Resilience and Sustainability
In the aftermath of California’s devastating January fires, which caused more than $164 billion in losses, experts are calling for urgent reforms in wildfire insurance policies. Advocates, including Darcy L. Coleman of Alagem Capital, emphasize the need for legislation that empowers the insurance commissioner to mandate incentives for fire-hardening and community mitigation efforts. They warn that, without proactive measures to address skyrocketing premiums and inadequate coverage, homeowners are sure to face heightened financial risks when disaster strikes.
A new ULI report, supported by C Change and Net Zero Imperative, outlines the key barriers to decarbonization, and presents seven guiding principles that address asset stranding risk.
The commercial real estate industry is voicing strong support for the Energy Star program as the Trump administration proposes substantial budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, a change that could jeopardize the voluntary program’s future or eliminate it entirely.
Neighborhood collaboration is key to swift rebuilding
In anticipation of the ULI Resilience Summit, the Institute’s annual climate adaptation event to be held May 15, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, Urban Land spoke with Karen Mahrous, a member of the ULI Programs Committee who helped shaped the event’s content, to learn more about what attendees can expect at this flagship event.
The United States had record-breaking renewable energy growth in 2024, with renewables—including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower—and battery storage making up 30 percent of the country’s large-scale power-generating capacity. Real estate is on board, positioned to confront some of the challenges facing clean energy in the U.S., especially as electricity demand is predicted to soar during the next five years.
Ten years ago, ULI released the Building Healthy Places Toolkit: Strategies for Enhancing Health in the Built Environment report. The Toolkit, developed by ULI in partnership with the Center for Active Design, offered 21 practical and tactical evidence-based strategies and recommendations that real estate leaders can employ to improve the health outcomes of residents and building users.
In a world increasingly driven by environmental concerns and economic realities, the movement for sustainable commercial real estate has only gained momentum, despite shifting political tides.
A professional self-certification program could dramatically boost the recovery effort
Operationalizing ULI’s Net Zero Mission Priority