In this episode of the Share Green Design podcast, Alina Kolar from HouseEurope! and Jesper Eis Erisksen of the OBEL Foundation discuss the growing movement to prioritise renovation over demolition in Europe's built environment.

Alina introduces HouseEurope!, a European Citizens’ Initiative aiming to shift the construction sector towards sustainable renovation. Backed by over 200 partners—from architects and environmental groups to grassroots campaigns—the initiative advocates for legal and financial tools to make renovation more accessible, affordable, and mainstream. One of their most impactful findings is that one house is demolished every minute in Europe, often unnecessarily, causing waste and carbon emissions.

The recent OBEL Award, presented to HouseEurope!, marked a significant moment: a major architecture prize recognising a civic initiative rather than a physical building. Jesper explains that the OBEL Foundation seeks to provoke discussion and broaden what architecture can represent—highlighting that architects should not only design buildings but actively shape society.

The conversation also touches on cultural differences across Europe regarding building preservation, the increasing focus on retrofit in architectural education, and the crucial role of public participation in shaping urban policy. Alina explains her interdisciplinary background and how HouseEurope! aims to empower citizens to reclaim a stake in their built environment.

Looking ahead, the initiative is gathering support through a legal proposal submitted to the European Commission, seeking to reduce barriers to renovation, such as cost, regulation, and lack of awareness. HouseEurope! envisions similar movements beyond Europe—perhaps even “House Africa” or “House America.”

The episode ends with a clear message: tackling the climate crisis requires rethinking the way we build and live, and citizen action—even as simple as signing a petition—can drive systemic change.

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In this podcast, Kai Liebetanz explores the concept of embodied ecological impact, a way of understanding how our construction decisions affect biodiversity throughout the entire lifecycle of materials. Unlike the usual focus on operational emissions or embodied carbon, embodied ecological impact highlights the effects on ecosystems from the extraction of raw materials to the demolition of buildings. Kai points out that while urban solutions like green roofs or greener cities are frequently discussed, these actions are insufficient in the face of global biodiversity loss, as they fail to address the hidden damages within supply chains.

He argues that materials such as steel, concrete, or glass may be linked to destructive processes like deforestation in the Amazon, and this is where much of the problem lies. Therefore, he calls for a broader perspective: it’s not enough to conduct local or partial impact assessments; a holistic view is needed that combines sustainability, biodiversity, and the circular economy. In this context, the circular economy is not just about reusing materials, but redesigning the system to minimise the extraction of virgin resources and waste.

Kai also criticises the general lack of awareness about the origins of materials and the lack of tools within the construction sector to make supply chains transparent—something that is more advanced in other industries like textiles. He proposes that as a first step, architects, engineers, and developers begin by investigating the origin of at least one material in their projects. Furthermore, he advocates for the sector to unite in demanding this information as part of product environmental declarations (EPDs), in order to drive real change.

Finally, he acknowledges the cultural, regulatory, and perception barriers, such as the preference for new materials and the difficulty of certifying reused materials. However, he insists that if the proper technical information is provided and its use well-argued, these obstacles can be overcome. The overarching message is clear: we must stop viewing environmental impacts as separate problems and understand that true sustainability will only be achieved if we address carbon, biodiversity, and natural resources together.

Host: Juan A. Morillas – Share Your Green Design

Kai Liebetanz is a sustainability professional with expertise in nature, resilience, and circular economy. He is fostering systems-level change through cross-sector collaboration. In addition, Kai is championing a regenerative, nature-positive built environment by addressing the industry’s biodiversity impacts. He is working with industry professionals in order to minimise resource use by supporting the built environment to shift from our current linear economy to a circular economy.

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Cris Ballester used to be the Balearic Housing and Architecture Director and used to be the Balearic Social Housing Institute (IBAVI) Manager and Director.

She graduated in Economics from the Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona and Ludwig Maximilians Universität, München and has a Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability from UNED & Jaume I University (UJI), and a Master's in Leadership and Organizational Development with Coaching and Neuroscience, from International University, California.

Cris was the Mallorca Island Council Director of Finance, Budgets and Projects from August 2015 to March 2019 being in charge of SCR development from July 2017 onwards.

She was also the Founder and CEO of Tucktuck Community, S.L. from 2012 to 2020, and international cooperant aid for the Fair Trade Project at Vicente Ferrer Foundation from March 2011 to June 2012, in Anantapur, India.

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In this episode, Juan A. Morillas speaks with Cris Ballester, who has worked on sustainability and social housing projects in the Balearic Islands. Cris shares her professional journey, from her experience at the Vicente Ferrer Foundation in India to her role at IBAVI (Balearic Institute of Housing), where she led sustainable housing projects using local materials such as marés stone and promoted circular economy practices.

The discussion highlights the challenge of building social housing sustainably without increasing costs, emphasising the importance of good design, responsible procurement, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Cris explains that IBAVI’s success lay in balancing environmental, social, and economic impact.

The episode also explores how sustainable architecture in the Balearic Islands has gained international recognition through awards and publications, serving as an inspiration for other regions. Finally, Cris reflects on her future career following her recent maternity leave and offers an inspiring message to young architects and developers: surround yourself with committed teams and pursue projects with real impact.

Host: Juan A. Morillas - Share Your Green Design

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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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In this new episode of the Share Green Design podcast, hosted by Juan A. Morillas, Chris Magwood, an expert in sustainable building, discusses his career and insights. Chris began his career in straw bale construction, which sparked his interest in embodied carbon—the total greenhouse gas emissions from building materials. Emphasising energy efficiency, Chris and his team meticulously measured the environmental impact of their projects, including waste, chemical content, and carbon footprints. They champion the use of natural materials in construction, aiming to reduce reliance on synthetic products and lower the carbon footprint of buildings.

Chris advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable construction, considering not only embodied carbon but also operational efficiency, health impacts, and circular economy principles. He highlights the importance of collaboration over competition within the construction industry, working with various stakeholders to advance shared goals and foster innovation.

As a member of Builders for Climate Action and the Carbon Leadership Forum, Chris is part of a community dedicated to transforming the construction industry through sustainable practices and cooperative efforts.

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Chris Magwood is Manager of the Carbon-Free Building at RMI, working with the Embodied Carbon Team in the Carbon-Free Buildings Program, where he focuses on carbon-storing materials and the residential sector. He uses his experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and policy development to support the team's work.

Chris holds an MD in Sustainability Studies from Trent University.

Throughout his 25-year career, Chris has been involved in designing and constructing zero-carbon buildings. From 2005 to 2018, he was a lead instructor at the Endeavour Centre, where he was responsible for numerous zero-carbon, zero-toxin, and zero-waste buildings.

In 2019, Chris co-founded Builders for Climate Action and co-developed the BEAM tool, which measures material emissions in residential buildings. He has authored four major studies on embodied carbon in new construction for Canadian governments and has assisted Canadian cities in developing an embodied carbon policy.

Chris has published eight books on green construction, with his most recent publication being "Build Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon Smart Architecture" (Island Press, 2022), co-authored with Bruce King.

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