How Women Can Create Sustainable Change, Especially in Light of the IPCC Report

In Episode Thirteen, Henry McDonald interviews two women who are leading lights when it comes to creating sustainable change within the construction industry, especially in light of the IPCC Report of August 2021.

Emma Nicholson, B.A, MSc, FCIOB, FIEMA, FWES, CEnv, FAPM, the Founding Director of Women in Sustainable Construction and Property

Emma is an accomplished and skilled Chartered Construction Manager and Chartered Environmentalist with Board level experience. She is passionate about achieving quality projects and was nominated in 2018 for an Excellence Award in quality of project delivery of Leeds Art Gallery and Leeds Library roof restoration.

Some quotes from Emma from the interview:

"Embodied carbon is really important at the very beginning of the design process, and also taking on board.. the circular economy."

"I think there should be more Fossil Free construction sites. I’d also like there to be an analysis of embodied carbon. I think this needs to be more inherent in project design. …plus the inclusion of circular economy principles."

"I think the next two decades are going to be about the rise of women in sustainability in construction, and in leadership roles. Just watch this space. We have got so many talented women out there!"

Click here to discover more about Emma Nicholson.

Sumele Aruofor, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager for SketchUp at Trimble

Sumele Aruofor (RIBA Associate) uses her training and experience in architecture, interior architecture, and building performance design to create content that enables professionals in the AEC industry to leverage innovative technologies for better design and a more sustainable built environment. She applies this knowledge in her role as the Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at Trimble’s SketchUp and in designing residential projects in the UK.

Sumele believes that architects are uniquely positioned to positively impact the day-to-day experience of people, communities, economies, and the global climate. Through her work, she advocates for architects to see occupant comfort and building performance as a distinct criterion of great design, and for all AEC professionals to go beyond minimum regulatory requirements by analyzing energy and daylight early and often as part of the design process.

Some quotes from Sumele from the interview:

"I think an understanding of space and context, can make a massive impact on how we design as architects, and as people in the built environment, I think just that consciousness of context, and a care for the world, is kind of the starting point of any project that wants to be sustainable."

"Can you design buildings that deliver the tectonic ideas of architecture, so materiality and constructability? But still think about how you cater to the comfort and the special needs of occupants. And balance that with how you use Earth’s resources? And I think, yes, we can, and we need to with even more intention than ever before

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