Carbon Emissions Episodes

In this episode of the Building Sustainability Podcast, we are joined by Chloe Donovan, founder of Natural Building Systems. She discuss the exciting potential of hemp and other bio-based materials in construction, how modular systems can reduce waste and speed up building, and the complexities of bringing sustainable solutions to market. Topics covered: Chloe’s journey from the voluntary sector to sustainable construction The origins of Natural Building Systems and its mission Why ...

The second part of my conversation with Janna. In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of airtightness, and how we've come to appreciate its need, while not being 100% happy about the materials needed to achieve it. We talk about the importance of fresh air in your building, how C02 will make us unhealthy and sluggish, plus the best way to get the fresh air without losing all your heat. Grain Architecture - https://www.grainarchitecture.co.uk/ Architype - https://www.architype.co.uk/ Llama...

In this episode of the Building Sustainability podcast, I am excited to welcome back architect Janna Laan Lomas, who shares her journey of building a sustainable home in Herefordshire alongside her partner, Seb, and her parents. We discuss the unique multi-generational aspect of their project, the thoughtful design considerations that have shaped their vision, and the innovative construction methods they are using, such as screw pile foundations and timber frames filled with cellulose insulation...

Paloma Gormley continues our conversation, focusing on the use of clay as a sustainable alternative to lime and cement. We explore the versatility of clay as a material and its use in various forms, such as unfired clay blocks and light earth constructions. We also delve into the challenges and potential solutions of using non-standard construction timber, such as coppice timbers. Emphasising the need for collaboration between construction and agriculture, and the importance of social and land ...

Architect, Paloma Gormley from Material Cultures joins me to discus the importance of regenerative materials in building design. The conversation explores plant-based materials like hemp and reed, their uses in construction, and their positive impact on wetlands. Paloma also highlights the need for improved working conditions, diversity, and inclusivity in the construction industry We discuss the challenges and opportunities of introducing alternative materials and rethinking construction educa...

In this episode, Vanessa explores the fascinating world of biophilic design and its potential impact on sustainable and ethical practices. We delve into the use of clay, earth materials, and mushroom mycelium as tactile and eco-friendly alternatives. The episode also touches upon the challenges of promoting green alternatives in mainstream industries and the potential positive effects of biophilic design on employee ethics and productivity. Lastly, Vanessa highlights the growing popularity of b...

From Robotic Arms to Cork Bricks

Architectural Character and the Power of Plant Based Materials

So much more than a show park

What if we told you that the journey to sustainability involves more than just recycling and reducing emissions? Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate through transformational narratives of businesses pivoting towards sustainable and regenerative projects. We share the intriguing story of an Oxfordshire project that breathed new life into discarded barn doors by repurposing them as shelves, countertops, and a dining table. Witness how embracing imperfections and honouring craft can, in fact, r...

Marianne Suhr is a Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in the repair of older buildings. We talk about the role of a building surveyor, the SPAB and how to go about sympathetically retrofitting an old building. Episode links: This episode link - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/old-house-retrofit-and-SPAB-marianne-suhr-bs098 Marianne's company website - http://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/ See Marianne in person at the Homebuilding and Renovation show - https://www.homebuildings...

The concluding part of the Biophilic Tiny House Christmas conversation. In this episode we discuss how long it took to build, costs, hardest bits, best bits, how to keep up motivation, future plans and advice for future tiny house builders. Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) - https://kindsupply.co.uk/ Indinature Hemp - https://www.indinature.co/ Tiny House Podcast Links Building A Tiny House - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/building-a-tiny-house-flo-hamer/ An Extendable High T...

This is part 2 of the natural biophilic tiny house Christmas special episode. Guest interviewer Mike Hill quizzes me on technical details such as air tightness, ventilation, solar power, heating, and water. Episode Links Kind Supply (Hemp Insulation) - https://kindsupply.co.uk/ Indinature Hemp - https://www.indinature.co/ Chris Magwood Podcast (plastic membrane) - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/how-buildings-are-going-to-save-the-world-chris-magwood-bs044/ Gervase Mangwana podca...

Today we are talking to me, Jeffrey Hart, designer and builder of the biophilic tiny house. This is the Christmas special, and so is a light-hearted chat with some mince pies and mulled wine. We talked for 4 hours, and edited down to just shy of 3 hours! In this episode, we discuss why I wanted to build a tiny home, small living, how to find the land, design considerations, budget, windows, materials, the design process, technical details and biophilic design. Episode links Kind Supply (Hemp I...

The 3rd and final coppice focussed episode is with Duncan and Sam from The Coppice Co-op. We are predominantly talking about Charcoal in this episode, its history, its uses and the ways to make it. This episode is part of a trio focusing on the technique of coppicing. They were made possible by the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT). *** BHMAT are now inviting applications for our next placement and hope to interview and start the placement soon (by the end of the year/beginnin...

In this episode we hear from Kath Morgan who is the coordinator and administrator for the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust and Mike Carswell, a coppice worker and former BHMAT apprentice. At the end of August 2022 I attended the BHMAT Woodland Pioneers event in the Lake district. Woodland Pioneers is an introduction to coppicing and coppice crafts run by the Bill Hogarth Memorial Apprenticeship Trust. The annual event was fantastic week of learning and hanging out with lovely, likemin...

This is the first of 3 episodes with Gervase Wangwana - a Retrofit specialist, Airtightness tester and reformed DJ. Part 2 will look more into ventilation and part 3 is all about air tightness. Become a Patreon supporter in August 2022 and be in with a chance of winning a wonderful packbasket! (Also really help the podcast out!) https://www.patreon.com/buildingsustainability Episode Links: Green Building Store case study of Reform Cottage - https://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/reform-cottage-e...

Chris Magwood is once again our guest on the podcast. Today we are discussing calculating materials carbon emissions, which might also be called up front carbon or embodied carbon. Chris and his team at buildersforclimateaction.org have created the BEAM calculator to do just that. We discuss the calculator, what it can do and what its limitations are. Whether it's ok to offset biogenic carbon against higher carbon emitting materials? Some excellent reports into current house construction in Cana...

This week on the podcast we have Jane Anderson, who is an expert in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), EPD and Embodied Carbon for construction. We discuss what LCA's and EPD's are and how they are created, sequestering carbon in construction and greenwashing! Links from this episode: Jane's Website - https://constructionlca.co.uk/ Jane's Twitter - https://twitter.com/constructionlca One Click LCA - https://www.oneclicklca.com/ PHRibbon (LCA) - https://www.phribbon.co.uk/ Building Sustainability Patr...

Two conversations recorded at Futurebuild 2022. Vince House talks about demand controlled ventilation and Matt Stevenson about homegrown timber solutions. Podcast Links Updated! Comparison of MVHR Vs Demand controlled ventilation https://www.aivc.org/sites/default/files/D2_S6B-02.pdf https://www.aereco.co.uk/ https://ukcmb.org/2019/10/27/bsi-white-paper-moisture-in-buildings/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-stevenson-62006841/ https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/ The Mick & Pat Show Join us for inf...

Conversations recorded at Futurebuild 2022 with Brian Murphy of the Green Building Calculator and Rowland Keable of EBUKI talking about the Cobbauge project. Episode links Green Building Calculator - https://greenbuildingencyclopaedia.uk/ https://www.futurebuild.co.uk/ EBUKI - http://www.ebuki.co/ Cobbauge - http://www.cobbauge.eu/en/ Sheltercraft - https://sheltercraft.co.uk The Mick & Pat Show Join us for informal conversations surrounding beer, film, politics and philosophy. Listen on: App...

It's a commonly held belief that adding mass into your building will make it more energy efficient. In this episode I talk with Es Tresidder about whether this is true and when extra mass in your building can be beneficial. About Es - I am a certified Passivhaus and AECB Carbonlite Retrofit designer. I have over ten years of experience in low-energy buildings in both consultancy and academic roles. I also teach on two Masters courses (Developing Low Carbon Communities and Sustainable Energy Sol...

Virginia is a qualified architect, project manager, BREEAM AP and ISO14001 Lead Auditor, with a lifelong passion for sustainability. She is the author of SustainABLE: How to Find Success as a Sustainability Professional in a Rapidly Changing World, a practical guide for those that have a passion for sustainability but cannot make an impact. Virginia is also an Assistant Lecturer in Sustainability and Environmental Management at Coventry University. During her previous long career at BRE, Virgin...

With energy prices soaring, everybody has good reason to be thinking about adding more insulation to their home. In this episode we are discussing the best types of insulation for your home and the pros and cons of some different types. A recommended listen for anyone looking to increase the energy efficiency of their home. Ben Kerslake is back! Ben last joined us way back in Episode 45 to discuss solving damp problems with lime plaster. Check out insulation month at: https://www.carringtonlim...