Join The Building Sustainably Podcast team for an essential wrap-up of Series 2 most significant insights and developments in sustainable construction. This episode brings together key moments from conversations with industry leaders who are reshaping how we approach development, from innovative local engagement strategies to tackling the challenges of net zero construction.

Throughout the year, we've explored crucial topics including biodiversity net gain implementation, carbon reduction in industrial buildings, the evolution of ESG strategies, and the critical role of community engagement in sustainable development. Our guests have shared practical insights and forward-thinking approaches that are transforming the construction industry.


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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Mike Leonard, CEO of Building Alliance, joins Ben Stockdale to discuss the critical transition to net zero in the construction industry. They explore the challenges of building safety, the importance of educating consumers about new technologies, the role of net zero neighborhoods, and the need for skilled labor in the evolving landscape of sustainable housing.


Mike is a Visiting Professor in Construction and Manufacturing at Birmingham City University. With vast industry experience, he points out the importance of building safety and environmental sustainability, particularly in light of past tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire. His work at the Centre for Future Homes focuses on innovative housing solutions and the integration of new technologies, including heat pumps, to improve energy efficiency.


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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Tunde Agoro, Director of ESG and Sustainable Business at RPS, joins James Bowman to delve into the evolving landscape of ESG practices and the critical role of sustainability in organizations. Tunde shares how ESG went from add-on to business essential, effective approaches to kickstart your ESG strategy or career, and the role of AI in enhancing ESG efforts.


Tunde is a highly respected leader in ESG and sustainability. He leads the development and implementation of ESG policies, strategies, and goals at both organizational and project levels. Passionate about collaboration, Tunde works closely with clients and partners to create long-term value and build socially and environmentally responsible portfolios.


With nearly 20 years of experience in building design, construction, and commercial real estate, he is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Sustainability Consultant with deep expertise in sustainability. Before joining RPS, Tunde honed his skills and expertise at companies such as Hydrock, Hoare Lea, AECOM, and more.


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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Martin Scott, Senior Director at RPS, joins Ben Stockdale to explore the intersection of the British bird population and renewable energy development. Martin discusses how the industry has evolved to address the impact of wind turbines, the role of advanced technology in site assessments, and the balance between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.


Martin is an environmental professional with over 25 years of experience across offshore wind, road, rail, solar, nuclear, and tidal projects. During his career, he has held roles like Quantity Surveyor at Baker Mallett and McBains Cormack, Conservation Officer at RSPB, Ornithological Manager at Atmos Consulting, and Managing Director at HiDef Aerial Surveying.



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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Chris Patmore and Jonathan Morley, Technical Directors at RPS, join Emily McGee to unpack the sequential testing in flood risk assessment. They discuss the evolution of sequential testing from the Flood and Water Management Act, its legal implications, and practical applications in flood risk management. Chris and Jonathan also share real-world case studies that highlight the importance of collaboration among engineers, planners, and local authorities.


Chris is a Technical Director with over 30 years of experience specialising in flood risk and sustainable drainage design for major infrastructure projects. His expertise spans residential development, rail, highways, petrochemical, and energy installations. Chris has experience in traffic studies, feasibility design, and environmental analysis of hydrology and traffic, particularly in performing NPPF sequential test analysis in collaboration with project planners.


Jonathan is an experienced project manager and hydrology expert who has authored numerous Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Surface Water Management Plans. His work adheres to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), and SuDS guidance for various commercial, industrial, residential, and energy developments across the UK.



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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, host Emily McGee welcomes John Clayton, Senior Director at RPS, and Rachel Thompson, Sustainability Coordinator at RPS, to explore the critical role of whole life cycle carbon assessments (WLCAs) in industrial buildings. They discuss how WLCAs provide a comprehensive view of both embodied and operational carbon over a building’s lifespan and emphasize their importance in achieving the UK's 2050 net zero target. 


John and Rachel share insights into the carbon footprint of logistics and industrial facilities, key carbon contributors like concrete and steel, and the impact of industry standards like RICS on assessing and reporting carbon emissions. They highlight how early assessment, collaboration among stakeholders, and advancements in materials can significantly reduce carbon emissions across the building lifecycle.


Don’t miss out on this vital investigation into how WLCAs can bring about a greener future and tune in now!



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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Conall Boland, Sustainability Lead at RPS Europe, joins James Bowman to dive into the transformative role of green concrete in reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. They discuss why concrete is a major contributor to carbon emissions, Ireland's plan toward low-carbon concrete and sustainable construction, and how smart procurement can transform concrete standards.


Conall leads the sustainability team for the RPS Republic of Ireland business. With 12 years of experience as a Board Member and Deputy Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála, he brings a wealth of knowledge in navigating the complexities of sustainability and tackling climate change. His expertise spans energy, transport, water, resource management, governance, and change management.



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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Mike Barker, Operational Director of Ecology at RPS Group, joins James Bowman to explore the role of green roofs in achieving Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) targets in urban areas. They discuss how the 10% biodiversity uplift rule is shaping development across England, what is involved in planning and maintaining effective green roof developments, why every developer should start early on when integrating biodiversity and ecological considerations into their design, and the future of Biodiversity Net Gain.


Mike offers expert ecological advice based on vast experience in environmental and sustainability projects. He has a strong background in line management, business development, and financial management. Additionally, Mike has held Director-level roles with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, serving on the Board for over a decade and acting as Company Secretary from 2007 to 2012.



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In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Chris Trunkfield, Senior Design Executive at Moda, joins Ben Stockdale to explore the critical role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies in sustainable development, including some key trends that shape ESG in construction and Moda's approach to sustainability.


In his role, Chris looks after design across all of Moda's projects and portfolios. An architect by trade, he now helps drive the company's ESG standards and agenda within the business. Before this, Chris was a Project Architect at SimpsonHaugh, an RIBA Part II Architectural Assistant at Sixtwo Architects, and an RIBA Part I Architectural Assistant at Blackett-Ord Conservation Architecture and Engineering.



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The Building Sustainably Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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