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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, we're thrilled to host Rachel Bell, Director of Partnerships at Stride Treglown. With over two decades of architectural experience and leadership, Rachel delves into the multifaceted aspects of her role, emphasising the importance of partnerships in driving business success and sustainable practices within the construction industry.

Rachel also opens up about her personal journey and challenges, including her poignant experiences with infertility. She shares how these personal struggles have influenced her professional life and advocacy work, fostering a deep commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Join us as Rachel provides insights from her podcast 'Stand Tall with Rachel Bell', discusses her transformative experiences in Malawi, and reflects on the impact of personal adversities on professional growth. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of community support in overcoming life’s challenges.

Stand Tall with Rachel Bell: https://stridetreglown.com/stand-tall-with-rachel-bell/
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stand-tall-with-rachel-bell/id1631109487
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bdetqo2Rj3oWu9o06Yxiv?si=832d96d4e7204a02

Stride Treglown: https://stridetreglown.com/ 

Follow Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellrachel 

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io.

👉 Tune into this insightful episode on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on the future of sustainable construction.

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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, we're excited to have Cathal Ward, the environmental lead at Bouygues UK, with us. Cathal brings over five years of experience in shaping environmental strategies and fostering sustainable practices within construction. He delves into his role, highlighting the crucial differences between environmental and sustainability focuses, and the significant impact of strategic environmental planning from the earliest design stages.

Cathal shares valuable insights on the evolution of environmental roles within the industry, emphasising the importance of integrating environmental considerations early in the project lifecycle to enhance sustainability outcomes. He discusses the challenges of managing environmental impacts on site, the strategies for minimising these impacts, and the role of education in ensuring compliance and advancing environmental goals.

Join us as Cathal explains the nuanced roles of environmental leads versus sustainability officers, and how these roles interact to create a comprehensive approach to building sustainably.

🕒 Timeline:

0:00 Building Sustainable Construction Practices

9:13 Empowering Sustainability Through Education and Ownership

21:37 Climate Change Game and Team Passion

24:58 Empowering Small Steps for Positive Change

30:27 Career Pathway in Environmental Science

35:38 Embracing Interdependency for Growth

49:43 Making Impact Through Reflective Decision Making

54:00 Spread the Word for Growth

Bouygues UK: https://www.bouygues-uk.com/ 

Follow Cathal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-ward-6a356885/ 

👉 Tune into this insightful episode on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on the future of sustainable construction.

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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Amo Sihra, Head of Commercial at Elmhurst Energy, an accreditation body for energy assessors. Amo shares his journey from starting as an energy assessor to leading Elmhurst's commercial department, highlighting the evolving landscape of energy efficiency and the critical role Elmhurst plays in the industry.

Amo shares his insights on the industry's progress from a tick-box exercise to a pivotal force in combating global warming and making the built environment more sustainable. Amo delves into the challenges and triumphs of his role, emphasising the importance of education, quality assurance, and market trends in shaping the energy sector.

Amo discusses the need for both asset and occupancy ratings for effective energy assessments, Elmhurst's role in quality assurance, and the industry's transformation toward sustainability. This episode is not just about the technicalities of energy assessments but also a testament to the industry's impact on global warming and sustainable development.

🕒 Timeline:

0:00 Career Changes in the Energy Industry

4:23 Evolution of Energy Performance Certificates

14:18 Family Influence, Career, and Environmental Impact

21:27 Future Plans and Quality Assurance

27:21 Career Guidance

Elmhurst Energy: https://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/

Follow Amo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amo-s-5871b638/

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io

👉 Tune in to this engaging conversation on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into energy efficiency and sustainable development.

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In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, we're delighted to host Marc Bradfield, a seasoned expert in design management and a dynamic leader in construction innovation. Marc shares his extensive journey from his days as a site engineer to his pivotal role as head of design for Bouygues residential team, discussing the challenges and triumphs of managing complex design processes across multifaceted teams.

Dive into Marc's transformative insights on the essential blend of technical skills and human interaction in project management. He reflects on the pivotal moments that reshaped his approach to leadership—moving from command-driven tactics to fostering collaboration and understanding among his teams. We also  discussed how redundancy can actually be a great opportunity!

Join us as Marc unravels the importance of communication in overcoming project hurdles, his strategies for effective team management, and his visionary take on future industry trends. This episode is not just a study on advancing construction practices but also a testament to the evolving role of empathy and strategic thinking in leading successful projects.

🕒 Timeline:
[00:00] Introduction to Marc Bradfield and his influence in construction
[05:00] Journey from engineering to leadership in design management
[15:00] Lessons on communication and team dynamics
[25:00] Marc's approach to overcoming industry challenges
[35:00] Predictions for future trends in construction and design

Marc’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbradfield/

Bureau Veritas Group: https://group.bureauveritas.com/ 

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io.

👉 Tune into this inspiring conversation on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on the future of construction.

🔗Stay updated and follow our channel for the latest in construction innovation and leadership insights.

sustainability in construction, embodied carbon, being made redundant, redundancy, redundancy opportunities, construction industry uk, working in construction, importance of effective communication in the workplace, communication,  embodied carbon, being made redundant, career change, career path change, opportunities after losing a job, flip the script, being made redundant in construction career, sustainability in construction, 

#constructionindustry #sustainabilityinconstruction #embodiedcarbon #netzeroemissions #netzero #sustainabilityjourney #redundancy #beingmaderedundant #redundant #careerpath #careerchange #communicationintheworkplace

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In this "Demolition Zone" segment, Anna Foden challenges the pervasive myth in the construction industry about sustainability responsibilities. 

Anna explains that the journey to net zero isn't just a task for the sustainability team; it demands a collaborative effort across all departments.

Anna breaks down this misconception, urging a top-down and ground-up approach to integrate sustainability in every aspect of the business—from design managers to finance teams.

If you've ever wondered about your role in your company's sustainability journey or felt isolated in your environmental efforts, this episode offers a new perspective. Anna shares valuable insights on how every team member can contribute to meaningful change and why integrated efforts are essential for true sustainability in construction.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNr2KJFdT1A

Follow Anna:   / anna-campos-foden-66779b9  

ISG: https://www.isgltd.com/en

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io

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In this insightful episode of Thrive In Construction, we sit down with Carrie Behar, a dedicated sustainability consultant at the Useful Simple Trust. Carrie delves into the transformative impact of sustainable development and regenerative design in urban planning. As head of sustainability, she shares her journey from a PhD focused on environmental design to leading organizational sustainability efforts, including B Corp certification and carbon footprint assessments.

Carrie passionately discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in sustainable living, especially in the context of social housing. She provides a unique perspective on how individuals interact with new technologies in their homes, addressing the real-life mismatches between design expectations and occupant behavior. This episode explores the nuances of creating environments that support sustainable lifestyles without compromising on occupant health and comfort.

Join us as we explore Carrie's expert insights into the crucial role of effective communication in construction and how detailed planning can significantly enhance the livability and sustainability of urban spaces. Whether you're a professional in the built environment, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the future of our cities, this conversation with Carrie Behar is bound to enlighten and inspire.

00:00 Sustainable Living in Homes
3:40 Career Evolution
6:20 Navigating a Funded PhD in Sustainability
13:21 Improving Social Housing User Guides
23:25 Passion for Architecture and Urban Development
30:10 Berlin Wall, Sustainable Construction, B Corp
44:31 Exploring Sustainability in Building Design
50:34 Debunking the Cost of Sustainability
58:16 Grow Community Through Sharing Podcast

Useful Links/References Made In This Episode
https://www.findaphd.com/

PhD thesis available here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1482077/

ESS Strategy for Meridian Water is publicly available, here: https://governance.enfield.gov.uk/documents/s83794/MW%20Environmental%20Sustainability%20Strategy%20-%20Appendix%20A%20-%20Objectives%20Vision%20and%20Requirements.pdf

https://consult.opdc.london.gov.uk/old-oak-west

Carrie's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-behar-368b3122/

Useful Simple Trust: https://www.usefulsimple.co.uk/

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io.

👉 Join us on this inspiring journey on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes about the construction industry's future.

🔗 Stay connected and follow our channel for the latest in sustainable construction and innovation.

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In this episode of Thrive In Construction, we embark on a journey with Peter Kelly, Group Director of Sustainable Operations at ISG, as he unravels the intricate web of sustainability in the construction industry on a global scale. 

From the bustling construction sites of London to the innovative projects reshaping urban spaces in Dubai, Spain, and beyond, Peter shares his vast experience and the challenges he faces in integrating eco-friendly practices into the fabric of ISG's operations worldwide.

Discover the crucial role of sustainability in construction, not just as an ethical choice but as a strategic necessity for future-proofing our urban environments. Peter delves into the misconceptions surrounding the cost of sustainability, providing compelling arguments and examples that prove eco-friendly practices can be economically viable and beneficial. He also discusses the importance of early planning and collaboration in achieving sustainability goals, emphasising the transformative power of a well-integrated sustainable design.

This episode is not just about the success stories; it's a deep dive into the practicalities of making sustainability a core aspect of construction projects, the obstacles encountered, and the innovative solutions devised to overcome them. Whether you're a professional within the construction industry, an advocate for sustainable living, or someone curious about the future of our cities, this conversation with Peter Kelly offers enlightening insights, practical advice, and a dose of inspiration for all of us to contribute towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Peters LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kelly-6bab6331/

ISG: https://www.isgltd.com/ 

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io.

👉 Join us on this inspiring journey on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes about the construction industry's future.

🔗 Stay connected and follow our channel for the latest in sustainable construction and innovation.

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Have you ever gazed upon a building and seen more than just bricks and mortar? Our guest, Romain Richli, an architect with a vision, uses his latest masterpiece to craft a narrative that's etched in the very essence of climate change engagement. It's not just an architectural wonder; it's a metaphorical call to arms for every individual who believes that the fight against climate change is reserved for scientists and experts. 

Romain eloquently dismantles this myth, advocating for a collective responsibility that transcends professional boundaries and integrates joy and purpose into our lives as we confront this global challenge.

If you've ever felt like a lone warrior in a company slow to embrace environmental change, Romain's insights are your beacon of hope. He shares empowering tales of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, the satisfaction of challenging the status quo, and the importance of speaking up for what is right. 

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F-N20UzP_4

Follow Romain:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-richli-92422091/

Bouygues: https://www.bouygues-uk.com/

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io

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In this episode of Thrive In Construction we dive deep into the journey of Akshatha Veerandra, a trailblazer in the world of sustainability and construction. From her early years in India to becoming an influential figure in global sustainability efforts, Akshatha shares her unique insights, challenges, and victories in integrating eco-friendly practices into the corporate world. Discover how her passion for the environment and dedication to health and well-being are reshaping the way we think about buildings and urban spaces.

In this candid conversation, Akshatha opens up about her pivotal decision to choose sustainability over medicine, the role of her cultural background in shaping her approach to sustainability, and the innovative projects that are setting new standards in the industry. She demystifies common misconceptions about sustainability, emphasising its affordability and accessibility, and offers invaluable advice to those looking to make an impact in their professional and personal lives.

Whether you're a professional in the construction industry, an environmental enthusiast, or someone curious about sustainable living, this episode is packed with motivating stories, practical tips, and visionary ideas. Akshatha’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the belief that everyone has the capacity to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Aks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshatha-veerendra-a55b7148/

Colliers International Website: https://www.colliers.com/en

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io.

👉 Join us on this inspiring journey on the Thrive in Construction Podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes about the construction industry's future.

🔗 Stay connected and follow our channel for the latest in sustainable construction and innovation.

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In this Demolition Zone segment, Dan McPherson, debunks the myth that the only way to resolve disputes and challenges in the construction industry is through standoffish, email-based communications. Dan champions the transformative power of face-to-face discussions, arguing that real progress comes from open, collaborative dialogue.

Far from being an outdated concept, Dan illustrates with conviction how sitting down together—whether it’s contractors, subcontractors, clients, or designers—can unearth solutions that emails simply cannot. This approach not only fosters better relationships but also leads to more effective problem-solving.

Through this discussion, Dan not only dismantles an age-old industry myth but also lays the foundation for a more connected, communicative future in construction. This episode is a must-watch for industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of construction projects with grace and efficiency.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f9_kH-LPcE

Follow Dan:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-macpherson-mrics-5114393b/

Get in Touch:  [email protected]

Henry Riley: https://www.henryriley.com/our-services/advisory-services/

Follow Me: https://darrenevans.komi.io

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