This lunch meeting on the built environment brings together companies working on new construction technologies and companies eager to put them to use. Our Roundtables start with presentations from relevant startups, rolls into an unpanel which involves everyone, includes demo and meeting tables for companies looking to start conversations, and ends with a networking lunch.
Silicon Valley, California, November 14, 2024/Meeting Recap/ The Cleantech Council's Roundtable Luncheon on the Built Environment took place on November 13, 2024, hosted by DNX Ventures in San Mateo, CA, with approximately 30 attendees. The built environment, encompassing all human-made structures such as buildings and other human-made structures, has a profound impact on our lives and the planet. It is a sector ripe for innovation, with the global smart building market projected to reach $133.8 billion by 2028, according to Statista (June 2023). This meeting served as a platform to explore the latest advancements and challenges in creating sustainable and efficient buildings and infrastructure.
Key contributors to the meeting included Lauren Shoemaker (Investment Analyst, DNX Ventures), who provided opening remarks, and a panel discussion on sustainability in existing buildings with panelists Brandon Tinianov (Smart Buildings Chair, U.S. Green Building Council), Judhajit Chakraborty (Director- Sustainability @ Google, JLL), and Alok Batra (President & CTO, Atomiton). Moderated by Namrata Vora, Founder of Nadi Energy, the panel explored the complexities of retrofitting existing structures for sustainability, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that considers economic, physical, regulatory, and occupant requirements.
The panel highlighted the importance of private investment in driving sustainability initiatives within the built environment. Investors play a crucial role in supporting the development and deployment of clean technologies, and their focus should extend beyond short-term gains to encompass long-term environmental and social impact. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the need for greater accountability and actionable goals in the pursuit of sustainable building practices. Concerns were raised about the frequent disconnect between government agencies and cities, hindering effective implementation. Bridging this gap is essential to accelerate progress in decarbonizing the built environment.
The built environment is a significant contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings alone account for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices in the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure. This includes adopting energy-efficient technologies, utilizing renewable energy sources, and promoting sustainable materials and construction methods.
As always, we rolled right into a set of rapid-fire presentations from innovators in this sector. The scale-ups & startups addressed topics such as:
The diverse range of technologies showcased demonstrated the breadth of innovation occurring within the built environment sector. The Cleantech Council's mission is to foster business relationships and accelerate the adoption of clean technologies. By bringing together industry leaders, investors, and innovators, the Council aims to reduce the time it takes to get deals done and real products into the hands of customers. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and engage in productive discussions, furthering the Council's goal of driving progress in the clean technology sector.
A special thank you to our host, DNX Ventures, and to all the presenters and panelists for their valuable contributions to the meeting. All presentations will be available in the Cleantech Council's Member Library.