Constructive Voices
Environment
Articles and some podcasts featuring ex-Guardian and Observer journalist, Henry McDonald, interviews trailblazers from the construction industry who are leading the way in addressing important environmental issues.
PodcastsS4, E14: A Sustainable Snapshot of Cobh: Local Action, Global Implications
A Sustainable Snapshot of Cobh: Local Action, Global Implications S4, E14 “I just hope all this new development is done well. There’s a huge amount of ambition around Cork—but not enough legislation to measure the environmental impact.” Stephen Barrett “Cobh is still a beautiful place. The people care and want to do the right thing. […]
Stephen Barrett · 7/11/2025
PodcastsS4, E13: Building Smarter, Faster & Greener – Optimised Construction with Will Frost of Saint-Gobain
Building Smarter, Faster & Greener – Optimised Construction with Will Frost of Saint-Gobain S4, E13 “We are past the point of return for trying to save traditional methods of building. We need to focus on what is performing now and deliver with confidence.”— Will Frost “We don’t just need to build faster — we need […]
Will Frost · 6/30/2025
PodcastsS4, E12: From Shoreline to Skyline: Peter Robbins on the Rise of the Floating Economy
From Shoreline to Skyline: Peter Robbins on the Rise of the Floating Economy “Land is constrained—and shorelines are becoming launchpads, not limits.” Peter Robbins When you think of the future, do you picture space—or water? In this eye-opening episode, Jackie De Burca speaks with Peter Robbins, one of the world’s leading voices on the floating […]
Peter Robbins · 6/16/2025
FloodingValencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion
Valencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion Photos and videos by Patricia Sousa Sardinha “Seeing the water rise up to my sofa and then up to my kitchen work surface was so scary. I live alone in a ground floor apartment. Unless I had my washing machine in […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/3/2024
ExpertsBen Stansfield, Environmental Lawyer
BEN STANSFIELD INTERVIEW Ben is a Sustainability Lawyer at Gowling WLG, specialising in planning and environmental law. He is a Trustee of the UK Environmental Law Association and a frequent speaker on nature and climate issues. Ben was part of the inaugural ENDS Report Power List, recognising 100 environmental professionals who had had a significant impact since 2020. Biodiversity Net Gain With Sustainability […]
Ben Stansfield · 9/17/2024
BiodiversityS3, E3: Discover How Construction Can Reduce Plastic Consumption With Neal Maxwell
S3, E3: Discover How Construction Can Reduce Plastic Consumption With Neal Maxwell In under half an hour, learn how you and your colleagues can reduce plastic consumption in the construction industry. Jackie De Burca speaks to Neal Maxwell, a highly successful construction company owner who sold his business to allow him to focus on showing […]
Neal Maxwell · 5/14/2024
Built EnvironmentClimate Change and Construction: Can They Co-Exist?
Climate Change and Construction: Can They Co-Exist? As the great Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So, we have to handover to them at least as it was handed over to us.” Climate change and […]
Jackie De Burca · 4/29/2024
Australia Built EnvironmentReimagining Our Cities: Dr. Julian Bolleter’s Vision for a Greener, More Equitable Urban Future
Reimagining Our Cities: Dr. Julian Bolleter’s Vision for a Greener, More Equitable Urban Future Cities are more than just concrete jungles; they are living, breathing organisms that have the potential to either thrive in harmony with nature or suffocate under the weight of poor planning and environmental neglect. If you’re someone who looks at the […]
Jackie De Burca · 4/29/2024
Built EnvironmentThe EU’s ‘right to repair’ rule and the construction industry
The new Right to Repair EU rule will soon be the catalyst for a significant shift in the construction industry’s sustainability. The EU’s ‘right to repair’ rule is more than a law. It shows a strong commitment to the rights of consumers and taking care of the environment. This rule is guiding the industry towards […]
Jackie De Burca · 4/29/2024
EnvironmentFrom Concrete to Conservation: The Evolution of Sustainable Building Practices
Welcome to our article exploring the evolution of sustainable building practices. Over the years, there has been a significant shift from traditional concrete constructs towards more environmentally conscious designs. Sustainable construction methods, green building technologies, and eco-friendly construction practices are becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. Architects and builders now prioritize sustainable architecture trends, […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023
EnvironmentBuilding a Greener Future: Innovations in Sustainable Construction
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of sustainable construction technologies. As the world continues to grapple with climate change and its impacts, the construction industry has a vital role to play in shaping a greener future. From eco-conscious construction innovations and energy-efficient methods to sustainable infrastructure and architectural design, this article will take you through everything […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023
EnvironmentRedefining Urban Landscapes: How Sustainable Construction Shapes Cities
Welcome to an exciting exploration of sustainable construction and its impact on shaping cities for a greener future. The rapidly growing urban population necessitates new ways of thinking about how we construct and design our cities. Sustainable urban development, green building practices, eco-friendly city planning, and sustainable architecture are all part of the solution. In […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023
EnvironmentDesigning for Tomorrow: Integrating Sustainability into Construction Projects
Welcome to our article on sustainable construction practices! In recent years, integrating sustainability into construction projects has become increasingly important. With a greater emphasis on reducing our environmental impact and creating eco-friendly structures, sustainable building methods are now a top priority for many in the industry. From using sustainable materials to incorporating renewable energy sources, […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023
EnvironmentNet-Zero Building: Paving the Way for a Carbon-Neutral Construction Industry
As the world aims to reduce its carbon footprint, the construction industry has a crucial role to play in achieving this goal. One way to make a significant impact is through the adoption of net-zero building practices. The concept of net-zero building involves designing and constructing buildings that generate as much energy as they consume […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/14/2023
ArchitectureBiodiversity in the Built Environment
Globally the construction industry accounts for 40% (or 3 billion cubic tons) of raw materials into the economy every year. It is arguably one of the most resource-intensive and environmentally damaging industries in the world. While the focus in the industry has primarily been around decarbonisation and reaching net-zero carbon built environments, we cannot ignore […]
Tara Flanagan · 3/15/2022
ArchitectureResilient Cities: How Can Cities Adapt for Climate Change Effects?
Globally we are seeing the catastrophic effects of climate change. With more frequent, more severe and previously unforeseen events, such as wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and drought, the need for resilient cities, and in particular infrastructure to be redesigned and/or rebuilt for climate resilience, could not be more apparent. What is a Resilient City? According to […]
Tara Flanagan · 3/4/2022
Construction NewsNew research project to strip carbon and plastic from our homes
<p>The University of Liverpool’s Changing Streams Research Centre is part of  a pioneering research and development project aimed at building carbon zero, plastic-free and fuel-efficient homes in Liverpool. They are joining forces with the not-for-profit environmental company, Changing Streams CIC and Your Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest housing providers, to design and build six prototype houses that they […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/new-research-project-to-strip-carbon-and-plastic-from-our-homes/">New research project to strip carbon and plastic from our homes</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>
admin · 2/4/2022
EnvironmentEpisode 19: Can This Organisation Eliminate Or Greatly Reduce Plastic Within The Construction Industry? Henry Interviews Wendy Jones and Neal Maxwell of Changing Streams
Henry McDonald originally wrote about Changing Streams for The Guardian Newspaper in 2020 in a feature entitled, “Builder aims to help UK construction industry kick its plastic habit.” He also introduced Changing Streams to our audience in the second episode of the Constructive Voices’ podcast in April 2021. So in this episode, we are delighted […]
Jackie De Burca · 12/13/2021
Construction NewsPeel L&P joins forces with Changing Streams CIC to reduce plastics in construction
<p>Regeneration business Peel L&P, responsible for the UK’s largest regeneration projects including Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters, has become a member of Changing Streams CIC and has signed up to their Charter that sets out a clear mission and ambition for reducing plastic in the construction industry. Changing Streams CIC was established in 2019 to […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/peel-lp-joins-forces-with-changing-streams-cic-to-reduce-plastics-in-construction/">Peel L&P joins forces with Changing Streams CIC to reduce plastics in construction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>
admin · 11/10/2021
Construction NewsConversations with Changing Streams: Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic in Construction – 28th October 2021
<p>In this episode of Conversations with Changing Streams the theme of Sustainable alternatives to plastic materials used in construction was discussed by a varied panel of experts. Our Panel was hosted by Neal Maxwell and Leo Aspen from Changing Streams and included – Ade Sotayo: BrunelUniversity London, David Stone of Carbon Trap Org, Duncan Baker-Brown: […]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/conversations-with-changing-streams-sustainable-alternatives-to-plastic-in-construction-28th-october-2021/">Conversations with Changing Streams: Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic in Construction – 28th October 2021</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>
admin · 11/9/2021
EnvironmentWe know who caused the climate crisis – but they don’t want to pay for it | Vanessa Nakate
<p>My country, Uganda, and much of Africa has been battered by climate-related disasters. Cop26 is a chance for the biggest polluters to set up a compensation fund</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/series/crisis-nigeria">Read more in our Crisis Nigeria series</a></li></ul><p>While walking with a friend through central Kampala last month, we saw a police truck go by, a body in the back.</p><p>It’s a sight that has become more common in Uganda. The life of that person, and many others, was taken by a heavy downpour in my home city. Uganda has been battered by floods in recent years, as well as droughts and <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/locust-plague-climate-science-east-africa">plagues of locusts</a>. So much has been damaged and lost here as a result of the climate crisis.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/oct/29/we-know-who-caused-the-climate-crisis-but-they-dont-want-to-pay-for-it">Continue reading...</a>
admin · 10/29/2021