What does it mean for a building in this day to be "green", and how is this definition changing? This panel brings together individuals involved in the research, consulting, and business side of sustainable buildings. The discussion will be centered on the ways in which companies are already rethinking the way we design, construct, operate, and deconstruct the very structures we spend the majority of our time in.

As articulated in Business Roundtable’s 2019 Statement of Purpose companies cannot afford to ignore today’s sustainability challenges. Earlier this month, Blackrock’s Larry Fink called for a fundamental reshaping of the finance profession – in his 2020 Letter to CEOs, he clearly equates climate risk with investment risk, noting the existential threat posed to the economic well-being of the industry. This panel will engage several industry professionals who will share how their companies are conceiving, measuring, evaluating, and delivering on their promises to improve the impact of their investments in the context of this rapidly shifting environment.

Gov Andrew Cuomo's version of the Green New Deal (Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) is among the boldest in state climate legislation that targets 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This ambitious benchmark presents both unprecedented opportunities and challenges to businesses within NY, especially those in energy, real estate or industrial goods. Moving forward, how will the Green New Deal objectives affect companies' business-as-usual routines, even for those who have already committed to reducing their emissions?

Consumers are increasingly voting with their pocketbook purchasing food and beverage products that are ethically and sustainably sourced. According to the CSB Sustainable Market Share Index sustainability-marketed products are responsible for more than half of the growth in consumer packaged goods (CPGs) since 2013 and grew 5.6% faster than conventionally-marketed products. In addition, companies are facing mounting pressure from consumers for more environmentally friendly packaging. This panel will focus on the trends, opportunities, challenges and changes happening in the food and beverage industry.