Dr. Liam Heaphy:

Just on that point, I found the reciprocity between systems and organisational systems and then actual engagement on the one side interesting. I find it quite interesting in the context of the built environment, for example, where a circular economy process is becoming more and more embedded. We are seeing this level of detail coming in, where life-cycle analysis for new buildings, for retrofitting existing buildings and other aspects are just becoming normalised. These systems are coming online and becoming mandated as well. We have European legislation in this regard. Products used in buildings must have a product declaration detailing the construction processes and the carbon cost of that material. All these aspects are interesting.

Once we have many of these systems in place, online and resourced, it will then be interesting to see how this can facilitate better and deeper engagement with different stakeholders. Where we get this deeper engagement is when people feel they have the means and resources to make changes they can see are making a difference, and a relatively large difference. These are not just measures that might feel more tokenistic, but ones that are clearly all part of the larger plan for our climate goals and other linked environment goals.