Description

Feb 19, 2021. In a very special edition of Building to Zero, Brendan speaks with U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who dials-in from his office at the Capitol Building to discuss climate change policy and the real estate industry. The Senator shares thoughts on carbon taxes for buildings and what he describes as the real estate industry's equivalent of "Cash for Clunkers." He also shares what he believes real estate CEOs would be stunned to find out about their lobbying presence in Washington, and how the industry can use collective action to drive meaningful change. Episode Recap 0:42: The collapse of Cap & Trade and the story behind the Senator's 279 "Time to Wake Up" speeches on the Senate floor 3:50: Why the real estate industry has skirted responsibility for the climate crisis 7:04: Who pays when buildings are taxed due to local carbon neutrality regulations? 7:55: When did climate change become a partisan issue in the U.S.? 12:30: Ideal outcomes from the Biden-Harris administration in terms of climate policy - what is the best case scenario 4 years from now and how do we get there? 15:15: The Senator's advice for real estate CEOs and what they would be stunned to find out about their lobbying presence in Washington 20:05: How the real estate industry can leverage collective action to stand up against the fossil fuel industry 23:14: How big tech companies like Amazon and Google can force their entire supply chain to decarbonize 23:37: Engaging in climate policy at a federal level and predictions for the Biden-Harris administration 25:57: The Senator's suggested path of action for real estate CEOs 28:27: Building retrofits and the massive opportunity for American job creation 31:14: Carbon taxes and real estate industry's equivalent of "Cash for Clunkers"