Resilience in the Built Economy: From Real Estate to Risk Management

Featuring Linda Freiner of Zurich Insurance and Harrison Méan of Swissroc, and hosted by Karen Hitschke, this episode explores how climate and financial risks are reshaping the built economy — from individual buildings to entire cities. Extreme weather and rising insurance pressures are exposing structural vulnerabilities, pushing developers, investors, and insurers to rethink how resilience is designed, financed, and priced. Harrison Méan outlines what retrofitting, adaptability, and shifting usage patterns mean for the future of real estate. Linda Freiner explains how climate modelling, data, and early risk prevention are transforming insurance — and defining what remains insurable, and therefore investable. Together, they unpack how finance, design, and risk management can align to build assets and cities capable of withstanding the shocks ahead. Part of Season 3: “Building Bridges 2025: Innovative Solutions & Investment Opportunities in Sustainable Finance“ created in partnership with Building Bridges. Introduction by Luka Biernacki. Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts https://www.geneva-connection.com/