We’ve fought water for centuries, but maybe it’s time to live with it—and even on it.” – Rutger de Graaf
Imagine cities that rise with the sea instead of sinking beneath it.
In this eye-opening episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with visionary Dutch engineer Rutger de Graaf, co-founder of Blue21, about how floating urban developments can offer real, resilient solutions to the climate crisis.
Floating Developments Aren't Just A Back Up Plan
“Floating developments aren’t just a backup plan for climate change; they’re innovation platforms for decentralised energy, housing, and community.” Rutger de Graaf
For over 18 years, Rutger has been leading the charge in designing, engineering, and implementing floating infrastructure in the Netherlands and beyond.
This episode delves deep (pun intended) into how floating neighbourhoods, ports, and even social housing could redefine our relationship with water—and why this isn’t science fiction but a rapidly emerging reality.
What You’ll Learn From This Podcast
From Fight to Float: How Dutch engineering is shifting from battling water to embracing it—and how other coastal cities can follow.
️ Floating Cities 101: What they are, how they work, and how they’re being built today.
Innovation Meets Ecology: The hidden ecosystems growing beneath floating platforms, and why...
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49:29
Life Inside Cloughjordan Ecovillage – A Blueprint for Sustainable Community Living
In this special and historic episode of Constructive Voices, we hand over the mic to our first-ever volunteer, Sarah Austin, a sustainable development practitioner with a passion for biodiversity, food systems, and rural regeneration. Sarah takes the lead in this fascinating deep dive into Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Ireland’s only eco neighbourhood designed to model regenerative, low-impact living.
“We seek to live in a regenerative and respectful way, sharing these 64 acres with many other species... to live with as light a footprint on the planet as possible.” – Peadar Kirby
Sarah is joined by Peadar Kirby, a resident of Cloughjordan Ecovillage and a retired professor who has spent his academic career studying development models and climate policy. Together, they explore the origins, vision, and everyday life of this pioneering community—and how its lessons can be shared with the world.
“Our greatest asset is one another. The technologies can help, but it's our creativity and collaboration that will truly see us through.” – Peadar Kirby
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What Cloughjordan Ecovillage is: A 64-acre eco neighbourhood integrated into the rural village of Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.
How it began: From an idea in 1990s Dublin to a vibrant, regenerative community.
Sustainable living in action:
Homes built to top ecological standards
A district heating system powered by renewable energy
A community-run organic farm feeding residents fresh, local food
The power of community: Insight into how genuine interdependence creates resilience, creativity, and a rich cultural life.
Governance with purpose: A flat, nature-inspired governance model that supports active participation and shared responsibility.
Global connections: Cloughjordan's role in the Global Ecovillage Network and its importance as an educational charity.
Tips for other communities: How towns and neighbourhoods can implement small but powerful changes for sustainable living.
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53:19
Decarbonising Heat with Dr. Alex Mellor of Naked Energy
From the importance of tackling heat-related emissions to groundbreaking projects like the British Library’s solar thermal installation, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of sustainable energy.
“About 50% of primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions are tied to heating. Solar thermal can play a huge role in reducing that.” – Dr. Alex Mellor
In this episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca speaks with Dr. Alex Mellor, Director of Engineering at Naked Energy, about the critical role of solar thermal technology in decarbonising heat.
As a passionate environmentalist and solar energy expert, Dr. Mellor shares insights into how Naked Energy’s cutting-edge Virtu technology is revolutionising solar heating for commercial and industrial applications.
Dr. Alex Mellor Interview Release Date: 25th February 2025
Why You Should Listen:
Learn why decarbonising heat is essential in the fight against climate change.
Understand how solar thermal technology works and its real-world applications.
Get inspired by innovative solutions that make renewable energy accessible...
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40:08
Inspiring the Next Generation of Built Environment Professionals with Craig Bloxsome
If you’re an educator, industry professional, or student considering a career in construction, this episode is packed with practical insights on the future of built environment education.
Craig’s passion for empowering the next generation shines through, offering invaluable advice for those looking to make a difference in the sector.
Craig Bloxsome Interview Release Date: 11th February
Cirencester College construction students
In this insightful episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca sits down with Craig Bloxsome, an experienced educator dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment.
As the Course Team Leader at Cirencester College, Craig has spent over 20 years working with young people in the construction environment, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the industry.
Craig shares his journey from working with apprentices to becoming a passionate course leader, discusses the importance of hands-on experience, and explores how emerging technologies like BIM, AI, and digital modelling are transforming construction education. He also highlights the challenges of attracting diverse talent into the sector and the crucial role of sustainability in modern construction training.
Tune Into Craig Below Or On Your Favourite App From 11th February
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42:47
What Is Your Legacy? Exploring Global Change with Sangeeta Waldron
In this compelling episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca sits down with author, PR expert, and climate advocate Sangeeta Waldron to discuss her latest book, What Will Your Legacy Be? Global Conversations with Changemakers.
Sangeeta’s third book delves into the stories of 36 diverse individuals—artists, scientists, activists, and leaders—all contributing to the fight against the climate crisis.
Sangeeta Waldron Episode Available From Tuesday, 22nd January
Through heartfelt anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode examines how individuals can create a lasting legacy that positively impacts our planet.
You may wonder what this has to do with the built environment. But as you will hear from Sangeeta and as our team believes, it is all interconnected.
“Legacy is about leaving the planet better not just for the next ten years, but for the next hundred or two hundred years.” – Sangeeta Waldron
Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos
Key Highlights:
Sangeeta’s Career Journey: With over 30 years of experience in public relations, Sangeeta reflects on her career—from working with UK Prime Ministers to founding her agency, Serendipity PR & Media.
The Inspiration Behind the Book: Discover how a conversation with her publisher led Sangeeta to write about the intersection of legacy and climate action.
Defining Legacy:
The Constructive Voices Podcast is all about inspiring change within the construction industry. Television builder, Peter Finn, is our man on the ground who injects his decades of construction experience with his unique sense of humour into the topics he covers. Then we have the gritty, investigative journalist, Henry McDonald, who spent over 25 years writing for The Guardian Newspaper in the UK. These days he does podcasts for us and the Sunday Times and is a freelance journalist for a number of top publications. Behind the scenes, we have Jackie De Burca, who is a creative director, author, media consultant, podcast creator and presenter. We focus on finding great stories within the construction industry about organisations and people who are doing something constructive. Topics include but are not limited to inclusivity, mental and physical health, investigating organisations that are ahead of the pack when it comes to sustainability, collaboration and team building, and initiatives that do social good. We also have our eyes and ears alert for cutting edge technologies and new updates on the industry’s economy and outlook.
Ireland