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Constructive Voices

Reports, articles, and podcasts on the built environment, sustainability and biodiversity

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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.

Episode 15: Cambridge Lecturer, Darshil Shah Talks About Biomaterials in the Built Environment SectorsArchitecture

Episode 15: Cambridge Lecturer, Darshil Shah Talks About Biomaterials in the Built Environment Sectors

Henry McDonald interviews Cambridge lecturer, Darshil Shah, about biomaterials in the built environment sectors Welcome to Constructive Voices published in the week leading up to a major event for the future of the planet. The United Nations cop 26 climate change conference will bring together world leaders with the recent IPCC report fresh in their […]

Darshil Shah · 10/20/2021

The Energy Transitions Commission Calls for 40% Methane Emissions cuts by 2030Construction News

The Energy Transitions Commission Calls for 40% Methane Emissions cuts by 2030

London, 30 September 2021 — The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) today published its latest report, Keeping 1.5°C Alive: Closing the Gap in the 2020s. The report identifies six sets of actions that could keep the world on a path to limit global warming to 1.5°C and which could be catalysed by commitments made at COP26. […]

admin · 9/30/2021

Episode 13: How Women Can Create Sustainable Change, Especially in Light of the IPCC ReportArchitecture

Episode 13: How Women Can Create Sustainable Change, Especially in Light of the IPCC Report

What’s on in Episode 13? In Episode Thirteen, Henry McDonald interviews two women who are leading lights when it comes to creating sustainable change within the construction industry, especially in light of the IPCC Report of August 2021. Check out the 1-minute trailer for Episode Thirteen   https://youtu.be/7s6h3KROSHc Emma Nicholson, B.A, MSc, FCIOB, FIEMA, FWES, […]

Jackie De Burca · 9/20/2021

‘Everything is changing’: the struggle for food as Malawi’s Lake Chilwa shrinksEnvironment

‘Everything is changing’: the struggle for food as Malawi’s Lake Chilwa shrinks

<p>The livelihoods of 1.5 million people are at risk as the lake’s occasional dry spells occur ever more frequently<br><br>• All photographs by Dennis Lupenga/WaterAid</p><p>There was a time when the vast Lake Chilwa almost disappeared. In 2012 it had been extremely hot in southern Malawi, with little rain to fill the rivers that ran into the lake.</p><p>“Many fishermen were forced to scramble for land near the lake banks, while others had to migrate to the city,” says Alfred Samuel. “We could barely feed our children because the lake could not provide enough fish, or water for rice growing.”</p><p>An aerial view of the bed of Lake Chilwa, now covered in grass, last October</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/aug/30/everything-is-changing-struggle-for-food-as-malawis-lake-chilwa-shrinks">Continue reading...</a>

admin · 8/30/2021

4 Perceived Barriers to Sustainable ConstructionConstruction News

4 Perceived Barriers to Sustainable Construction

Introduction Globally, sustainability is becoming a pressuring issue to countless organisations with consumers defiantly refusing to passively await action from companies but, conversely, impelling them to do their bit to assist the environment. In other words, a wider segment of corporates spanning an assortment of industries, are demonstrating a growing interest in sustainable construction methods, [&hellip;]

Elsa Trojaola · 8/15/2021

Conversations with Changing Streams: Sources and Uses of Plastic in ConstructionConstruction News

Conversations with Changing Streams: Sources and Uses of Plastic in Construction

<p>Catch up on the second of our monthly webinars hosted by Brendon Kenny. Were we explored the sources and uses of plastics within the construction sector with our guest speakers Chloe Bullock of Materialise Interiors, Lara Young of Costain, Professor Andrew Thomas and Daniel Evans of Reelbrands.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/conversations-with-changing-streams-sources-and-uses-of-plastic-in-construction/">Conversations with Changing Streams: Sources and Uses of Plastic in Construction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 8/4/2021

Conversations with Changing Streams – Part 1 Plastic Free July SpecialConstruction News

Conversations with Changing Streams – Part 1 Plastic Free July Special

<p>In June we hosted our first Conversations with Changing Streams event. This was the first in a series of webinars we will be hosting throughout the year where we will bring together leading experts in education, environment and climate to discuss the impact of plastics.  These events will provide our audience with an opportunity to [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/conversations-with-changing-streams-part-1-plastic-free-july-special/">Conversations with Changing Streams &#8211; Part 1 Plastic Free July Special</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 7/20/2021

The implications of plastic pollution as seen by oceanographer and Changing Streams Co-Founder and Director Professor Jonathan SharplesConstruction News

The implications of plastic pollution as seen by oceanographer and Changing Streams Co-Founder and Director Professor Jonathan Sharples

<p>A healthy ocean is fundamental to our existence. That is not hyperbole – life on our planet is fundamentally dependent on having a healthy ocean. When we think about what a healthy ocean provides for us, the focus is understandably on fish. Certainly, fish are a vital source of food for people, but a healthy [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/the-implications-of-plastic-pollution-as-seen-by-oceanographer-and-changing-streams-co-founder-and-director-professor-jonathan-sharples/">The implications of plastic pollution as seen by oceanographer and Changing Streams Co-Founder and Director Professor Jonathan Sharples</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 7/16/2021

Can a Passivhaus change your life? Residents at Wootton Wawen tell usPassivhaus

Can a Passivhaus change your life? Residents at Wootton Wawen tell us

I have asthma and am sensitive to my environment so I have been thinking about what life might be like if I were to live in a Passivhaus. Right now I frequently have to use my inhaler and am also suffering from skin problems. I believe these are all related to my very sensitive system [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 7/15/2021

Episode Eight: Understand Mixed Reality and its Commercial Uses Easily with Architect, James Lee BurgessEconomy

Episode Eight: Understand Mixed Reality and its Commercial Uses Easily with Architect, James Lee Burgess

20th July 2021: Release Date Understand Mixed Reality and its Commercial Uses Easily with Architect, James Lee Burgess. Pete The Builder Discusses the Huge Challenge of the Rising Costs of Materials Architect, James Lee Burgess, explains what is Mixed Reality in an accessible way. If you are hoping to understand MR this is an easy [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 7/13/2021

Bristol & Bath Regional Capital make it onto NatWest's Top 100 UK Social Enterprises 2021Cities

Bristol & Bath Regional Capital make it onto NatWest's Top 100 UK Social Enterprises 2021

In a stunning web presentation over at The Pioneer Post, Top 100 UK social enterprises revealed: NatWest SE100 2021. The top 100 includes British social enterprises that range from sustainable neighbourhoods to food that fights loneliness, to clothing brands and community cafés. Constructive Voices is covering those that relate to construction, place, community and sustainability [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 7/9/2021

Ireland's favourite TV builder, Peter Finn, talks about The Green Scene in IrelandEnvironment

Ireland's favourite TV builder, Peter Finn, talks about The Green Scene in Ireland

Climate change has undoubtedly been one of the most pressing matters in recent years. And whether you’re an ordinary citizen or a top conglomerate, every single positive action matters. In this episode of Constructive Voices, Pete the Builder talks to Steve Randall and talks about Ireland’s Green Scene- specifically, the green revolution that has taken [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 6/28/2021

Episode Five: Prof. Michael Parkinson. C.B.E. speaks about the proposed Everton football stadium projectCities

Episode Five: Prof. Michael Parkinson. C.B.E. speaks about the proposed Everton football stadium project

8th June 2021: Professor Michael Parkinson. C.B.E. speaks about the proposed Everton football stadium project. Pete The Builder talks to Steve about The Green Scene in Ireland. Talking to top journalist and presenter, Henry McDonald. Prof. Michael Parkinson delivers a superb interview that investigates the proposed Everton stadium project as well as delving into Liverpool&#8217;s [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 6/7/2021

Episode Two: 20th April 2021: Can we achieve zero plastic in construction by 2040? Plus top health consultant, Jennie Armstrong, pushes for a prevention attitudeApprenticeships

Episode Two: 20th April 2021: Can we achieve zero plastic in construction by 2040? Plus top health consultant, Jennie Armstrong, pushes for a prevention attitude

Can we achieve zero plastic in construction by 2040? Plus top health consultant, Jennie Armstrong, pushes for a prevention attitude Coming up on this episode of Constructive Voices, Henry MacDonald has been looking into a big topic for the industry, plastic waste. How can we cut down on using plastic? What alternatives are there? And [&hellip;]

Jackie De Burca · 5/5/2021

Changing Streams Founder in My Planet Liverpool MagazineConstruction News

Changing Streams Founder in My Planet Liverpool Magazine

<p>Every second breath we take comes from the ocean. However, our oceans are being polluted more and more by plastic waste every day. This recent article by My Planet Liverpool showcases how Neal Maxwell, Founder of Changing Streams came to set up the non-profit organisation, after his eye-opening trip to the Artic Ocean. The article [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/changing-streams-founder-in-my-planet-liverpool-magazine/">Changing Streams Founder in My Planet Liverpool Magazine</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 4/12/2021

Introducing our Changing Streams YouTube channelConstruction News

Introducing our Changing Streams YouTube channel

<p>Our YouTube channel launches today and will allow subscribers to access recordings of the latest webinars and discussions along with videos to help educate and inform as they start their journey to reduce plastic use. To launch our YouTube Channel you can find out more about out our ‘Why’ in our first video</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/introducing-our-changing-streams-youtube-channel/">Introducing our Changing Streams YouTube channel</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 4/8/2021

Baltic Creative CIC starts its journey as a member of Changing StreamsConstruction News

Baltic Creative CIC starts its journey as a member of Changing Streams

<p>Changing Streams is delighted to welcome Mark Lawler and his team from Baltic Creative Community Interest Company (CIC) as members. Established in 2009, Baltic Creative builds and supports creative and digital communities and now owns and manages over 120,000sq/ft of flexible, affordable workspaces &#8211; housing over 170 businesses operating in the creative and digital industries. [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/baltic-creative-cic-starts-its-journey-as-a-member-of-changing-streams/">Baltic Creative CIC starts its journey as a member of Changing Streams</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 3/25/2021

Meet the man that aims to dramatically reduce plastic use in the construction industryEnvironment

Meet the man that aims to dramatically reduce plastic use in the construction industry

Ex-Guardian Newspaper Journalist, Henry McDonald, Introduces You To Neal Maxwell Whose Life Changed Beyond Recognition After A Sixtieth Birthday Trip To The Artic. Meet Liverpool Construction Boss, Neal Maxwell, The Man Behind Changing Streams

Jackie De Burca · 3/1/2021

Is it time to change our use of plastic in construction?Construction News

Is it time to change our use of plastic in construction?

<p>As questions continue to be asked about the suitability and safety of existing building materials is it time, not only to outlaw the use of certain products, but to consider their content and impact on health, safety and the very existence of life as a whole? In light of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the government [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/is-it-time-to-change-our-use-of-plastic-in-construction/">Is it time to change our use of plastic in construction?</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 1/29/2021

Arup Liverpool strikes partnership deal with Changing Streams to accelerate plastic-free futureConstruction News

Arup Liverpool strikes partnership deal with Changing Streams to accelerate plastic-free future

<p>Changing Streams has partnered with Arup’s Liverpool office to help drive forward its mission to reduce the use of plastic across the construction industry. The partnership will bring together Arup’s sustainability experts and Changing Stream’s researchers to identify where sustainable plastic-free alternatives can be used in the construction industry’s supply chain to help the sector [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/arup-liverpool-strikes-partnership-deal-with-changing-streams-to-accelerate-plastic-free-future/">Arup Liverpool strikes partnership deal with Changing Streams to accelerate plastic-free future</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 1/25/2021

Amanda Keetley joins Changing Streams as an AmbassadorConstruction News

Amanda Keetley joins Changing Streams as an Ambassador

<p>Changing Streams is delighted to welcome Amanda Keetley as an ambassador. The core values for Changing Streams represent our collective desire to considerably reduce the use of plastic in both packaging and materials within the construction sector. The ongoing climate crisis is one that cannot be ignored, with continuous action required to make the world [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org/amanda-keetley-joins-changing-streams-as-an-ambassador/">Amanda Keetley joins Changing Streams as an Ambassador</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.changingstreams.org">Changing Streams</a>.</p>

admin · 11/19/2020

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