Waterfront Alliance’s Cortney Koenig Worrall on Climate Resilience and Urban Transformation

In this episode of Buildings 2.0, I spoke with Cortney Koenig Worrall, President and CEO of Waterfront Alliance, who talks about the importance of consulting help, the catalysts and turning points of climate change that apply to the building industry, and the significance of the Waterfront Edge Design guidelines. 

Cortney emphasizes the positive impacts of collaborative efforts from not only the building and real estate industry but from all fields to implement the systemic changes we need to see to become more sustainable and mitigate climate change impacts. She also touches on the future outlook of housing, work, and parks in the next 50 years.

Topics discussed:

• Historical context of climate change awareness, with a spotlight on Hurricane Sandy's impact on New York and New Jersey.
• The importance of consulting help for building owners, focusing on energy efficiency and resilience amidst changing regulations and climate impact demands.
• The role of the Waterfront Edge Design guidelines in promoting climate resilience and ecological soundness in waterfront projects.
• Discussion on the need for systemic change and community involvement in combating climate change.
• Success stories of projects like offshore wind developments and resilient industrial facilities adhering to high standards.
• Future projections of greener urban landscapes, elevated infrastructure, and adaptive waterfront designs for climate resilience.
• Economic benefits and return on investment in climate resilience initiatives, emphasizing the long-term value of sustainable practices.
• The challenges in balancing high initial investment with long-term benefits, including the need for innovative insurance and financial solutions.
• The importance of public involvement, advocacy, and industry support in driving systemic changes for a sustainable future.