How the Built Environment Can Be a Core Solution to Climate Change

What if the core solution to adapting to climate change and preventing a more significant natural threat was to thoroughly revisit how we build and renovate our cities, individual houses, and infrastructures? The built environment sector accounts for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The negative role of construction facing climate change and depletion of natural resources increases proportionally with rapid urbanization driven by strong population growth. Our need for more houses and buildings, cities, and infrastructures, unfortunately also means higher carbon costs, energy dependency, and more irreversible environmental damage. Andrew Eil, Head of Climate Risk for North America, Tata, Consultancy Services will join Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America, Alan Steel, CEO President of the Javits Center, Andrew Kimball, President of New York City Economic Development in a conversation about how existing construction solutions can help make the planet a better home.

Presented By

Saint-Gobain logo

About The Speakers

Speaker Graphics - Website (3)-1

Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America

Mark Rayfield holds a BS, Industrial Distribution, Clarkson University. He started his career in 1986 at PIAB USA Inc., a company that provides smart solutions for the automated world.

He entered Saint-Gobain in 1999 and held different positions, including Vice President for North American Abrasives and CEO for Building Distribution in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In January 2017 he was appointed President and CEO of CertainTeed Corporation and has also served as CEO of Saint-Gobain North America since January 1st 2019.

In January 2020, Mark was appointed Senior Vice-President, CEO North America Region.

Andrew Eil - Tata Consultancy Services

Andrew Eil, Head of Climate Risk for North America, Tata Consultancy Services

Andrew Eil is currently Head of Climate Risk for North America with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), where he provides advisory services for banks, insurers, and other financial institutions. From 2018 to 2021, Andrew was a Partner at Climate Finance Advisors (CFA), a boutique advisory firm operating at the intersection of climate change policy and financial markets. With CFA and as an independent consultant from 2014 to 2018 specializing in climate change and clean energy policy, international development, and sustainable investing, Andrew served clients including the World Bank, the Green Climate Fund, UN Development Program, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), U.N. Environment, Climate-KIC, the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Bloomberg LLP, and Bright Power (a distributed energy analytics and services firm). With CFA, Andrew worked across the firm’s four practice areas: developing climate strategies; appraising and structuring climate-smart investments; mobilizing, catalyzing, and leveraging public and private capital; and incorporating climate risk considerations into financial products, services, and operations.

Alan Steel - NewYork Convention Center

Alan Steel, CEO President of the Javits Center

Alan Steel is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side. Under Mr. Steel's leadership, the Javits Center has launched an historic expansion project. Upon his appointment in 2012, Mr. Steel led the completion of a comprehensive renovation and operational overhaul that included significant investments in energy efficiency, security and technology. Prior to the Javits Center, Mr. Steel spent more than 30 years as an event management executive and United Kingdom trade development official. He is the former President of George Little Management (GLM) and worked for more than 15 years with the British government in a number of trade-related positions. In 2014, Mr. Steel was awarded with the King’s Glove award by the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE) for his enriched contributions to the trade show industry in New York and beyond. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for New York City Audubon and New Yorkers for Parks.

Andrew Kimball President & CEO, NYC Economic Development Corporation

Andrew Kimball, President of New York City Economic Development

SPEAKERS

Alan Steel

Andrew Kimball

Mark Rayfield

MODERATOR

Andrew Eil

Stay Informed

Join The Nest Summit community for more climate content throughout the year and for future event announcements.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY