The Future of Architecture Is Carbon-Negative ft. Kevin Kennon | Coffeez with Joe Shalaby
5/1/202640 min
In this episode of Coffeez for Closers, Joe sits down with architect and developer Kevin Kennon to talk about the future of building, carbon-negative design, and why architecture has to evolve with climate, technology, and humanity in mind.
Kevin explains why the built environment is responsible for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and how architects, developers, and builders are now being forced to rethink the way we design and construct the world around us.
Through his work with Beyond Zero, Kevin is focused on developing wilderness hotels and resorts built around conservation, wellness, renewable materials, smaller footprints, and extreme respect for nature.
The conversation also dives into AI, robotics, prefabricated construction, mass timber, greenwashing, regulatory red tape, the future of real estate development, and the role architects can play in solving major housing and environmental challenges.
This episode is about more than buildings. It’s about responsibility, innovation, and designing spaces that make the world a little better than we found it.
Hosted by Joseph Shalaby
Coffeez for Closers Podcast
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsKevin Kennon· Guest0:00
Uh, w- we lived, uh, you know, we still do actually, uh, you know, a few blocks from Ground Zero, the World Trade Center. Within about a week, my wife and I decided we would go down and take a look at the site, and what we saw was just complete bedlam. Uh, you know, people climbing fences and guys hawking, uh, World Trade Center souvenirs. And, you know, I just thought that there, there had to be a better w- way, a more dignified way. So I, I developed a design and pitched it to the mayor. They, they thought it was great and, um, they said, "With one condition. You gotta find the money to build it." And so w- we did and, um, we built the temporary viewing platform at Ground Zero.
Joseph Shalaby· Host0:40
Welcome to another episode of Coffees. You know, it is truly, you know, beyond innovative.
Kevin Kennon· Guest0:46
Mm.
Joseph Shalaby· Host0:46
But please explain to the audience what is carbon negative mean in building and, um, what do you do at, you know, just give us a 10,000-foot overview.
Kevin Kennon· Guest0:57
Sure. Um, well, I think, uh, a lot of people might be surprised that over 40% of global greenhouse gases, that those emissions come from the built environment, um, so from buildings and cities. Um, and so, uh, w- many of us who are in the building industry, uh, you know, have, uh, developed a sense of responsibility about that. Um, and that goes beyond just making sure that we build, uh, buildings that,