Adapt: Climate Change and the Built Environment

Monika Serrano and Jessica Mederson speak with Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President for environmental affairs and sustainability [https://www.uschamber.com/environmental-affairs-and-sustainability] at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the work being done by the Chamber as well as the Chamber's foundation to help businesses improve resiliency in the face of climate change. Chuck brings to the Chamber twenty-five years of experience focused on environment and energy issues, working with companies on strategies to improve their bottom line and competitive positioning. At the Chamber, Chaitovitz is launching a new environment and sustainability capability to give businesses the tools they need to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Episode links: Building Resilience Conference | U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation [https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/event-series/building-resilience-conference] The Economic Benefits of Investing in Climate Resilience | U.S. Chamber of Commerce [https://www.uschamber.com/security/the-preparedness-payoff-the-economic-benefits-of-investing-in-climate-resilience] Coalition Letter on 2025 Resilience and Preparedness Priorities | U.S. Chamber of Commerce [https://www.uschamber.com/security/coalition-letter-on-2025-resilience-and-preparedness-priorities]

Nicole DeNamur joins the podcast this week, along with co-hosts Jessica Mederson and Monika Serrano, they  talk about emerging state and city climate-related laws, climate-aligned contracts and leases, and how they intersect with issues like water shortages, indoor air quality, occupant health and other climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.  Nicole DeNamur (she/her), J.D., Hon. AIA, WELL AP, LFA, Fitwel Ambassador, LEED Green Associate, is the founder of Climate Aligned Law, a climate-focused law firm, and Sustainable Strategies, a consulting firm dedicated to creating healthy, inclusive spaces through sustainability. With over a decade of experience litigating construction and insurance matters, Nicole brings a rare combination of legal expertise and deep knowledge of the real estate and sustainability sectors. She helps clients navigate building performance standards, draft climate-aligned contracts and leases, and develop practical, risk-aware solutions that support ESG goals. Nicole also teaches sustainable development at the University of Washington and environmental health at the Boston Architectural College. She has been recognized as an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects (Seattle, 2021), named Educator of the Year by the International WELL Building Institute (2022), and honored as an Outstanding Voice of Pride by the Puget Sound Business Journal (2023). Episode links: The Chancery Lane Project: https://chancerylaneproject.org/ [https://chancerylaneproject.org/] Responsible Contracting Project:  https://www.responsiblecontracting.org/ [https://www.responsiblecontracting.org/] COGFx Study:  https://thecogfxstudy.com/ [https://thecogfxstudy.com/] WELL Building Standard:  https://www.wellcertified.com/ [https://www.wellcertified.com/] Healthy Buildings book:  https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674278363 [https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674278363] There are no accidents book - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/There-Are-No-Accidents/Jessie-Singer/9781982129682 [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/There-Are-No-Accidents/Jessie-Singer/9781982129682]

Carolyn Kousky, Acting Chief Economist at Environmental Defense Fund and founder of Insurance for Good [https://www.insuranceforgood.org/] joins Jessica Mederson and Monika Serrano, to discuss the current and future status of home insurance, the relationship between insurance at the individual level vs. community, what home owners can do today and much more.  Dr. Kousky’s research examines multiple aspects of climate risk management and policy approaches for increasing resilience. She is the author of Understanding Disaster Insurance: New Tools for a More Resilient Future [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fislandpress.org%2Fbooks%2Funderstanding-disaster-insurance&data=05%7C01%7Cckousky%40edf.org%7Ce2244416483b4f84d66808da755b2ed2%7Cfe4574edbcfd4bf0bde843713c3f434f%7C0%7C0%7C637951331753822570%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yW%2BSN6gMzia22BwpMPfgqvESllYuaxWYXRo0hWAvpbY%3D&reserved=0] and an editor of A Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation [https://islandpress.org/books/blueprint-coastal-adaptation]. She has published numerous articles, reports, and book chapters on the economics and policy of climate risk and disaster finance and she is routinely cited in media outlets. Episode links: Dr. Kousky's bio - https://www.carolynkousky.com/about [https://www.carolynkousky.com/about] IBHS Fortified program - https://fortifiedhome.org/ [https://fortifiedhome.org/]

Mónika Serrano and Jessica Mederson talk to three entrepreneurs about their solutions to problems the construction industry faces on the job site, particurarly in the face of extreme heat, poor air conditions, and lack of water. They first talk to Zachary Kiehl, CEO and principal engineer of VigiLife, a connected health and safety technology company dedicated to protecting and enriching the lives of individuals at risk through innovative solutions. Then Mónika and Jessica speak with Tracie Wagman, CEO of ColdVest, a company dedicated to expanding its life-saving cooling technology worldwide. Finally, Jessica and Mónika talk to Andrew Crimston, creator of WashBox, a tool wash system that uses its own recycled water to provide tool washing for ALL construction trades. Links to their companies and other issues discussed on the show are below: WASHBOX | Sustainable Tool Wash Technology for Trades [https://www.washboxglobal.com/] ColdVest | Fast, Effective Heatstroke Relief | Portable Emergency Treatment [https://www.coldvest.com/] Our Company | VigiLife [https://vigilife.com/about/] A business case for protecting workers from extreme heat - Fast Company [https://www.fastcompany.com/91218539/a-business-case-for-protecting-workers-from-extreme-heat] Research Promotes Deeper Understanding of Impact of Heat Stress Mitigation Measures in Construction | Insights | Turner Construction Company [https://www.turnerconstruction.com/insights/research-promotes-deeper-understanding-of-impact-of-heat-stress-mitigation-measures-in-construction] High Temperatures Increase Workers’ Injury Risk, Whether They’re Outdoors or Inside [https://luskin.ucla.edu/high-temperatures-increase-workers-injury-risk-whether-theyre-outdoors-or-inside] The Heat Will Kill You First - Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heat_Will_Kill_You_First]

Jessica Mederson and Mónika Serrano sit down with Jane Gilbert, Miami-Dade County's Chief Heat Officer. Together, they dive into the growing threat of extreme heat for cities, its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, and how communities leaders can respond through thoughtful design and policy. Jane shares how her groundbreaking role has shaping heat mitigation strategies—from education strategies to tree canopy initiatives—and what is next. Links: www.Heat.Gov [http://www.heat.gov/]   www.miamidade.gov/heat [http://www.miamidade.gov/heat]  Earth Day: Fastest-Warming U.S. Cities and States | Climate Central [https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/earth-day-fastest-warming-us-cities-and-states] Fast Company: Meet the 7 Chief Heat Officers who are making their cities more resilient [https://www.fastcompany.com/90793483/meet-the-7-chief-heat-officers-who-are-making-their-cities-more-resilient]