On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
We need to rethink what matters in our lives and in business if we are to address today’s climate and cost of living challenges, low levels of productivity and happiness, health and well-being. It’s a positive, fun and engaging podcast with a serious purpose. Join in, help make a difference or get in touch at awardaroo.io
We need to rethink what matters in our lives and in business if we are to address today’s climate and cost of living challenges, low levels of productivity and happiness, health and well-being. It’s a positive, fun and engaging podcast with a serious purpose. Join in, help make a difference or get in touch at awardaroo.io
Rethink What Matters: Material Passports and the Circular Built Environment In this episode of Rethink What Matters , we welcome Andrea Charlson from Madaster , a pioneering platform focused on enabling a circular built environment through the use of material passports . Together, we explore how data, transparency, and new ways of thinking about materials can reshape the construction industry—and why this matters now more than ever. Buildings are filled with valuable materials, but traditionally, we haven’t kept track of them. Madaster is changing that. By giving every product and material in a building a digital identity—detailing what it is, where it came from, and what can be done with it at the end of its life—we unlock the potential to reuse, resell, or repurpose rather than send things to landfill. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s smart business. Andrea shares how material passports are gaining traction, especially with tenants , who recognise that interior fit-outs like furniture, finishes, and equipment often have much shorter lifespans than the building’s core. With this data in hand, they can plan upgrades and replacements more intelligently, while reducing waste and cost. It's a compelling value proposition that links sustainability directly to day-to-day decisions. We also discuss Madaster’s integration with BIM (Building Information Modelling) , making it easier to generate passports during design and construction. This allows owners, designers, contractors, and even product manufacturers to align on shared, structured data—data that can drive everything from carbon reporting to reuse strategies and residual value estimation . From pilot projects like British Land’s 1 Broadgate to broader regulatory support through London’s circular economy planning requirements and the EU taxonomy, the circular economy is moving from theory to practice. But challenges remain: how do we keep material data up to date over decades? Who owns it? And how do we embed it into everyday property management? Andrea highlights that real transformation will come not just from better materials or smarter tools, but from new business models —ones where ownership, leasing, and take-back schemes are part of the product journey from day one. Whether you’re in property, construction, design, or sustainability, this episode will help you understand how material passports can deliver business value, environmental benefits, and long-term asset resilience. Welcome to the future of buildings—one where nothing goes to waste.…
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are increasingly becoming central considerations in the design and construction of built environments. This paradigm shift reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between human activities, the environment, and societal well-being. ESG design in the built environment seeks to integrate sustainability, social equity, and ethical governance practices into every stage of a project's lifecycle. At its core, ESG design emphasises environmental stewardship by minimising resource consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and preserving ecosystems. Architects and urban planners are incorporating passive design strategies, renewable energy systems, and green infrastructure to mitigate the environmental impact of buildings and communities. This approach not only promotes ecological resilience but also enhances the quality of life for occupants. Social considerations are integral to ESG design, addressing issues of inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement. Designers strive to create spaces that are welcoming, safe, and conducive to social interaction, catering to diverse needs and demographics. This involves prioritising equitable access to amenities, public transportation, and green spaces, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion within neighborhoods. Moreover, governance principles play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct throughout the development process. Stakeholder engagement, ethical sourcing of materials, and adherence to regulatory standards are fundamental aspects of ESG design and construction practices.…
Energy storage solutions play a pivotal role in modernising our energy infrastructure. These systems store excess electricity generated during periods of low demand and release it when demand surges or renewable sources like solar and wind are unavailable. Lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydro storage, and emerging technologies like solid-state batteries and flywheels are some examples. Energy storage enhances grid reliability, mitigates energy intermittency issues, and facilitates the transition to clean, sustainable energy sources, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a more resilient energy ecosystem.…
Sustainable economies are the cornerstone of a prosperous and responsible future. They prioritise the careful management of natural resources, fostering environmental stewardship and social equity. Such economies seek to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, promoting renewable energy, circular production, and reduced waste. In sustainable economies, businesses adopt ethical practices, embracing fair wages and responsible supply chains. Communities benefit from improved public transportation and green infrastructure, enhancing quality of life. Moreover, sustainable economies prioritise education and innovation, nurturing a skilled workforce to drive forward eco-friendly industries. By promoting long-term well-being over short-term gains, sustainable economies pave the way for a more equitable and resilient world. https://kageadvisory.com/…
Greening cities is a vital strategy in the face of urbanisation and climate change. It involves implementing sustainable practices to enhance the environmental quality of urban areas. By expanding green spaces, planting trees, and creating urban gardens, cities can mitigate heat islands, improve air quality, and provide recreational spaces for residents. Green roofs and walls reduce energy consumption by insulating buildings and absorbing rainwater, reducing the strain on drainage systems. Encouraging public transportation, cycling, and walking also reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, sustainable urban planning can promote biodiversity, creating habitats for wildlife. In essence, greening cities is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a practical approach to fostering healthier, more sustainable, and resilient urban environments. https://www.wildfifteen.com/…
Biomimicry, often hailed as nature's blueprint for innovation, is a design approach that draws inspiration from the natural world to solve human challenges. It involves emulating the ingenious solutions that have evolved in various species over millions of years. From Velcro inspired by burrs to efficient wind turbine designs influenced by humpback whale fins, biomimicry showcases how nature's designs can inform and revolutionise human technology.…
Electric scooter rentals have revolutionised urban mobility. These convenient, eco-friendly vehicles offer a quick and sustainable solution to short-distance travel. Users can easily locate and rent electric scooters through smartphone apps, making them an ideal choice for last-mile commuting, reducing traffic congestion, and lowering carbon emissions. With their affordability and accessibility, EV scooter rentals have gained immense popularity in cities worldwide. https://eva2z.in/…
Integrated solar green roofs combine the benefits of green roofing and solar energy generation, offering a sustainable and multifunctional solution. These innovative systems incorporate solar panels seamlessly into green roofs, creating aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly structures. They harness solar energy to power homes or buildings while promoting environmental sustainability. Green roofs feature vegetation that improves air quality, reduces urban heat islands, and enhances insulation, reducing energy consumption. Simultaneously, integrated solar panels harness sunlight to generate clean electricity. By merging these technologies, integrated solar green roofs optimise space utilisation and environmental benefits. https://urbanstrong.com…
Biophilic Cities seamlessly integrate nature into urban environments, fostering a deep connection between humans and the natural world. Through green spaces, biodiversity corridors, and architectural designs inspired by nature, these cities prioritise well-being, sustainability, and resilience. Residents enjoy improved mental and physical health, reduced stress, and increased creativity in these urban oases.…
Microfinance plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty by providing financial services to the underserved and financially excluded populations. By offering small loans, savings accounts, and insurance products, microfinance empowers individuals to start or expand small businesses, improve their livelihoods, and gain economic independence. These financial tools allow people to access capital that might otherwise be unavailable, breaking the cycle of poverty. Moreover, microfinance institutions often prioritise women as recipients, promoting gender equality and enabling women to contribute to their families' and communities' economic well-being. In this way, microfinance acts as a catalyst for sustainable development and poverty reduction.…
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Impact Assessments gauge the effects of business activities on broader societal and environmental objectives. ESG focuses on a company's ethical practices, its impact on the environment, and the quality of its governance. SDGs are global sustainability targets. Assessments involve data collection, analysis, and reporting, enabling organisations to align their strategies with sustainable practices.…
Green hydrogen, derived from renewable sources via electrolysis, is a clean, versatile fuel with potential to decarbonise sectors like transportation and industry. Despite challenges, its capacity to mitigate climate change makes it a pivotal player in future sustainable energy systems.
Ocean plastic pollution poses a grave ecological threat, imperiling marine life and ecosystems. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, enduring for centuries and disintegrating into microplastics that pervade the food chain. Seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, suffering injury or death. Beyond its visible impacts, plastic pollution disrupts oceanic habitats and exacerbates climate change by releasing harmful chemicals. Mitigation demands global cooperation, including reduced plastic production, improved waste management, and heightened public awareness. Preserving the oceans necessitates concerted efforts to stem this tide of plastic contamination.…
Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity. They are a cornerstone of renewable energy systems, harnessing the sun's energy to generate clean and sustainable power. Solar panels consist of interconnected solar cells made from semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electric current that can be harnessed for various applications. Solar panels are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to offset electricity consumption and reduce carbon emissions. Their adoption contributes to energy independence, lower utility bills, and a greener planet by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.…
Ecotourism, a sustainable travel trend, harmonises exploration with nature preservation. It encourages responsible travel, fostering environmental awareness and local community engagement. Emphasising education and minimal impact, ecotourism promotes wildlife conservation and supports socioeconomic development.…
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