Episode 133: ‘Adapting Built Environments’ with Mónika and Jessica
In this episode:
Christi Powell and Angela Gardner are joined by Mónika Serrano from Turner Construction and Jessica Mederson from Stafford Rosenbaum to discuss the importance of climate resilience in the built environment. The conversation touches on their personal gratitude for the supportive network in the construction industry, the significant impact of climate change on construction projects, and the necessity of implementing resilient building practices. Mónika and Jessica share valuable insights on legal risks, practical measures for construction sites, and resources available to help professionals prepare for climate impacts. Key highlights include the essential inclusion of climate adaptation strategies and the critical role of robust contract management to mitigate potential legal disputes in construction.
Supported by: 84 Lumber and Hill Electric
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Gratitude
00:21 Meet Our Guests: Mónika and Jessica
01:55 Jessica's Journey in Construction Litigation
04:47 Mónika's Role in Climate Resilience
06:29 The Costs and Legal Risks in Construction
12:17 Impact of Climate Change on the Built Environment
24:04 Resources for Building Resiliency
29:00 Conclusion and Farewell
About Mónika:
Mónika Serrano leads Turner Construction's resilience program and brings 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Mónika collaborates across design, engineering, construction, risk, insurance, and legal sectors, emphasizing the importance of partnerships for creating a resilient world. Mónika serves on the Board of Advisors for the National Institute of Building Sciences and the America Adapts podcast.
She is a member of the ASTM Property Resilience Assessment task force and the LEED v5 Resilience Working Group. She has presented at numerous events on the value of resilience value, climate adaptation, resilient design, and construction.
About Jessica:
Jessica Mederson is a partner and member of the Board at Stafford Rosenbaum in Madison, Wisconsin. After practicing for a decade in Texas she moved to Wisconsin, where she litigates business matters in state and federal courts across the United States, focusing her practice on construction disputes, Wisconsin dealership disputes, UCC litigation, contract disputes, and employer-side employment litigation. Jessica also advises corporate clients on contractual negotiation issues, addressing resiliency in the built environment in the face of climate change, and employment law issues.
Jessica is a member of the Precast Concrete Institute and its Financial/Risk Management Committee. She is also certified for entry into OSHA Permit-Required Confined Spaces. She is admitted to practice in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and Florida as well as a number of federal courts across the Midwest and in Texas. She writes and presents nationally on addressing resiliency in construction projects and business operations. She also created and co-hosts a podcast, Adapt: Climate Change and the Built Environment, dedicated to discussing issues related to the built environment and its resiliency to climate change and extreme weather events.
