You’re passionate about the environment. What are some creative solutions to tackle its challenges?

The shift towards a sustainable future is palpable. I've been at the forefront, witnessing the evolution of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the rise of knowledgeable consultants who truly understand the nuances of Circular Economy. Embracing the circular economy isn't just a trend; it's a necessity. From detailed design models to innovative upcycled materials being sold through the entire lifecycle of our structures. What excites me most? The collaboration. We're thinking ahead, crafting sustainable solutions that will stand the test of time. ??

Embracing the circular economy offers a pathway to sustainable development by minimizing waste, maximizing resource efficiency, and promoting collaborative innovation. Through principles like designing out waste and promoting resource recovery, businesses can reduce their environmental impact while unlocking economic opportunities. With supportive policies, consumer awareness, and collaborative partnerships, the circular economy can drive systemic change towards a more sustainable future.

Green or renewables is the way to go. In Lesotho we have hotspots of wind energy, Hydro and Solar energy. So we have more days of sun light in a year positioning the country so well to embark on Low carbon development PATHWAYS to generate energy.The country has many initiatives in mini grids, solar generations, and also we produce electricity by water. The wind energy part is yet to commence in due time, so that we also generate electricity using Wind. Starting point of any country is to produce renewable energy resource maps,that would provide with clear direction on energy hotspots.

Foster awareness and understanding of the benefits and potential of nature-based solutions among stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, communities, and the public. Education and outreach programs can highlight the value of natural ecosystems in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. Second, invest in research and development to enhance our understanding of natural ecosystems and their potential applications in addressing specific challenges, such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, water management, and disaster risk reduction. This includes interdisciplinary research with ecological knowledge with engineering, technology, and social sciences. Holistic and collaborative approach

1 - Community Centric design - it's about creating spaces that resonate with the people who live there 2 - Break down Silos - I believe in a collaborative approach that brings together diverse professionals and community members. This collaboration can spark innovative, more effective solutions for carbon reduction. 3 - Understand the Social and Environmental interconnectivity - Engaging communities means looking beyond just the physical aspects of sustainability and embracing social dimensions like well-being and inclusivity. 5 - Innovate through diverse perspectives - Engaging communities spread both the burden and the opportunity of sustainable practices, making it a collective endeavour.

How can you make it easier? Is that a person or a method or a way to celebrate the good? So much time and effort is put into education and getting people to know the right thing, but it's vital to remember that we also need to make things repeatable (easier) if we are to sustain the behaviour. Have a think and get creative!

One creative approach to tackling environmental challenges is through gamification, where eco-friendly behaviors are incentivized and rewarded through interactive games or apps, fostering engagement and motivation among participants. Another strategy involves harnessing the power of art and storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action, whether through powerful visual campaigns, immersive installations, or compelling narratives that connect people emotionally to environmental issues.

Don’t ignore your value chain! Modern environmental responsibility involves engaging your entire supply chain in the process of reducing emissions. Make it clear you need to collaborate to monitor progress and implement change, make yourself available to discuss best practices, and make it easy for suppliers and contractors to submit data if they are receptive to the idea. Many hands make light work, and silo’d thinking is the death of a sustainable value chain. However, there doesn’t seem to be clear consensus on how best to do this, and so I feel this is an area of great potential right now.