Retrofitting NYC Cocktail and Networking Summit
🗓️ Date: September 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: New York, New York
(Venue details provided after registration)
🌟 Presented in partnership with: HOK
Join NYC’s Retrofit Leaders During Climate Week
An Evening of Innovation, Insight, and Impact
This Climate Week 2025, connect with top developers, designers, engineers, and financiers for an exclusive evening dedicated to the future of building retrofits in New York City at HOK. This summit offers a dynamic blend of expert-led dialogue and strategic networking; all centered around reimagining and upgrading NYC’s aging building stock.
Summit Focus:
Explore forward-thinking solutions for commercial-to-residential conversions and deep energy retrofits. Engage in meaningful conversations about overcoming the practical, technical, and regulatory challenges that shape the retrofit landscape today.
Evening Highlights:
Opening Remarks from HOK
Expert Panel Discussion with trailblazers in retrofit innovation
Interactive Roundtable Sessions tackling real-world issues such as:
Drilling and installing geothermal systems in high water table zones
Improving building envelopes for enhanced energy performance
Reducing tenant disruption during retrofit projects
Replacing boilers with heat pumps and achieving full electrification
Meeting Local Law 97 & Local Law 11 compliance requirements
Networking Reception:
Cap off the evening with cocktails and conversation among peers, project partners, and climate-focused changemakers driving NYC’s building transformation.
Summit Agenda & Speaker Lineup
5:00 – 5:50 PM - Registration & Networking
5:50 - 6:00 PM – Opening Remarks
Kenneth Drucker, Director of Design at HOK
– Leads HOK’s New York and Philadelphia studios, crafting context-driven, sustainable architecture that uplifts the human spirit. Active on the ACE Mentor Program board in NYC and with AIA New York. LinkedIn
6:00 – 6:40 PM - Panel Discussion on Retrofitting NYC
Kenneth Drucker, Director of Design at HOK
– Leads HOK’s New York and Philadelphia studios, crafting context-driven, sustainable architecture that uplifts the human spirit. Active on the ACE Mentor Program board in NYC and with AIA New York. LinkedInLaura Spencer Humphrey, Senior Director Of Energy and Sustainability at L+M Development Partners Inc.
– Drives sustainable energy initiatives at the intersection of public and private sectors, specializing in market transformation and real-world implementation in the built environment. LinkedInAlex Spilger, Head of Sustainability / ESG at Kennedy Wilson - A 15‑year real estate sustainability leader, Alex drives global ESG strategy and portfolio decarbonization, aligning net‑zero carbon, renewable energy, and climate risk initiatives with core business goals. LinkedIn
Siobhan Watson, VP, Sustainability at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) - Leads authority-wide sustainability strategy to advance energy efficiency, renewable power, and green workforce development across New York City’s public housing portfolio. LinkedIn
Matt Ellis, CEO at Measurabl - Assists owners, operators, and investors to turn building performance data into actionable insights that improve asset value, reduce risk, and support decarbonization. A frequent industry voice, he champions open, interoperable data and outcome-focused sustainability across global portfolios. LinkedIn
Kasey Motley, AIA, CEM, LEED AP, Senior Sustainable Design Specialist at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - A Licensed Architect and Certified Energy Manager with over a decade of experience advancing sustainable buildings and infrastructure. At PANYNJ, Motley leads decarbonization and electrification programs across aviation, port, and transit facilities, managing interdisciplinary teams on multi-billion-dollar capital projects. Her work includes developing agency-wide energy and design requirements, applying LEED and Envision standards to engineering projects, and securing executive approval for emerging clean technologies. Motley also works part-time with CUNY’s Building Performance Lab developing curriculum for their Energy & Carbon Management Training program and has contributed to climate resilience and policy research at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. LinkedIn
6:40 - 7:00 PM – Practical HVAC Solutions
Jim Metropoulos, CEO at Blue Box - Assists owners, operators, and investors to turn building performance data into actionable insights that improve asset value, reduce risk, and support decarbonization. A frequent industry voice, he champions open, interoperable data and outcome-focused sustainability across global portfolios. LinkedIn
7:00 - 7:10 PM - Technology Showcase
7:10 - 8:00 PM – Interactive Roundtables (Assigned Seating)