Constructive Voices
Sustainability
Articles and podcasts about Sustainability in the built environment
PodcastsS4, E26: Healthcare's Role in Climate Change with Irish Doctors for the Environment
Healthcare’s Role in Climate Change with Irish Doctors for the Environment The built environment and of course, the environment in general, are inextricably linked to our health and well-being. With so much media coverage on climate change and biodiversity loss, it is hard to ignore these facts. Places and people are also connected in various […]
Dr. Lisa McNamee · 11/9/2025
PodcastsS4, E21: David Picton on Safety, Sustainability & the Rise of the Lone Worker
David Picton on Safety, Sustainability & the Rise of the Lone Worker Safety isn’t a box-tick—it’s a living culture. David Picton shares hard-won lessons from military logistics to boardrooms and major infrastructure projects. We dig into why lone workers are growing fast, how extreme weather is reshaping site risks, and how connecting culture with smart […]
David Picton · 9/1/2025
PodcastsS4, E8: Building Sustainability Into the Bottom Line with Kathleen Egan of Ecomedes
Building Sustainability Into the Bottom Line with Kathleen Egan of Ecomedes “At the end of the day, we have limited resources. This issue isn’t going away—so dismantling sustainability programmes is a short-term decision with long-term consequences.” “We’re trying to accelerate innovation by helping sustainable products get to market faster—and make sustainability a sales advantage, not […]
Kathleen Egan · 4/29/2025
SafetyWhat Cladding Fires Can Teach Us About the Need for Safer and Sustainable Materials
Cladding fires have become a haunting reminder of the importance of building materials’ safety and sustainability. These fires have raised alarms worldwide, prompting a critical re-evaluation of how we construct buildings, what materials we use, and how these choices affect the well-being of occupants, the environment, and society at large. The Tragedy of Cladding Fires: […]
Jackie De Burca · 9/19/2024
ArchitectureTransforming Existing Buildings into Sustainable Powerhouses
Transforming Existing Buildings into Sustainable Powerhouses As the world grapples with climate change and dwindling natural resources, the construction industry is increasingly focused on reducing its environmental impact. A significant part of this effort involves transforming existing buildings into sustainable powerhouses. This process conserves resources and revitalises older structures, enhancing their functionality and value. Transforming […]
Edrian Blasquino · 8/28/2024
Built EnvironmentS3, E8: A Visual Biodiversity Net Gain Tool With Panu Pasanen of One Click LCA
S3, E8: A Visual Biodiversity Net Gain Tool With Panu Pasanen of One Click LCA In this short 17 minute episode, you will discover how a new visual biodiversity net gain tool can help you do your BNG calculations and planning efficiently. Tune into Panu Pasanen as he talks to Jackie De Burca, about this […]
Panu Pasanen · 7/23/2024
Built EnvironmentS3, E5 Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, S.E.A.I. on Ireland's Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges & Opportunities
S3, E5: Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director, SEAI on Ireland’s Retrofitting Success Stories, Challenges and Opportunities In this enlightening episode of the Constructive Voices Podcast, Jackie De Burca talks to Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the Director of National Retrofit in Ireland. He offers invaluable insights into the country’s experience to date and the future of retrofitting in […]
Dr Ciaran Byrne · 6/11/2024
Built EnvironmentS3, E4: How To Fast Track Built Environment Sustainability With Panu Pasanen of One Click LCA
S3, E4: How To Fast Track Built Environment Sustainability With Panu Pasanen of One Click LCA Welcome to another episode of Constructive Voices! Today, we have an exciting guest with us, Panu Pasanen, the CEO and founder of One Click LCA. Panu is the brilliant mind and driving force behind this innovative lifecycle assessment and […]
Panu Pasanen · 5/24/2024
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
EnergyGreening the Grid: Innovative Sustainable Practices in the Energy Industry
Greening the Grid: Innovative Sustainable Practices in the Energy Industry By Edrian Blasquino As the global demand for energy continues to rise, traditional methods of energy production are proving to be unsustainable and detrimental to the planet. With environmental concerns looming large and the depletion of traditional energy sources, the energy industry needs to transition […]
Edrian Blasquino · 2/23/2024
SustainabilityUnveiling the Truth: Is Concrete Sustainable?
Concrete is a ubiquitous building material that is used in a wide range of construction projects, from sidewalks to skyscrapers. However, its environmental impact is a topic of debate, and many are questioning whether it is a sustainable option for future construction projects. In terms of production, concrete involves the extraction of raw materials, transportation, […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
SustainabilityUnderstanding the Impacts of Waste Generated from Construction
Understanding the Impacts of Waste Generated from Construction You step off a bus near a building site and the first thing that hits you is the sound: a concrete saw whining, a reversing lorry beeping, someone shouting over the din. Then your eye settles on the heap. Broken slabs of concrete, splintered timber, plasterboard going […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
SustainabilityEco-Friendly Innovations in Construction: A Focus on Sustainable Materials
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions, the construction industry has a critical role to play in promoting sustainability. One of the most important ways in which the industry can achieve this is by utilizing sustainable materials in construction projects. Sustainable materials are those that […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
Net ZeroBuilding a Greener Future: Sustainable Construction Materials and Methods
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it’s becoming increasingly vital to adopt sustainable construction practices that reduce our environmental impact. Sustainable construction methods and materials are the key to creating buildings that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and durable in the long run. From recycled materials to passive design techniques, there […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
SustainabilityBoosting Biodiversity with Carbon Credits - A Sustainable Approach
Climate change and environmental conservation are two of the most significant challenges facing the world today. As global warming continues to impact ecosystems and biodiversity, it is vital to find sustainable solutions that promote both environmental and economic benefits. One such approach is the use of carbon credits to boost biodiversity. In this article, we […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
SustainabilityFrom Concrete to Hempcrete: Exploring Sustainable Alternatives in Construction
As our planet’s resources continue to dwindle, it’s becoming increasingly important to seek out sustainable alternatives in every aspect of our lives. One of the areas where this is particularly crucial is in construction. The building industry is notorious for its impact on the environment, from the use of non-renewable resources to the creation of […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/25/2023
Net ZeroZero-Emission Construction Equipment: Greening the Building Process
Welcome to our article exploring the world of zero-emission construction equipment. As the construction industry continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions. The traditional construction process has been associated with high levels of pollution and carbon emissions, making it a major contributor to environmental degradation. However, the adoption of eco-friendly construction […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2023
SustainabilityAccessibility and Sustainability in Building Projects
Welcome to our article on inclusive design for all and its impact on accessibility and sustainability in building projects. As the world becomes more aware of the importance of creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of individuals while also preserving the environment, inclusive design has become increasingly relevant. Inclusive design is about creating […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2023
Net ZeroLCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in Construction: Measuring Environmental Impact
Welcome to our article on LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in Construction. As our world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, sustainable practices in every industry have become more important than ever. In the construction industry, LCA has emerged as a key tool for assessing the environmental impact of buildings […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2023
Net ZeroNet-Zero Water Buildings: Efficient Water Use and Treatment Systems
Welcome to our article on net-zero water buildings! As we face increasing water scarcity and demand, it has become vital to adopt sustainable water management practices. Net-zero water buildings are an innovative solution that can help us achieve this goal. Net-zero water buildings aim to reduce their water footprint to zero by utilizing efficient water […]
Jackie De Burca · 8/9/2023