Digital Innovations in the Built Environment

Digital Innovations in the Built Environment

Author: podcast@skanska.com (Skanska) April 27, 2023 Duration: 44:38

The construction and real estate industry has historically been slow to adopt new digital tools. Now, by embracing the latest available technology, we're pushing the industry toward more sustainable construction practices that allow us to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.


This episode features Brendan Wallace, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Fifth Wall, Henrik Ahnström, Director of Development at Skanska Commercial Development Nordic, and Stacy Smedley, Executive Director at Building Transparency. Each plays a unique role in merging the technology and real estate development sectors.


- Brendan outlines the economic and political drivers that are pushing the real estate industry toward better climate technology adoption.

- Stacy explains how tools like the EC3 are helping developers reduce their embodied carbon emissions.

- Henrik describes how new technologies like BIM and digital twins are leading to safer, more efficient and more sustainable building practices.


Listen and subscribe to the podcast.

Learn more at Foresight.



Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.



#ShapingSustainablePlaces #SustainableConstruction #SustainableTechnology #ClimateTechnology #Proptech 




How do we actually build a future that's both functional and sustainable? That's the central question driving Shaping Sustainable Places-Development and Construction of a Low-Carbon Built Environment. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a grounded exploration of the materials, methods, and business decisions reshaping our cities from the ground up. Brought to you by Skanska, a world-leading project development and construction group, the conversations here are rooted in real-world application, leveraging their frontline knowledge and foresight. Each episode features candid discussions with the people on the front lines-architects, engineers, project managers, community planners, and policy makers-who are turning ambitious climate goals into tangible reality. You'll hear about the complexities of sourcing low-carbon concrete, the financial models that make green buildings viable, and how new technologies are being integrated into centuries-old construction practices. This podcast digs into the intersection of business, science, and society, revealing how the built environment around us is being quietly revolutionized. It’s for anyone curious about the tangible steps being taken right now to reduce the carbon footprint of our offices, homes, and infrastructure, and how those steps fundamentally shape the culture and quality of our daily lives. Tune in for a practical, insightful look at the innovation happening at the construction site, in the boardroom, and within communities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Shaping Sustainable Places – Development and Construction of a Low-Carbon Built Environment
Podcast Episodes
Resilience: Protecting our cities from a changing climate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:14
Hurricanes, storms, heatwaves and heavy rain due to climate change are presenting new challenges for communities around the world. Farsighted cities are taking actions now to protect themselves from these sorts of hazard…
The future of housing? It's here today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:14
As more of us want to live more sustainably, we take a glimpse into the near-future, where homes generate more energy than they consume over their lifetimes. In this episode we visit the Norwegian city of Trondheim and m…
Climate Week NYC 2023: Special Report [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:15
In this special episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, recorded during Climate Week NYC 2023, we delve into the collaborative spirit driving sustainability in the development and construction sectors. The emphasis is on…
Investing in Sustainability [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
The market economy is a powerful force in shaping the direction of future innovation. As our societies become more globally conscious we create economic shifts that motivate more climate-conscious business practices. Thi…
Future Workplace: Evolution of the Healthy Office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
The Covid-19 pandemic forced a radical shift in our understanding of what a healthy workplace is. Now, as we adapt to the new normal of flexible work, we have an opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for the wor…
High-Speed Rail: HS2 Strengthening Connections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:01
High Speed Two is a railway project currently under construction in the UK. This massive undertaking aims to strengthen connections between local communities, create economic sustainability, and provide a fast and clean…
Healthy Homes: Living a Sustainable Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:44
Many people around the world are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and live more sustainably. Our homes and communities are essential in shaping a healthy and safe built environment. This episode feature…
Stronger Together: Sustainable Networks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:46
Sustainability is a team effort. No organization can achieve carbon neutrality on its own but, by working together, we can enact a holistic plan of sustainability that creates a cleaner, safer and healthier built environ…
Advancing Clean Transportation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
The transportation sector is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions. But in our globalized economy, the need for safe, fast and reliable transportation isn't going away. Any path toward carbon neutral…