Building Sustainability Podcast

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The first of a Barnaby Carder (Barn the Spoon) double bill.
Barn is a spoon carver, co-organises spoonfest and is the author of several books including the excellent Spon.
In this episode Barn tells us about how he got into wood-working at a young age and later discovered the joys of working green wood. His journey has been unusual and is told with Barn's classic humour.


This episode is sponsored by https://www.cyclaireshop.co.uk/

Episode links

• Spoonclub
• The Green Wood Guild (London)
• Robin Wood
• Mike Abbott
• Ray Mears essential bushcraft - https://tinyurl.com/264sufsn
• Pfiel Tools
• Peddlers License 
• Ben and Lois Orford
• Tormek sharpening
• Woodturning monthly

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

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Cyclaire Shop
We have the best outdoor knives and tools available from around the world for all recreations.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Connect with me:
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This episode is a conversation with Bristol Permaculture legend Sarah Pugh. We discuss the nuances of permaculture in a city and how permaculture is all about building communities.

Black Lives Matter Links

Donate to

• Stop Hate UK
• Black Lives Matter UK (UKBLM)
• Legal fund to combat racial injustice

Petitions to sign

• Update GCSE reading list
• Teach British Children About the Realities of British Imperialism and Colonialism
• Anti-Racism Education to be Compulsory in U​K Schools
  
  

Anti Racism Resources
 bit.ly/ANTIRACISMRESOURCES - a detailed list of books, podcasts, videos and articles to read. 

About Sarah
"I have been facilitating permaculture courses since 1999 and teaching them since 2003. I was incredibly fortunate to do my apprenticeship with Mike Feingold and Patrick Whitefield, both experienced and innovative teachers. Alongside my teaching I have worked as a community gardener, event organiser and general rabble rouser within the thriving grassroots of Bristol.

My focus has always been on inspiring people to use Permaculture design to improve their local area, through collaborative work and reconnection with nature, particularly in urban areas. I teach an annual PDC in Bristol and contribute to other courses around the country."

Episode links

• Shift Bristol
• Transition network
• Transition film mentioned
• Tony Wrench
• http://www.streetgoat.co.uk/
• https://www.incredibleedible.org.uk/
• http

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

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I talk with Paul Allen from the Centre for Alternative Technology about how Britain can get to Net Zero carbon using only existing technologies.

Incorporating work from the last 12 years of Zero Carbon Britain research and the latest scientific and technological developments, the report presents a technically feasible scenario showcasing a future Zero Carbon Britain using only proven technology.

Link: Executive summary of Zero Carbon Britain: Rising to the climate emergency

Zero Carbon Britain: Rising to the Climate Emergency explores how we can do what we know is necessary, clearly demonstrating that we already have all the technologies we need to achieve net zero. By making changes to our buildings, transport systems, land use and behaviour, and by investing in a variety of renewable energy technologies, we can achieve a zero carbon transition while building in a wide range of additional benefits. The report provides a blueprint to open new conversations around the scale and speed of change we need to deliver if we are to rise to the climate emergency. It can be used as a template to help citizens and local and national policymakers develop and deliver zero carbon action plans. By using energy more efficiently we can power down demand by 60%.

Support this podcast:
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Podcast Links:

• Centre for Alternative Technology
• Zero Carbon Britain Report
• Zero Carbon Britain Video
• Limits to growth movement
• Gerard Morgan-Grenville (CAT Founder)
• Donut Economics

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

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This week we have a conversation with mud mason, Becky Little from Rebearth. 

"Rebearth is a Scottish company founded by mud mason Becky Little. We specialise in building, art and education using raw earth and natural materials.

We have 25 years of experience in earth building techniques including mudwall (cob),  wattle and daub, light clay and hemp, turf building, soft capping, clay plasters, earth sculpture and decoration.

By learning from the past and working with nature, we celebrate and develop the skills and traditions of earth building."

Building with mud has got to be the most sustainable way to create a home. In terms of embodied carbon, it's got to be one of the lowest materials available. In terms of performance it's actually one of the best performing materials with regards to moisture buffering, heat buffering and removal of VOCs from the air.
I think the biggest issue, is that mud has an image problem! People see it as medieval, and peasant technology that we (with all our technological advances) have moved on from and bettered. But the truth is we haven't... we have created materials that are faster or cheaper to build with, but not that are good for human health or that of the planet.

Massive thanks to Becky for the conversation - Enjoy the episode!

Support this podcast:
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Becky Little Podcast Links

• Rebearth
• Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
• Historic Scotland
• Kevin McCabe (Cob Builder)
• Kevin McCabe - Grand designs house
• Article on CO2 emissions of cement production 
• Cobbauge (cob research project)
• Earth Building UK and Ireland
• Ianto Evans Book - Hand Sculpted House - https://tinyurl.com/2b7yc3bp
• Cob Cottage Company
• Thomas Hoblyn (Chelsea flower show garden designer)
• The Dubai Majlis Garden (Chelsea flower show garden)
• Guy Valentine (Clay plasterer)

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our meander into the benefits for human health of access to countryside. This week in a conversation with writer, Illustrator and land justice campaigner - Nick Hayes

Nick is just putting the finishing touches to his new book, 'The Book of Trespass - Crossing the Lines that Divide Us' and talks us through the themes and issues presented in the book.

The Book of Trespass, Crossing the Lines that Divide Us

A meditation on the fraught and complex relationship between land, politics and power, this is England through the eyes of a trespasser.

The vast majority of our country is entirely unknown to us because we are banned from setting foot on it. By law of trespass, we are excluded from 92 per cent of the land and 97 per cent of its waterways, blocked by walls whose legitimacy is rarely questioned. But behind them lies a story of enclosure, exploitation and dispossession of public rights whose effects last to this day.

The Book of Trespass takes us on a journey over the walls of England, into the thousands of square miles of rivers, woodland, lakes and meadows that are blocked from public access. By trespassing the land of the media magnates, Lords, politicians and private corporations that own England, Nick Hayes argues that the root of social inequality is the uneven distribution of land.


Nick Hayes Bio -

Nick Hayes is an illustrator and writer living in london. He has written and drawn four graphic novels, The Rime of the modern Mariner, Woody Guthrie and the dust Bowl Ballads, Cormorance and The Drunken Sailor, all published by Jonathan Cape, and is about to release his first non fiction work, called the Book of Trespass, in which he puts forward an argument for greater access to the countryside of England and Wales.

Support this podcast:
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Links from BS17 - Nick Hayes

• Book Link
• Open the golf courses to walkers during lockdown
• Guy Shrubsole - who owns england? how we lost our land and how to take it back (book) - https://tinyurl.com/224zc2ez
• Sheffield Tree Campaign
• The Overstory (Book) - https://tinyurl.com/254fptae
• Jerusalem (Play)
• The

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

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This episode takes us a little away from our chosen niche, and looks at how we can create sustainability by getting out into nature, learning the plants and developing a deeper connection to the natural world. 

I talk with Fern Freud about foraging.

Fern is a passionate forager and loves everything it encompasses: food, history, folklore, anthropology, the natural environment. She grew up foraging with her family on the South Downs, mainly for mushrooms, and now runs workshops and classes in Sussex. Fern aims to share the joy that foraging brings her, and inspire and educate others to forage safely and sustainably!

You can find her recipes, virtual wild walks and foraging tips on Facebook and Instagram @foragedbyfern and find course dates and details on www.foragedbyfern.com

--
This episode is released while the UK is still on lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. I'm releasing extra episodes during lockdown to aid people's mental wellbeing and hopefully keep them slightly entertained.

Support this podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Podcast links

• @foragedbyfern (Instagram)
• www.foragedbyfern.com
• Cherry Blossom Jam (Foraged by Fern Instagram) - DELICIOUS! 
• Artist's Bracket Fungus
• John Wright - The Foragers Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/2dmofl9u
• John Wright - Hedgerow - https://tinyurl.com/2yybk27s
• John Wright - Booze - https://tinyurl.com/292vz9p8
• https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/
• Birch Sap Collection
• Dandelion Honey
• Dandelion Wine
• Nettle Wine (I used this recipe + some freshly grated ginger)

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire O'Neill is a director at 'A Greener Festival' a not-for-profit company, committed to helping events, festivals and venues around the world to become more sustainable and to reduce environmental impacts. As pioneers in event sustainability since the first research in 2005, AGF provide certification, training, expertise, and facilitate the exchange of best practice.

A Greener Festival Award was set up in 2007 and since assessed nearly 500 events across 5 continents, from 500 to 200,000 daily capacity. AGF provide the first and only sustainable event certification which includes on site assessment and independent verification. Through self assessment, site visit assessment and post event analysis across 11 categories, we provide thorough and useful analysis, insight and credentials for your events sustainability actions.

We talk about:

• The work that A Greener Festival do
• The great plastic cup debate
• Using waste food to feed festival goers
• Claire's favourite subject... human waste! 
• Festival innovations and how they help in disaster relief and town planning
• The Best UK festival for sustainability
• The future of touring bands, post Covid 19

Support this podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Episode 15 Links

• https://www.agreenerfestival.com/
• https://www.agreenerfestival.com/a-greener-festival-environmental-assessor-training/
• AIF Tent equivalent in straws - Facebook video
• http://www.greengathering.org.uk/
• https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/folk-festival
• Boom festival water treatment
• DGTL Festival circular food court
• https://www.loowatt.com/ - waterless toilets
• Genesis gig streamed to cinemas

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

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In the second of our birthday / lockdown triple bill...
I have a conversation with Beth Williams, who is a 'Structural Engineer + Certified PassivHaus Designer. Passionate about diversity in construction, timber engineering and efficient, humble design'

BETH WILLIAMS
MEng (Hons), CEng MICE

Beth graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2011 having studied Structural Engineering and Architecture.

Beth has worked in architectural and engineering practices in Sheffield, Gloucestershire and now Bristol, working on projects ranging from domestic extensions to new build sports halls and high security NHS facilities. Now a Chartered Engineer, Beth specialises in timber engineering and low-energy construction.

Beth is a Certified PassivHaus Designer and Local Group Leader for the AECB, and is passionate about making low-energy building available to all.
(Bio from https://buildcollective.co.uk/about-us)

In this episode we discuss:

• What does a Structural Engineer actually do?
• What effect on sustainability a structural engineer can have
• The lack of education that structural engineers get in sustainability issues
• Getting the best out of your structural engineer
• Builders Vs Structural engineers
• Timber in engineering
• Diversity in construction
• Her own retrofit project

Massive thanks to Beth for making the time to talk to me, it was great (and I now feel like I understand the structural engineers' perspective much better!

Support this podcast:
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Episode 14 links

• https://twitter.com/BethWilliamsSE
• https://buildcollective.co.uk/
• https://www.aecb.net/
• Royal Academy of Engineering - Diversity toolkit
• Royal Academy of Engineering - Diversity reports
• https://passivehouse-database.org
• https://www.aecb.net/low-energy-buildings-database/

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Building Sustainability's first birthday & most of the world is on lockdown... So this month sees a triple Building Sustainability podcast release to celebrate / occupy your mind.

The first of this month's episodes is:

Lucy Pedler - Architect & Director 'The Green Register'

Lucy started both The Green Register (TGR) and her architectural practice in 2000 when her children were 3 and 5 - she attributes the creation of these two new companies to sleep deprivation at the time.

From a desk in her spare bedroom, TGR has grown to be what Lucy had hoped it would be - a successful nationwide organisation promoting sustainable building practices. Lucy has had the pleasure of working with some very committed people and The Green Register team are second to none.

Lucy uses her architectural experience to inform the activities of TGR - understanding what training construction professionals need has contributed to the success of the organisation.

When not working with the TGR team, Lucy runs her own small architectural development company, focussing on providing affordable, small-but-perfectly-designed eco houses for those struggling to get on the first rung of the housing ladder. Lucy also enjoys cycling, cooking and walking in the great outdoors.

(Bio from The Green Register)

We discuss 

• The fundamentals of retrofitting an existing building
• The work that the Green Register does
• The Future Proof training scheme

A huge thanks to Lucy for making the time for a wonderful conversation.

Support this podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Links from Episode 13

• https://www.greenregister.org.uk/
• https://www.futureproof.uk.net/
• Bristolians guide to solid wall insulation
• Green Register Hot topic
• PassivHaus Trust
• GreenHeart Sustainable construction
• https://carbon.coop/
• https://www.cse.org.uk/
• http://leejohnphillips.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/leejohnphillips

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
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This month we talk to Ben Moss from Bristol Wood Recycling Project (BWRP). 

Ben set up the recycling project in 2004 with the aims of: 

• Recycling timber from the waste stream, 
• Promoting social inclusion, 
• Being self funding 
• Providing affordable timber to the community. This is an excellent project that benefits the community on many levels and gets the maximum use out of precious materials. 

BWRP is part of nationwide group of wood recycling projects - hopefully this episode will encourage you to seek out your local project and get involved... or start your own! 

** Warning - there are a couple of choice, naughty words used in this episode.

Support this podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability


Bristol Wood Recycling Project
https://www.bwrp.org.uk/
https://youtu.be/LQ8EPcwZOBw

National body for wood recycling projects
https://www.communitywoodrecycling.org.uk/
Start your own wood recycling project - https://www.communitywoodrecycling.org.uk/opportunities/entrepreneurs/

Triodos Bank
Article on funding for BWRP - https://www.triodos.co.uk/press-releases/2019/bristol-wood-recycling-project-crowdfunding-launch
Original Triodos crowdfunding page - https://www.triodoscrowdfunding.co.uk/invest/bristol-wood-recycling-project

Co-ops
https://www.uk.coop/uk

Brighton wood recycling project - looking for new premises!
https://www.woodrecycling.org.uk/
https://www.communitywoodrecycling.org.uk/save-the-brighton-and-hove-wood-store/

The Mick & Pat Show
Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Connect with me:
IG - @jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Twitter - @JNaturalBuilder
Facebook - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
LinkedIn - Jeffreythenaturalbuilder
Support this podcast - https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.