In this episode of the CREtech Climate Cast podcast, Michael Beckerman interviews Nick Durham, General Partner at Shadow Ventures, about the role of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector in driving decarbonization. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry, the impact of materials like concrete on carbon emissions, and the need for innovation and technology in the built environment. Durham highlights some startups in Shadow Ventures' portfolio that are focused on deep energy retrofits, 3D printed housing, and automation in construction. He also shares insights on what venture capitalists look for in startups and the importance of differentiation and distribution advantages. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the upcoming AEC zone at the CREtech New York event.

Takeaways:
- The AEC sector plays a crucial role in driving decarbonization in the built environment.
- The construction industry faces challenges in adopting new technologies due to the conservative nature of the sector and the need for sound engineering and safety.
- Materials like concrete, while carbon-intensive to manufacture, have long lifespans and can be more sustainable in the long run compared to less durable alternatives.
- Startups in the AEC space need to have a clear advantage in either differentiation or distribution to attract venture capital investment.
Innovation and technology, including AI, are transforming the AEC sector and creating opportunities for startups.
- The upcoming AEC zone at the Cretech New York event aims to connect the architecture, engineering, construction, and commercial real estate sectors to promote collaboration and innovation.