This event will take place in-person at 2:30pm ET at HouseZero, 20 Sumner Road. Registration required (please email [email protected]).

This talk examines the pivotal role of policy in advancing both established, cost-effective technologies and emerging innovations within the buildings sector to achieve global climate goals. From energy-efficient systems and nature-based solutions to artificial intelligence and smart grids, it explores how well-designed policy frameworks drive the adoption of proven solutions while fostering cutting-edge advancements. Highlighting key initiatives by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), such as the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and the Global Status Report (GSR), it showcases efforts to scale sustainable solutions globally. With a focus on resilience, sustainability, and net-zero goals, the session emphasizes the critical role of incentives, regulations, and financing in implementing ready-to-use technologies and fostering transformative innovations for sustainable buildings globally.

SPEAKER: CLARA CAMARASA, PHD

Clara is a Senior Advisor in Buildings and Finance at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Copenhagen Climate Center (UNEP-CCC), specializing in Climate and Energy. With over a decade of global experience, she focuses on advancing sustainable building strategies, including technical policy analysis, financing advisory, and business strategy to achieve global climate goals.

At UNEP-CCC, Clara collaborates with governments and stakeholders worldwide to advance climate and energy policy initiatives. She conducts technical analysis to support decision-making, develops analytical tools to assess building sustainability, and conducts training programs tailored to cities and countries aiming to implement impactful sustainable building policies. Her advisory work increasingly emphasizes emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, and their applications in improving energy management.

Previously, Clara served as a Policy Analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA), where she led efforts to enhance efficiency in cooling systems, building appliances and equipment. Her responsibilities included creating analytical frameworks, conducting technical studies, providing policy advice, and supporting the effective implementation of regional and national energy efficiency plans in the building sector.

Clara holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Chalmers University in Sweden. As both a Civil and Environmental Engineer and an Architect, her research and professional focus align with the synergy between innovation and sustainable building development.