Exploring Pathways to Building Decarbonization at Climate Week NYC

Vornado Realty Trust and VHB co-hosted a Climate Week NYC 2026 panel discussion that tackled one of the built environment's most pressing challenges: large-scale building decarbonization. The discussion brought together leaders in real estate, energy, engineering, financing, and building transformation to explore how collaboration can help move ambitious climate goals from planning to implementation. This event marked the second consecutive year VHB and Vornado partnered during Climate Week NYC.

Moderated by Lior Melnick, Senior Sustainability & Mobility Consultant at VHB, the panel featured:

• Lauren Moss, Senior Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, Vornado Realty Trust
• Michael Reed, Sr. Director, Building Transformation, NYSERDA
• Corey Letcher, Comprehensive Solutions Account Executive, Trane
• Molly Dee-Ramasamy, Principal, JB&B, Deep Carbon Reduction Group

Using the PENN 1 waste heat recovery project as a case study, panelists examined the project through four different lenses: the building owner, engineer, contractor, and funding partner. They shared lessons learned throughout the different stages of the project and the role that each team member and organization played in transforming ambitious sustainability goals into an operational reality. As a tenant at PENN 1, VHB has a unique connection to the project, experiencing firsthand how sustainability considerations impact the people who work in this facility every day. The project also highlights the scale of decarbonization efforts underway across New York City, with PENN 1 pursuing a path toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

Panelists highlighted the importance of early alignment, shared goals, and sustained momentum across the project lifecycle. The group also shared practical insights on integrating new technologies into existing buildings, balancing both operational and sustainability objectives. Drawing on lessons from the PENN 1 project, the discussion explored how heat recovery systems, water-source heat pumps, and phased electrification strategies can be integrated into existing buildings to support long-term emissions reductions.

"Building decarbonization is a complex challenge and requires collaboration across disciplines," said Lior. "The PENN 1 project provided a window into the decisions, partnerships, and coordination that turned decarbonization commitments into measurable results. By sharing these lessons, we hope to help others identify opportunities to create buildings that are more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and resilient."

As building owners and cities pursue ambitious emissions reduction targets, discussions like these play an important role in connecting ideas with actionable insights. By examining PENN 1 through multiple stakeholders' perspectives, the panel offered valuable lessons on the opportunities, challenges, planning, and collaboration required to advance building decarbonization at scale.

Learn more about VHB's sustainability and real estate solutions, or connect with Lior Melnick via email or LinkedIn to continue the conversation.