Christopher Jofeh is a structural engineer dedicated to sustainability and decarbonisation, recognised for his work on complex projects like the Post Building in London. With a background in atmospheric physics from the University of Minnesota, he applies his knowledge to create energy-efficient buildings and has actively promoted sustainable practices, notably collaborating with the Welsh government on a roadmap to decarbonise housing.

An advocate for collaboration, Jofeh believes that addressing climate change requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, including designers, builders, and policymakers. His work emphasises the importance of considering the social and economic implications of sustainable design, alongside technical factors. Through his expertise, he is making a significant impact in the field of sustainable building and remains a prominent voice in the industry, committed to fostering a better future for all.

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The podcast features a conversation between the host and Chris Jofy, a structural engineer with experience in decarbonising homes in Wales. Chris shares his journey and how he became interested in sustainability and retrofitting while working on complex projects, such as the "Post Building" in London.

The episode discusses a recent roadmap that Chris and his group provided to the Welsh government, which aims to decarbonise existing housing in Wales, with the goal of achieving net zero. Chris highlights that decarbonisation is not just a technical challenge, but a social and economic problem that requires collaboration between various stakeholders, such as landlords, builders, and local authorities.

Recently, we published a research paper titled 'A Route Map for the Decarbonisation of Existing Homes in Wales' , which can be read at the following link: https://www.shareyourgreendesign.com/...

The main barriers to decarbonisation are addressed, such as the high cost, misinformation, and lack of skills in the construction industry. Chris mentions that, to overcome these obstacles, it is essential to create an environment that makes decarbonisation socially acceptable and economically viable.

Furthermore, topics such as the importance of education and awareness, the need to set realistic energy efficiency targets, and the responsibility of designers in the construction process are discussed. Chris emphasises that everyone has a role to play in tackling climate change and that decisions need to be made considering not only the immediate cost, but also the long-term impact on the environment and society.

In conclusion, the episode highlights the urgency of acting to decarbonise homes and the need for a collaborative approach to tackling the challenge of climate change.

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Podcast with Stephanie Phillips, Senior Deconstruction & Circular Economy Program Manager at the City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation.

The video explores the rising significance of deconstruction and material reuse in the realm of sustainability, underscoring the crucial role of education and awareness. Over the past five years, this once-niche topic has gained substantial momentum, transitioning into a vital component of climate action plans. The discussion emphasises how deconstruction and material reuse not only offer environmental benefits but also preserve the cultural stories and histories of buildings and neighborhoods, making the concept more engaging and relatable.

Key terms like "embodied carbon" and "deconstruction" have been integrated into long-term climate action plans, which are designed to remain relevant across political cycles and ensure sustained efforts towards sustainability. Collaborative efforts, including partnerships with universities and data-driven studies, are highlighted as essential in promoting these practices and demonstrating their economic value both in the short and long term.

The narrative is shifting from waste management to creating sustainable, thriving communities by reusing materials and capturing their stories. This approach presents a compelling argument against traditional landfill practices. The video concludes by stressing the importance of education and optimism in inspiring a new generation to engage in deconstruction and material reuse, essential for building sustainable communities and combating climate change.

Host: Juan a. Morillas

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Podcast with Gina Ciganik, Chief Executive Officer, Habitable (Formerly Healthy Building Network).

She discusses her background as a real estate developer and how she became interested in understanding the health impacts of building materials. She explains that there is a lack of transparency and regulation around disclosing the chemical contents of building products compared to industries like food and personal care.

The video explores the perceived higher costs of using healthier materials, but Gina argues that a holistic view considering factors like longevity, health costs, and environmental impacts shows that healthier materials can be cost-neutral or even cost-saving. She emphasises the need for greater awareness and a mindset shift towards simplifying material palettes and prioritising health.

The video covers research on the significant health and environmental costs associated with certain chemicals like PFAS and microplastics from paint.

Host: Juan A. Morillas - Share Your Green Design.

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