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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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