In this episode of Climate Solutions News, Dominic Shales speaks with Brittany Harris, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of QFlow, about why construction projects often fail to deliver the carbon and cost savings set out at design stage, and how better data can close that gap.

Construction and the wider built environment account for close to 40 percent of global carbon emissions, yet many projects still rely on paper tickets, estimates and fragmented reporting. Harris explains how capturing verified materials and waste data directly from construction sites can prevent rework, reduce embodied carbon and improve financial performance. Drawing on her background as a civil engineer, she describes how seemingly minor material substitutions can trigger delays, cost overruns and avoidable emissions.

The discussion examines whether these failures stem from mistakes, broken information flows or structural incentives within the construction supply chain, and why technology works best as an early warning system rather than an automated decision-maker. Harris also discusses the impact of regulation, including sustainability reporting and building safety requirements, and how different regions are responding to similar data challenges through the lenses of carbon, cost, resilience and quality.

The episode focuses on execution rather than ambition, and on how making construction data visible and verifiable is becoming central to delivering both climate and commercial outcomes.

Keywords

construction, carbon emissions, sustainability, data technology, Qflow, rework, regulatory pressures, construction industry, Brittany Harris, environmental impact

Takeaways

The built environment is responsible for nearly 40% of carbon emissions.

Embodied carbon from construction materials accounts for about 11% of emissions.

Qflow aims to make construction more transparent and efficient.

Sound Bites

"We founded Qflow to make construction sustainable."

"Data visibility can prevent construction delays."

"30% of rework is due to materials mismanagement."

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In this episode, Dominic Shales speaks with Freddie Ingleby, Managing Director of Caledonian Climate, about one of the most powerful and overlooked climate solutions, peatlands.

Peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined, yet when degraded they become major sources of emissions. Ingleby explains what peatlands are, why Scotland is globally significant, and how restoring damaged bogs can deliver long-term emissions reductions, biodiversity recovery, and improved water security.

The conversation explores how peatland restoration works on the ground, from re-wetting landscapes to reshaping eroded peat, and why these projects require decades-long monitoring. Despite appearing low-tech, the sector is increasingly using digital mapping, sensors, and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy, integrity, and investor confidence.

Ingleby also discusses the role of private finance in scaling nature-based solutions, including Caledonian Climate’s recent partnership with Diageo, and what landowners gain from restoring peatlands.

A practical, grounded discussion on how nature, science, and technology intersect in the fight against climate change.

You can also check out our full article at: https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/peatlands-carbon-and-the-climate-power-of-scotlands-bogs

Keywords:

peatland restoration, carbon storage, climate change, Caledonian Climate, biodiversity, technology in restoration, corporate partnerships, landowner benefits, environmental impact, sustainability

Takeaways:

Peatlands are crucial for carbon storage, holding more carbon than all forests combined.

Caledonian Climate aims to restore peatlands at scale, having restored 10,000 hectares since 2021.

Restoration projects can lead to over 2.1 million tonnes of carbon reductions.

The restoration process involves re-profiling land, re-vegetating, and re-wetting peatlands.

Technology, including GIS and AI, is enhancing restoration efforts and monitoring.

Corporate partnerships, like the one with Diageo, are vital for funding restoration projects.

Landowners can benefit from restoration through improved biodiversity and potential carbon credits.

Public support for peatland restoration is high, with over 75% in favour.

Modelling carbon output and benefits is essential for project success.

Engagement and education about peatlands are important for public understanding.

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Direct air capture took an unexpected step forward at COP30, even as the summit delivered few major breakthroughs. In this interview, Tom Rollason, Head of Policy and Partnerships at Mission Zero Technologies, explains why engineered carbon removals gained unprecedented attention in Brazil and how the sector is shifting from niche innovation to essential climate infrastructure.

We discuss Mission Zero’s electrochemical DAC system, the company’s pilot deployments in the UK and Canada, the challenges of scaling energy-efficient removal technologies and the evolving policy landscape across the US, UK and Canada. Rollason also reflects on market signals, financing gaps, long-term offtake demand and the implications of Breakthrough Energy winding down its policy work.

This conversation offers a clear, grounded look at the future of engineered removals as governments confront overshoot, adaptation and the need for durable carbon solutions.

Watch the full interview to understand where direct air capture is heading and why the next few years will be decisive for the sector.

Also check out the article on Climate Solutions News: https://climatesolutions.news/spotlight/direct-air-capture-moves-from-the-margins-to-the-main-stage

Topics covered:

• Introduction to Climate Solutions and Mission Zero Technologies
• Understanding Direct Air Capture Technology
• Applications and Uses of Captured CO2
• Insights from COP 30 and Carbon Dioxide Removals
• Barriers to Scaling Direct Air Capture
• Financing and Market Dynamics in Carbon Removal
• Future Outlook for Direct Air Capture

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