Highlighting the successful implementation of a sustainable large-scale residential development that defied powerful Hurricane Ian, this case focuses on Sydney Kitson and his sustainable real estate development company — Kitson & Partners — and how the firm is handling Florida’s situation. Detailing the combination of government intervention, market demand, and business opportunity, this case provides insight into the business reasons to pursue sustainable practices.
The case describes the current effects of climate change in Florida, specifically analyzing its impact on housing development, as both population and the risk of storm damage increase.
The goal of the case is for students to realize that business is not always the problem but, in many cases, the solution for many of our environmental problems. The class discussion aims to help students better understand the factors that allowed Kitson to be successful and how there is opportunity for similar business ventures in the future.