“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.

From the importance of tackling heat-related emissions to groundbreaking projects like the British Library’s solar thermal installation, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of sustainable energy.

“About 50% of primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions are tied to heating. Solar thermal can play a huge role in reducing that.” – Dr. Alex Mellor

In this episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with Dr. Alex Mellor, Director of Engineering at Naked Energy, about the critical role of solar thermal technology in decarbonising heat.

As a passionate environmentalist and solar energy expert, Dr. Mellor shares insights into how Naked Energy’s cutting-edge Virtu technology is revolutionising solar heating for commercial and industrial applications.

• Learn why decarbonising heat is essential in the fight against climate change.

• Understand how solar thermal technology works and its real-world applications.

• Get inspired by innovative solutions that make renewable energy accessible...

If you’re an educator, industry professional, or student considering a career in construction, this episode is packed with practical insights on the future of built environment education.

Craig’s passion for empowering the next generation shines through, offering invaluable advice for those looking to make a difference in the sector.

In this insightful episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca sits down with Craig Bloxsome, an experienced educator dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment.

As the Course Team Leader at Cirencester College, Craig has spent over 20 years working with young people in the construction environment, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the industry.

Craig shares his journey from working with apprentices to becoming a passionate course leader, discusses the importance of hands-on experience, and explores how emerging technologies like BIM, AI, and digital modelling are transforming construction education. He also highlights the challenges of attracting diverse talent into the sector and the crucial role of sustainability in modern construction training.

Tune Into Craig Below Or On Your Favourite App From 11th February

In this compelling episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with author, PR expert, and climate advocate Sangeeta Waldron to discuss her latest book, What Will Your Legacy Be? Global Conversations with Changemakers.

Sangeeta’s third book delves into the stories of 36 diverse individuals—artists, scientists, activists, and leaders—all contributing to the fight against the climate crisis.

Sangeeta Waldron Episode Available From Tuesday, 22nd January

Through heartfelt anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode examines how individuals can create a lasting legacy that positively impacts our planet.

You may wonder what this has to do with the built environment. But as you will hear from Sangeeta and as our team believes, it is all interconnected.

“Legacy is about leaving the planet better not just for the next ten years, but for the next hundred or two hundred years.” – Sangeeta Waldron

Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos

Key Highlights:

1. Sangeeta’s Career Journey: With over 30 years of experience in public relations, Sangeeta reflects on her career—from working with UK Prime Ministers to founding her agency, Serendipity PR & Media.

2. The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover how a conversation with her publisher led Sangeeta to write about the intersection of legacy and climate action.

3. Defining Legacy:

Tune into the first exciting episode of the Constructive Voices’ City Correspondents initiative with an enlightening discussion featuring Alexandra Steed.

A seasoned landscape architect, author and urban designer, Alexandra shares her insights from her dual practices in London, UK, and Vancouver, Canada.

The conversation delves into the unique urban design strengths of Vancouver, the challenges of densification, and the city’s need to address climate resilience through green and blue infrastructure.

“Vancouver has always been one of the most livable cities in the world, placed within an absolutely spectacular setting, and its forefathers safeguarded green areas like Stanley Park right from the beginning.” – Alexandra Steed

Key Highlights:

• Vancouver’s Urban Legacy: Alexandra applauds Vancouver’s foresight in establishing green spaces like Stanley Park and integrating street trees, green roofs, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes into its urban design.
• Densification Challenges: As the city grows, Alexandra raises concerns about the lack of robust green infrastructure to handle increased stormwater and protect biodiversity.
• Lessons from London: Comparing Vancouver’s relative youth to London’s layered historical infrastructure, Alexandra emphasises the opportunities for proactive planning in Vancouver.
• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): Alexandra discusses the absence of legislation akin to BNG in Vancouver and advocates for the adoption of nature-...

In this exciting kickoff to Season 4, Constructive Voices host Jackie De Burca sits down with one of TIME’s Top 100 Climate Leaders for 2024, Ryan Gilliam, CEO and Co-Founder of Fortera.

Cement production, a cornerstone of modern infrastructure, is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions. Fortera is tackling this daunting challenge with groundbreaking technology that redefines the way cement is produced.

“Concrete is what creates our civilization. It’s not about replacing it—it’s about finding ways to make it cleaner, greener, and better for the future.” – Ryan Gilliam

Join us as Ryan shares his journey from academic beginnings in Materials Engineering to leading a company on a mission to decarbonise one of the world’s most energy-intensive industries.

Learn how Fortera leverages nature-inspired processes to create innovative cement solutions, blending sustainability with economic feasibility.

Key Highlights:

• The carbon footprint of cement production and Forterra’s innovative solutions.
• How Forterra captures CO2 emissions and re-engineers limestone into a reactive, sustainable form of cement.
• The challenges and triumphs of bringing green technologies to a risk-averse industry.
• Insights on building strategic partnerships, navigating global markets, and scaling sustainable technologies.
• Why Ryan believes collaboration, not competition, is key to solving the climate crisis.

“There’s good reason to be optimistic. The interest from cement companies, architects, and investors shows that...