Katie McGinty on Climate Leadership: From the White House to Sustainable Buildings

Katie and Harald discuss the company's commitment to sustainability, focusing on reducing emissions in the built environment, innovative technologies like heat pumps and digital platforms, and the importance of collaboration with architects and engineers.

Katie shares insights on global initiatives, including a waste heat campaign aimed at harnessing untapped energy resources to drive significant reductions in emissions and energy costs. She shares her unexpected journey into sustainability leadership, highlighting her passion for technology and environmental policy, emphasising the importance of collaboration and leadership from all levels within an organisation.

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Takeaways

• ‍‍Katie McGinty leads sustainability and government relations at Johnson Controls.
• Johnson Controls is dedicated to reducing emissions in the built environment.
• Buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Waste heat from industries is a major untapped resource for energy efficiency.
• The technology for sustainable buildings is available now.
• Collaboration across departments is crucial for effective sustainability initiatives.
• Sustainability has transitioned from peripheral to business-critical.
• Regulatory reporting is becoming increasingly important for sustainability leaders.
• Engaging engineers in sustainability discussions energizes the team.
• A career in sustainability can be pursued in various sectors.
• Young professionals should choose paths that align with their values and skill sets.
• Sustainability perspectives are a competitive advantage in today's job market.

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