How are workplaces evolving to enhance productivity, well-being, and energy efficiency? In this episode of Sustainabuild Soapbox, host Matt Colgan is joined by an expert panel to explore the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and smart technology in modern workplace design.

Panel:

•  Stephen Osborne – Director, Wallace Whittle 
•  Norman Scott – Director, NJS Lighting Solutions 
•  Magdalena Arent – Building Performance Consultant, Holmes Miller  

Key topics include:

• The impact of hybrid working on office design
• How lighting and smart technology influence productivity & energy efficiency
• The business case for net zero workplaces & whole-life carbon
• The role of neuroarchitecture & sensory design in creating inclusive spaces

In this episode, Sustainabuild Founder Matt Colgan is joined by an expert panel: Eddie Wighton, Founder of Invertay Homes and Co-founder of Timber Engineering UK; Michael Pratt, Commercial Director of Invertay Homes and Co-founder of Timber Engineering UK; and Paul Heap, Founder of Mallard Homes. Together, they explore the transformative potential of offsite timber frame construction. Discover how modern methods of construction (MMC) are driving sustainability, efficiency, and affordability in housebuilding. From reducing embodied carbon to accelerating build times and cutting costs, this episode highlights why timber frame MMC could be the key to a greener future. Perfect for developers, architects, and anyone passionate about sustainable innovation in the built environment. 

In this episode, Sustainabuild Founder & Director Matt Colgan sits down with Oscar Rodriguez, Director at Architecture and Food, to explore the future of sustainable architecture. Oscar, an architect specialising in regenerative design and urban food systems, discusses the importance of using low-carbon materials like stone and timber to create carbon-negative buildings. He highlights the potential of integrating food production into urban architecture to boost sustainability and argues for moving beyond net-zero by actively removing carbon from the atmosphere. Oscar also advocates for localised food production to reduce supply chain risks and global dependencies, calling on government and industry leaders to support sustainable building practices and urban agriculture.

In this episode Sustainabuild Founder & Director Matt Colgan welcomes Melanie Leech, Chief Executive of the British Property Federation. Her role with the BPF is to champion a diverse, successful and sustainable UK real estate sector recognised for the positive economic and social benefits it delivers to communities across the country.  In her 10-minute soapbox Melanie delivers the BPF's recommendations to the new government which covers policy, finance, building performance data, the electricity grid, and the planning system.

In this episode, Sustainabuild Founder & Director Matt Colgan welcomes Brogan MacDonald, Head of Sustainability in Ramboll UK Building Structures division. A Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist who champions material re-use, reducing embodied carbon and creating an inclusive and equitable construction industry.  Brogan talks us through her open letter to the incoming government which calls for regulation of whole-life carbon, an embedding of climate resilience in our infrastructure, supporting energy efficiency in homes and buildings, and creating a green skills delivery plan.

In this episode, Sustainabuild Founder & Director Matt Colgan welcomes Rebecca McLean, Head of Sustainability for Sweco UK’s Energy, Water and Environment Division. Rebecca highlights the urgent need for a national climate change awareness campaign and advocates for experts to use accessible language that resonates with and empowers everyone. She also discusses the valuable lessons we can learn from nature and the crucial role it can play in steering our built environment toward achieving net-zero.

 In this first episode, Sustainabuild founder Matt Colgan invites Dave Pearson, Group Sustainable Development Director for Star Refrigeration, to step onto the Sustainabuild Soapbox and present his 10-minute strategy for achieving net zero. Pearson outlines why and how we can and should supply clean heat to buildings at an attractive price through district heat networks using river-sourced heat pumps.