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The UK’s untapped thermal battery and ground source heat pumps could transform sustainable heating and cooling for the future. In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Karen Spenley, the UK Country Manager for Celsius Energy, to discuss the role of geothermal energy in the UK's energy transition. Karen dives into how shallow geothermal systems and ground source heat pumps can significantly reduce energy consumption, decarbonise heating and cooling, and create sustainable solutions for large-scale projects like schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities.

Karen also shares insights on the future of energy efficiency, the importance of collaborative leadership in the energy sector, and how geothermal energy can be a game-changer for the construction industry. Learn how this innovative technology is transforming the way we think about energy use in buildings, and why ground-source heat pumps are becoming an essential part of the UK’s decarbonisation strategy.

If you're passionate about sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and green building technologies, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The benefits of geothermal energy for large-scale systems
• How shallow geothermal systems work
• The future of heat pumps and energy decarbonisation
• The role of collaborative leadership in the energy transition
• The importance of long-term energy efficiency for the construction industry

Links:

Celsius LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/celsius-energy/?viewAsMember=true
Karen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenspenley/
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io

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It may sound unbelievable, but this week we’re diving into the shocking reality that you could have a teaspoon of plastic in your brain at any given moment. In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Chaline Church to explore the powerful connection between building materials and human health. Chaline, a passionate advocate for sustainable design, shares her journey from architecture to pioneering the use of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified materials in construction. They dive into the growing need for healthier, non-toxic materials in both commercial and residential spaces, discussing how these innovative solutions can reduce long-term costs while improving our wellbeing.

Chaline explains how C2C certification ensures that materials are safe, sustainable, and designed for reuse, and offers actionable advice for architects and designers looking to make healthier choices in their projects. With a focus on material health, circular design, and reducing environmental impact, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the construction industry looking to create healthier, more sustainable spaces.

Don't miss this insightful conversation about the future of construction, the role of architecture in human health, and the benefits of using certified sustainable materials in building design.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The link between building materials and health
• How Cradle to Cradle certification works
• Sustainable alternatives to toxic materials like PVC and VOCs
• The economic and environmental benefits of using C2C certified materials
• Practical steps for transitioning to healthier materials in construction

Tune in now for a game-changing discussion on how the construction industry can lead the way in creating healthier, more sustainable built environments!

Links:

540 World LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/540-world/
540 World Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/540.world
540 World YouTube: @540world-globalcirculardes3
540 World Website: https://www.540.world/
Chaline's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaline-church-540world/
Chaline's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freespacedesign/
Website: https://www.freespacedesign.co.uk/
https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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Tina Paillet is a leader in sustainable real estate and circular economy practices. In this insightful conversation on the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Tina shares her unique journey from studying architecture to founding a groundbreaking business focused on reusing building materials.

Tina discusses her work in the construction and real estate industries, including how she is helping reshape the way we think about demolition and reuse through futures trading of construction materials. She also highlights a successful collaboration with British Land, where 28% of materials from a building strip-out were repurposed, setting a new standard for sustainability in the sector.

As co-founder of the CircularDo Tank, Tina is actively driving change in the circular economy, urging real estate developers and asset managers to rethink how they source, reuse, and recycle building materials. Her passion for innovation and sustainability is evident as she explains the importance of creating value from reused materials and how this approach is shaping the future of the construction industry.

Tune in to learn about:

• Tina's career path from architecture to circular economy innovations
• The concept of futures trading in the construction industry
• How Tina’s initiatives are transforming material reuse in real estate
• Leadership advice for aspiring professionals in construction and real estate
• The impact of sustainable practices on the future of building design and management

This episode is packed with expert insights on how the construction industry is evolving towards sustainability, and how you can be part of the change.

Links:
Tina Pailett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinapaillet/
CircoTrade: https://www.circotrade.com/
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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Sustainability expert and architect Duncan Baker-Brown discusses innovative approaches to sustainable construction and the circular economy on this episode of the Thrive In Construction podcast. Duncan shares insights from his groundbreaking project, the Brighton Waste House, a teaching facility built using 55 tons of discarded materials, which not only meets passive house standards but also serves as a beacon for sustainable design. 

Duncan explores the impact of construction waste, which accounts for over 60% of the UK's total waste, and the urgent need to rethink how we use and reuse materials in the built environment. From using reclaimed materials like old toothbrushes to developing buildings designed for disassembly, he explains how the industry can shift away from its wasteful linear model to a more resource-efficient circular economy. 

Throughout the conversation, Duncan also touches on the role of policy and initiatives, like the potential for regulations on embodied carbon in construction, and how cities can become "material banks" for future developments. He gives an in-depth look at his book, "The Reuse Atlas," which features case studies on how circular economy principles are being successfully applied in architecture and construction. 

Links:
Duncan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-baker-brown-b1890924/
BakerBrown: https://bakerbrown.studio/
Duncan's book 'The Reuse Atlas': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Re-Use-Atlas-Designers-Towards-Circular/dp/1859466443
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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Discover how Passivhaus is reshaping the standard of affordable housing in the UK and why it's more achievable than many think. In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren sits down with Emma Osmunden, a trailblazer in sustainable housing, to explore her journey pioneering Passivhaus developments in the UK. With over 15 years of experience, Emma shares how she went from initial scepticism to leading the delivery of some of the country’s first certified Passivhaus social homes. 

Emma reveals the challenges she faced navigating local government, her creative strategies to get support for her bold ideas, and how she built trust with contractors and consultants to make Passivhaus the new standard. She discusses the importance of designing homes with both climate resilience and occupant wellbeing in mind, touching on building biology, air quality, mental health, and long-term energy performance. 

Throughout the conversation, Emma emphasises the value of creating a culture of responsibility without blame on construction sites, and how quality assurance and collaboration can lead to life-changing results for residents. With a growing number of local authorities now following suit, this episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about the future of sustainable construction. 

Links:
Emma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-osmundsen-ab51a5b9/
Ealing Council: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/site/
Darren: darrenevans.komi.io

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How to Tackle Greenwashing in Construction with Charlie Martin. In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren sits down with Charlie Martin, co-founder of The Responsible Edge podcast and a leading voice in sustainable marketing within the built environment.

Charlie shares how organisations can avoid greenwashing through responsible storytelling and practical frameworks. From marketing clumsiness to courageous leadership, he dives deep into the realities of sustainability, green claims policies, and why authenticity matters more than ever in today's construction industry.

Charlie also discusses the journey behind launching his podcast and the importance of transparent communication in the construction sector. If you're a construction professional, marketer, or sustainability advocate looking to create real impact, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

Key Topics Covered:

• What is greenwashing and why it’s damaging the industry
• How construction companies can communicate sustainability honestly
• The power of transparency and “clumsy” progress
• The commercial benefits of being open and authentic

Links:

The Anti-Greenwash Charter Twitter: https://x.com/theagcharter
The Anti-Greenwash Charter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-anti-greenwash-charter
Charlie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliekmartin/
https://antigreenwashcharter.com/

The Responsible Edge Podcast: https://theresponsibleedge.com/ 
Darren: darrenevans.komi.io

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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, we dive deep into the future of sustainable construction with Paul Lynch from EcoCocon - a company leading the charge in modular, bio-based building solutions using straw wall panels.

Discover how modular construction is revolutionising the way we build homes — from two-day builds to large-scale developments like social housing and apartment blocks. Paul shares how EcoCocon’s prefabricated straw wall panels are not only fast and efficient but also commercially viable at scale.

We explore how offsite construction, pre-assembly, and circular materials are shaping the future of the UK construction industry - and how these solutions can help meet growing housing demand whilst hitting sustainability targets.

What you’ll learn:

• How modular straw wall systems work
• The speed, efficiency and cost benefits of offsite construction
• Real-world case studies from across Europe
• Why this method is scalable for major housing developments
• How it fits with UK housing targets and Net Zero goals

If you’re a developer, architect, or policymaker looking for scalable low-carbon building solutions - this episode is for you.

LINKS
Paul: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lynch-74660829a 
Eco Cocon: https://ecococon.eu/ie/
Darren: darrenevans.komi.io

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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction podcast, Darren is joined by Andrew Carpenter to explore how timber construction can play a vital role in helping the UK achieve its Net Zero targets by 2050. Andrew is Secretary for the UK Government’s Timber in Construction Roadmap Implementation Programme and Chief Executive of the Structural Timber Association. 

He shares expert insights into why the construction industry must rethink its reliance on carbon-heavy materials like concrete and steel and shift towards more sustainable alternatives such as timber. He breaks down the environmental, economic and practical benefits of timber frame construction, from faster build times and reduced emissions to improved energy performance and solutions to skills shortages in the industry.

The conversation also delves into the government's housing targets, the challenges of supply and planning, and how new regulations could shape the future of construction. Andrew highlights the cultural shift needed in England to embrace timber as a mainstream material and outlines the critical role of collaboration, innovation and leadership in driving change across the sector.

If you're interested in sustainable construction, modern methods of building or the future of housing in the UK, this episode offers a compelling look at how timber can support growth, innovation and climate goals.

Links:
Andrew's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-carpenter-a017a89
Structural Timber Association: https://www.structuraltimber.co.uk/
Darren: darrenevans.komi.io

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In this week's episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren is joined by Simon Jones, Air Quality expert. Together, they explore the long-term impact of air pollution, particularly how poor indoor air quality can affect our health, from hidden chemicals to mould. Simon shares his extensive knowledge on the subject, discussing how air pollution is often overlooked and its critical role in creating healthier environments, whether in homes, workplaces, or schools.

They also dive into the importance of proper ventilation in the built environment, how we can improve air quality in spaces we spend the most time in, and the steps the construction industry can take to tackle these challenges. Simon offers actionable insights and solutions, empowering listeners to take control of their indoor air quality.
Tune in for an educational and thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on a crucial yet often ignored aspect of construction and health. Don't miss out on learning how small changes can make a big difference in creating healthier, safer environments for all.

LINKS
Simon Jones: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/simon-air-quality-matters
Air Quality Matters: https://www.airqualitymatters.net/ 
Air Quality Matters Podcast: https://www.airqualitymatters.net/podcast 
Darren: darrenevans.komi.io

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This week Darren sits down with Stephen Shedletzky, leadership expert and author of Speak Up Culture, to uncover the essential qualities of great leaders, how to foster a culture of open communication, and why decisiveness, compassion, and confidence are must-have traits for leadership success. He also delves into lessons that can be taken from large corporations and utilised in your company to create an environment where employees thrive. 

Stephen Shedletzky is a leadership speaker, coach, and author of Speak Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up. He has previously worked alongside Simon Sinek, helping leaders create environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Key topics discussed:
-Overcoming public speaking fear & building confidence
-Leadership vs. visionary leadership – what’s the difference?
-The three essential leadership attributes: decisiveness, compassion & confidence
-How to create a speak-up culture in your organisation
-The impact of toxic leadership & burnout in the construction industry
-Lessons from Apple, Boeing, and Toyota on leadership & decision-making

🔔 Subscribe for more insights on construction careers, leadership, and industry innovation!

LINKS
Stephen Shedletzky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshedletzky
Stephen's company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shed-inspires
Instagram: @shedinspires
TikTok: @shedinspires
Darren: https://darrenevans.komi.io/

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