Real Estate Transformation: Exploring Deep Energy Retrofits with Julianna Brooks Clark

Closing the Deal, Opening Up | Uncovering the Foundations of Commercial Real Estate’s Visionaries

Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Julianna Brooks Clark, cofounder of Civitas PACE, uncovering her unique path from the finance world to championing deep energy retrofits in commercial real estate, and the fascinating dynamics of running a business with her husband.

Julianna Brooks Clark is a trailblazer in the commercial real estate world, serving as the cofounder of Civitas PACE and vice president of strategy and business development at Bradford Commercial Real Estate. With a diverse background that spans finance, tech, and oil and gas, Julianna's journey exemplifies a seamless blend of passion for the built environment and strategic insight. She has been instrumental in driving the successful adaptation of deep energy retrofits, leveraging innovative financing solutions like C PACE to advance sustainability in commercial buildings. Her expertise and enthusiastic embrace of new challenges have significantly expanded both her professional footprint and the communities she serves.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Career Journey and Passion for Real Estate: Julianna Brooks Clark shared her diverse career path from finance at tech companies and oil and gas economics to her passion for the built environment and her transition into commercial real estate. This journey underscored her love for tangible finance and the impact of deep energy retrofits.
• Deep Energy Retrofits and the Empire State Building Example: Julianna highlighted her fascination with deep energy retrofits, using the Empire State Building's retrofit as an example. The building achieved a 50% reduction in energy load through practical measures such as rebuilding the chiller and installing double-paned windows, showcasing the potential for significant energy savings in commercial buildings.
• C PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) Program: Julianna detailed the C PACE program, which offers a financing mechanism for building upgrades that improve energy efficiency. She explained how it allows costs to be repaid through property tax assessments, benefiting both building owners and tenants. Her company, Civitas PACE, facilitates these projects, filling a significant gap in the market.
• Women in Commercial Real Estate: Julianna shared her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities of being memorable due to underestimation. She discussed the importance of setting boundaries, embracing the gray areas, and leveraging unique market opportunities to thrive.
• Balance and Personal Strategies for Success: Julianna discussed the importance of balance in her life, including forming partnerships, saying no strategically, and prioritizing personal well-being. Her daily habits include regular workouts and a high-protein breakfast, which help maintain her energy levels and focus, ultimately contributing to her professional success.

Todays guest, Julianna Brooks Clark, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.bradford.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianna-brooks-clark-8a4167a5/

Your host, Emily Wood, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.thehuntingtoncreative.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilylwoodny/

X: @emilyincre

Instagram: @emilyincre

Your co-host, Kayla Hankins, can be found online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-hankins/