Episode 014: MECLA – Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Building & Construction Industry with Monica Richter and Hudson Worsley

Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Building & Construction Industry with Monica Richter and Hudson Worsley. In this episode of the Procurement Podcast, Andy Franks and Christophe Barriere-Varju speak with Monica Richter and Hudson Worsley to introduce MECLA and the purpose of the Alliance. MECLA stands for Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance which is a collaboration of organisations that have come together to drive reductions in embodied carbon in the building and construction industry. MECLA seeks to align with the Paris Agreement targets and principles of the circular economy and recognise that the building and construction sector is a complex ecosystem. As you listen to this podcast we will touch on some of the key MECLA initiatives such as: Demonstrating a clear demand and activating supply of low embodied carbon materials. Developing common language for design specifications, procurement guidelines and tendering criteria as standard practice for government agencies and companies. Better understanding and/or developing where appropriate benchmarking tools, measurements, implementation guides and practice notes, such as EPDs, LCAs, BIMs, definitions, principles and simplifying tools. Knowledge sharing through best practice education, case studies, myth-busting, demonstrations, and supporting innovation in materials and processes as part of a pre-competitive approach. Helping to manage industry’s climate transition risks, risks associated with adopting innovative materials and the required skills development. Focussing on priority materials; steel, cement and concrete, and aluminium due to their carbon intensity. A must-listen podcast on this extremely important topic for our planet. For more information or to participate in the MECLA initiative, please contact Monica Richter at MRichter@wwf.org.au Disclaimer: BvW Global and its director Christophe Barriere-Varju (Co-host of the Procurement Podcast) is a founding Partner of MECLA. About Monica Richter Monica Richter is an economist and social ecologist with extensive experience in environmental sustainability with an interest in the role of business in accelerating the uptake of low and zero carbon solutions. Recent career highlights include establishing the Business Renewables Centre – Australia, deep engagement in WWF’s PandaLabs Innovation Program, and running the Science Based Targets Initiative in Australia, getting companies to set ambitious long term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets aligned with a 2oc/1.5oC pathway, in partnership with Global Compact Network Australia. Monica recently collaborated with the NSW government and Lendlease to launch reports on the need to tackle embodied carbon in the building and construction industry and Materials Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA). Monica is a thought leader and has been invited to participate in many forums and conferences as both a speaker and a chair. Monica is a graduate of the Future Directors program, a Board Member of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council,