Industrial clusters are potentially powerful economic drivers. NYC has an opportunity to become the preeminent carbon-zero urban industrial cluster. It would be based on the potentially $12T carbon-zero economy (McKinsey). FiDi is a strong location for this cluster. It is the most transit-accessible neighborhood in the US, is an internationally known address, and has substantial vacant office space, much of which is difficult to competitively convert. This roundtable starts off with a discussion on FiDi’s many advantages and its extraordinary history.

With limited space for renewables within NYC, offshore wind is crucial to meet the City and State’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2040. NYSERDA is developing five offshore wind projects totaling over 4,300 megawatts, nearly half of the State’s 9,000 MW target by 2030. In July 2022, NYSERDA issued a third solicitation for 2,000+ MW of additional offshore wind energy. This industry will not only green the grid but also create thousands of jobs and revitalize waterfronts, including transforming the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a staging hub. The future of energy focuses on electrification, efficiency, and renewable solutions. Transitioning transport and heating to renewable electricity, alongside smart grids and heat recovery systems, boosts efficiency. Carbon capture reduces industrial emissions, while biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels replace fossil fuels. Expanding EV infrastructure and hydrogen fuel cells target transport emissions. District energy systems and renewable microgrids enhance resilience, while advanced energy storage stabilizes supply. Stricter policies drive the phase-out of fossil fuels, accelerating the shift to sustainable energy systems.

The future of urban water is sustainable, resilient, and equitable. Water recycling, green infrastructure, and stormwater management reduce waste and flooding. Desalination and IoT-based smart systems ensure water availability and real-time monitoring. Decentralized treatment and climate-resilient infrastructure bolster local resilience, while advanced treatment and leak detection enhance efficiency. Equitable access initiatives ensure cities can sustainably meet future water needs.

The future of sustainable consumption in cities focuses on renewable materials, circular design, and efficient production. Zero-waste packaging, reusable products, and low-carbon manufacturing reduce waste and emissions. Smart home technology and resource-efficient appliances conserve energy and water. Ethical sourcing ensures fair labor and transparency, while plant-based and biotech products lower environmental impacts. Consumer education drives eco-conscious habits, and sustainable fashion emphasizes organic and recycled materials for responsible consumption.

Urban farms on FiDi rooftops and unused spaces can cut food miles, slash emissions, and provide fresh produce, making NYC climate-resilient. By transforming underused FiDi spaces into vertical farms, rooftop gardens, and hydroponic systems, NYC can slash food miles, reduce emissions, and supply fresh, local produce. Investing in resilient, hyper-local food systems positions the city as a leader in sustainable urban living.

The waste sector, valued at $300–$400 billion, focuses on zero-waste initiatives, recycling, and waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies. Leaders like Waste Management and Veolia promote AI-driven recycling, composting, and smart waste collection to reduce landfill use. Methane capture from landfills generates renewable energy, while plastic bans and e-waste management improve resource recovery. Circular economy strategies in material reuse and WTE technologies enhance sustainability.

The industrial sector, projected to generate $250–$300 billion annually, emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient manufacturing, green chemical processes, and carbon capture. Companies like Siemens and ABB drive automation and energy optimization. Circular economy practices, including material recovery and WTE technologies, support resource efficiency and emission reduction.

CitiBike is great, but it’s not enough. NYC needs bolder micro transit solutions to tackle climate risks like subway flooding and expand urban mobility. Also eases congestion and reduces the maintenance costs of roads. This session explores the economics of micro-transit, cutting-edge tech, and regulatory solutions to build a resilient, green transportation network. Collaboration between transport firms, tech innovators, and policymakers is key.

Special thanks to Sanda Rothbard for an insightful talk on micro cargo, urban hubs, and real estate repurposing. Experts from LA to Zurich then led a strong roundtable on micro cargo and also multi-functional urban hubs (cargo, waste, public toilets), potentially in privately owned buildings.