“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 a cost.” Kathleen Egan, CEO and Co-Founder of Ecomedes

In this episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca is joined by Kathleen Egan, the dynamic and purpose-driven CEO of Ecomedes. This platform connects sustainability data to real business outcomes in the built environment.

Kathleen’s journey from Harvard MBA grad to serial entrepreneur to sustainability tech leader is compelling in itself—but it’s her mission to embed sustainability into every purchasing decision in construction that truly stands out.

What triggered her shift toward sustainability?
How does Ecomedes simplify compliance and empower sales teams with data?
Why is backing away from ESG investments short-sighted—even in politically uncertain times?

Kathleen doesn’t hold back in this engaging and deeply informative conversation.

“The only way to avoid greenwashing is through third-party certifications. Yes, they’re messy—but they’re necessary.”

“No one wants to deal with 100 certifiers, but everyone wants valid data. That’s where we come in.”

We’ve fought water for centuries, but maybe it’s time to live with it—and even on it.” – Rutger de Graaf

In this eye-opening episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with visionary Dutch engineer Rutger de Graaf, co-founder of Blue21, about how floating urban developments can offer real, resilient solutions to the climate crisis.

“Floating developments aren’t just a backup plan for climate change; they’re innovation platforms for decentralised energy, housing, and community.” Rutger de Graaf

For over 18 years, Rutger has been leading the charge in designing, engineering, and implementing floating infrastructure in the Netherlands and beyond.

This episode delves deep (pun intended) into how floating neighbourhoods, ports, and even social housing could redefine our relationship with water—and why this isn’t science fiction but a rapidly emerging reality.

From Fight to Float: How Dutch engineering is shifting from battling water to embracing it—and how other coastal cities can follow.

️ Floating Cities 101: What they are, how they work, and how they’re being built today.

Innovation Meets Ecology: The hidden ecosystems growing beneath floating platforms, and why...

In this special and historic episode of Constructive Voices, we hand over the mic to our first-ever volunteer, Sarah Austin, a sustainable development practitioner with a passion for biodiversity, food systems, and rural regeneration. Sarah takes the lead in this fascinating deep dive into Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Ireland’s only eco neighbourhood designed to model regenerative, low-impact living.

“We seek to live in a regenerative and respectful way, sharing these 64 acres with many other species... to live with as light a footprint on the planet as possible.” – Peadar Kirby

Sarah is joined by Peadar Kirby, a resident of Cloughjordan Ecovillage and a retired professor who has spent his academic career studying development models and climate policy. Together, they explore the origins, vision, and everyday life of this pioneering community—and how its lessons can be shared with the world.

“Our greatest asset is one another. The technologies can help, but it's our creativity and collaboration that will truly see us through.” – Peadar Kirby

• What Cloughjordan Ecovillage is: A 64-acre eco neighbourhood integrated into the rural village of Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.

• How it began: From an idea in 1990s Dublin to a vibrant, regenerative community.

• Sustainable living in action:

  • Homes built to top ecological standards

  • A district heating system powered by renewable energy

  • A community-run organic farm feeding residents fresh, local food

• The power of community: Insight into how genuine interdependence creates resilience, creativity, and a rich cultural life.

• Governance with purpose: A flat, nature-inspired governance model that supports active participation and shared responsibility.

• Global connections: Cloughjordan's role in the Global Ecovillage Network and its importance as an educational charity.

• Tips for other communities: How towns and neighbourhoods can implement small but powerful changes for sustainable living.