Jung on building decarbonization, Mass Timber, and circular design
Jung addresses construction emissions (70% of city emissions), the Mass Timber Studio initiative for low-carbon construction as part of Mayor Mamdani's housing plan, and circular design and construction guidelines encouraging material reuse and lifecycle planning.
Construction has historically been one of the largest contributors to emissions and waste, with 70% of emissions in our city coming from our buildings.
But the buildings of tomorrow cannot be built with the assumptions of yesterday.
At EDC, we are shifting how we think about construction, moving from extractive systems towards regenerative ones.
A great example of this work is our Mass Timber Studio initiative, which is advancing the use of low-carbon construction.
This year, we are launching the third cohort of our Mass Timber Studio as part of Mayor Mumdani's block-to-block housing plan to deliver more affordable housing to New Yorkers.
This work will support a pipeline of new housing projects that will be delivered more efficiently and sustainably.
The studio will train and support project development teams in the technical components of modular delivery and provide regulatory support in partnership with DOB and the fire department.
The promise of mass timber is connected to a promise of economic, environmental, and housing justice.
Creating homes that teachers, workers, young families, and long-time residents can actually afford, and expanding opportunities for architects.
engineers, contractors, and skilled trades workers.
But we know that this innovation must be paired with standards.
That is why EDC has supported the development of circular design and construction guidelines, a framework that encourages reuse, material recovery, and designing buildings with their entire life cycle in mind.