Written by Guest Contributor: Michael Beckerman, CEO, CREtech

I recently read with much delight, and really not much surprise, that Lukky Ahmed is relocating to New York City after his startup, Climate X, raised over $18 million to price climate risk for buildings and infrastructure. I was encouraged to see yet another climate tech startup focused on the built environment successfully raising venture dollars, but not surprised that the CEO is relocating to New York City, which has quickly become the climate capital of the U.S.

While my friend Aaron Block recently sent me a really great hat saying “New Jersey’s Favorite New Yorker” :), I am indeed a proud resident of the great state of New Jersey. However, as someone who is deeply concerned about the climate crisis and also sees the massive business opportunity to decarbonize the built environment, New York is where most of my attention is these days.

Not only has the City done a lot of great work on the legislative front with Local Law 97, but it is home to some great organizations like NYSERDA, EDC, The Clean Fight and, NYC Climate Tech Cities, but it has tremendous climate leadership from the real estate industry from companies like Rudin, Vornado, Tishman Speyer, Hines, Brookfield, Blackstone, BXP, The Durst Organization, and too many others to list. 

There are also some really groundbreaking new initiatives taking place at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Governors Island that have the resources, leadership and funding to make a real impact in driving innovation in the city. With all of these investments, private/public leadership and carbon reduction mandates, it’s no wonder that the tech sector is responding en masse and turning the city into a climate tech hub. 

Having spent my entire career in the built environment, one thing I know is that the real estate industry is often a reflection of the local political situation on the ground. It’s not to say the industry is looking for handouts (ok maybe in some cases), but more so,  they look for signals in terms of what the particular town/city/state is prioritizing. And at the risk of getting too political, Mayor Adams and his team have clearly made the city’s climate ambitions very clear and obvious. It’s good to be green in New York!

To learn more about how New York City is championing climate tech and has become one of the most sustainable cities in the world, I hope you will join us at our CREtech New York Conference on November 13-14. You won’t want to also miss our dedicated panel on the city featuring leaders from the public and private sectors who are leading the way in turning New York City green!

Welcome to New York, Lukky! You’re in good company!

- Michael

Michael Beckerman

CEO

CREtech

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