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.