精东影视

鈥淐ities have immense potential to improve people鈥檚 lives and drive transformative change,鈥� says Irene Garcia, built environment lead at the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance (CNCA).

Based in Berlin but working across a global network of cities, Garcia works with local governments to decarbonise urban building stock, focusing on whole-lifecycle approaches to reduce emissions.

鈥淢y role involves funding transformative urban projects, advancing methodologies and governance frameworks, and fostering knowledge-sharing among cities to scale solutions quickly,鈥� she explains.

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A key part of her work is collective advocacy, influencing policy changes at multiple levels to accelerate progress toward carbon neutrality.

She joined CNCA in 2021 at a pivotal moment when cities were beginning to acknowledge the importance of addressing embodied carbon.

鈥淓very building tells a story of energy and emissions long before anyone steps inside,鈥� she says.

鈥淔rom excavation to construction, from material transport to operation, every step consumes resources and generates carbon emissions.鈥�

Recognising this, she has led projects across Europe, supporting cities such as Stockholm, Nantes and Madrid in integrating low carbon and bio-based building materials, fostering circular construction models and embedding sustainability into procurement policies.

Dive in confidently and remember that your unique perspective is needed to shape inclusive, sustainable spaces for everyone

Irene Garcia, built environment lead, Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance

Her path into the built environment was shaped by her academic background in international relations and urban governance, with a focus on climate change.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been passionate about working with cities because they hold unmatched potential for systemic transformation,鈥� she reflects.

鈥淥ne of the most critical challenges today is decarbonising our building stock, but this transformation must be inclusive, benefiting everyone, not just the few.鈥�

A defining moment in Garcia鈥檚 career came when she worked with the Brookings Metro programme and Esade University to analyse economic support systems for major cities like Los Angeles and S茫o Paulo.

鈥淚t was during the aftermath of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and I saw first-hand how governance influences urban resilience and strategic growth,鈥� she recalls. 鈥淭hat experience sparked my passion for policy-making and leadership in urban development.鈥�

Despite her successes, Garcia acknowledges the challenges in shifting mindsets within urban governance.

鈥淒ecarbonising our cities requires more than technological innovation 鈥� it demands a complete rethink of how we design, build and manage the built environment,鈥� she states. 鈥淥vercoming resistance to these changes has been difficult, but by advocating for progressive policies and demonstrating the practical benefits of sustainable practices, we鈥檝e been able to shift perspectives.鈥�

One of her most rewarding projects was organising a 2017 workshop in Detroit, where she collaborated with architects, urban planners and city leaders to explore adaptive reuse strategies for vacant buildings.

鈥淒etroit had thousands of empty structures, each with untapped potential,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he ideas generated during that workshop were remarkable, and while some sites were unfortunately demolished, the experience reinforced my commitment to advocating for building preservation.鈥�

On the point of attracting more women into the built environment sector, Garcia believes that representation and mentorship are key.

鈥淲e need to showcase female leaders and provide supportive networks to help women navigate career challenges,鈥� she emphasises. 鈥淯nconscious biases in hiring and project teams must be confronted, and we must create an industry culture that values diverse perspectives as essential to solving today鈥檚 urban challenges.鈥�

Garcia says some of the women who inspire her the most are 鈥渢he women who are quietly and consistently reshaping the built environment, each in their own way鈥�.

鈥淭hese women are heroines to me because they demonstrate courage, resilience and a deep commitment to making our cities better places to live,鈥� she says. 鈥淎nd they all possess an extraordinary ability to combine intellect with emotional intelligence, quickly reading a room and designing pathways that invite others to join them in their vision.鈥�

Her advice for women considering a career in the built environment is straightforward. 鈥淒ive in confidently and remember that your unique perspective is needed to shape inclusive, sustainable spaces for everyone,鈥� she urges. 鈥淪eek out peers and mentors both within and beyond the sector. Their advice and support will be invaluable throughout your career.鈥�