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Joel Cesare
Taking Bold Action to Save the Planet
Professional Background
Joel Cesare is a recognized leader in the green real estate and sustainability sector, where he has built a reputation as a visionary trailblazer committed to transformative projects. As currently serving as the Head of Green Cities at BlocPower, Joel is at the forefront of innovations aimed at making healthy, smart, and environmentally friendly buildings accessible to everyone. His career is marked by an unwavering dedication to challenging the status quo, as evidenced by his previous role as the Global Net Zero Strategy Lead for Real Estate at Google. In this capacity, he successfully established a roadmap for making Google's global office portfolio carbon-free by the year 2030.
Before joining Google, Joel played a pivotal role as a Development Executive for the City of Santa Monica, where he took on the landmark challenge of designing and constructing the first municipal project under the Living Building Challenge framework. This initiative has been recognized as one of the world’s greenest buildings, showcasing Joel’s commitment to sustainability. His outstanding contributions to the field did not go unnoticed—he was named a Top 25 Newsmaker by ENR Magazine in 2018 for leading efforts that enabled the development of a net-zero water building. This recognition underscores his commitment to creating sustainable environments that prioritize water conservation and carbon neutrality.
Throughout his career, Joel has collaborated with various organizations and initiatives that promote sustainability. His expertise and accomplishments earned him accolades from prominent institutions, including being named a Hero by the International Living Future Institute at the 2019 Living Future UnConference. Additionally, Joel received the inaugural “First in the World” achievement award in 2017 from the US Green Building Council-Los Angeles for spearheading Santa Monica's zero-net energy ordinance—a testament to his ingenuity and leadership in driving sustainability initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Joel Cesare’s academic background laid a strong foundation for his successful career in sustainability and environmental science. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology, complemented by studies in Government and Law, from Lafayette College. Pursuing his passion for environmental stewardship further, he obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the prestigious University of California, Santa Barbara. These educational experiences equipped Joel with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to tackle complex environmental issues and lead impactful projects.
From his beginnings as a Senior Environmental Underwriter at ACE Group to his role as a Sustainability Manager at Matt Construction, Joel has gained comprehensive experience across various sectors. His diverse roles include being a Project Hydrogeologist at Walden Associates, a Sustainability Consultant at Dalen Group, and a Sustainability Manager/Project Engineer at Skanska. His background also includes entrepreneurial ventures such as co-founding StokeShare and Rayven.
In addition to his track record in project management and sustainable building design, Joel has shared his expertise through academia as a lecturer at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. His enthusiasm for teaching reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders who will continue the fight for sustainable practices in real estate and architecture.
Notable Achievements
Joel Cesare’s countless achievements in the green real estate field have cemented his status as an industry leader. Notably, he was selected for Building Design & Construction Magazine’s coveted 40 Under 40 cohort in 2017, where he was recognized alongside other young professionals making significant strides in the construction and design spheres. This honor exemplifies his exceptional influence and leadership in promoting sustainability within commercial real estate.
His initiatives consistently prioritize advancing energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and social equity in building design. At Google, Joel’s comprehensive strategies revolved around not only achieving net-zero carbon emissions but also promoting a sustainable operational model that others in the industry could emulate. At BlocPower, he continues this mission, working to integrate green technology and sustainable operations into a wider range of urban buildings, especially in underserved communities.
As industries worldwide grapple with the effects of climate change, experts like Joel Cesare provide invaluable insights into how sustainable building practices can result in healthier communities and contribute to environmental resilience. His relentless pursuit of sustainability has not only influenced the organizations he has worked with but has also inspired fellow professionals and advocates to embrace innovative practices that lead to more sustainable futures.
Through his career, Joel has consistently set ambitious goals, overcoming challenges to achieve remarkable milestones that advance the green real estate industry and foster a cultural shift toward sustainability. His work demonstrates that a commitment to environmental stewardship can yield significant benefits for businesses, stakeholders, and the community as a whole.
In summary, Joel Cesare combines an unwavering passion for sustainability with a breadth of experience across various sectors, making him a formidable leader and advocate for green real estate. His impressive achievements underscore his role as an innovator in the industry, inspiring many to embrace sustainable practices that ultimately benefit everyone. With a solid educational background, a history of notable accomplishments, and a vision for a sustainable future, Joel is well-equipped to lead the charge toward creating a more environmentally responsible world.
tags':['green real estate','sustainability expert','Net Zero strategy','Living Building Challenge','environmental science','city development','urban innovation','carbon-neutral buildings','sustainable technology','green building advocacy','policy implementation','project management','academic lecturer','community engagement','LA architecture','sustainable design','energy efficiency initiatives'],'questions':['How did Joel Cesare develop his expertise in sustainability and green real estate?','What strategies did Joel implement at Google to achieve a carbon-free global office portfolio?','Can Joel share insights on the impact of his work on the City of Santa Monica’s green buildings initiative?','What challenges did Joel face while leading the Living Building Challenge project and how did he overcome them?','In what ways is BlocPower innovating building practices under Joel Cesare’s leadership?']} _ALLOW-OVERWRITE
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