

Send us a textEmbark on a journey with Cara Elkhorn, a trailblazer in sustainable urban development, as she shares her expansive knowledge and experience in transforming cityscapes into eco-friendly spaces. From Beijing's sprawling urbanity to the green initiatives of Copenhagen and New York, Cara takes us through her evolution in the industry, highlighting her time at Sidewalk Labs and the emergence of venture investing in real estate technology. We explore the significance of sustainable materials like mass timber and the influence they hold in crafting carbon-neutral buildings, setting a precedent for future urban development.Dive into the complex tangle of housing policies and the transformative power of converting office spaces into residential havens, using the concrete examples of New York City's challenges and Calgary's triumphs. Cara elucidates the intricacies of the proposed housing compact aimed at mitigating suburban housing shortages and the vital transition from successful pilot projects to widespread city implementations. Discover how strategic changes in policy can reshape our urban environments and better align with the ever-evolving demands of society.Lastly, listen closely as we unravel the substantial role of government procurement in nurturing climate technology innovations. From California's wildfire detection initiatives to the Department of Defense's net-zero building projects, we highlight the crucial ways in which strategic purchasing can hasten the move towards a more sustainable future. We even take a sneak peek at the cutting-edge work of Woodoo and their augmented wood materials, poised to revolutionize the construction industry. This episode with Cara Elkhorn is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of urban sustainability, policy, and technology's power to effectuate change. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit neutralpodcast.substack.com