Shifting Sands of Sustainability: A Conversation with Jeff Colley
The built environment is in constant flux, grappling with the intertwined challenges of sustainability and indoor air quality (IAQ). We know that IAQ often rides on the coattails of sustainability initiatives, but where exactly is the sustainability sector today, and what lessons can we learn from its journey to inform the burgeoning IAQ movement? In this episode of Air Quality Matters, I sat down with Jeff Colley , editor of Passive House Plus and host of the Zero Ambitions podcast, to explore these very questions. Jeff, a long-time collaborator and a true "climate worrier, as he puts it" and offers a unique perspective, having been immersed in the sustainability landscape for over two decades.
Our conversation began by acknowledging the significant progress made in sustainability since the early 2000s. Jeff pointed to air tightness testing as a prime example. Once a rare practice, it’s now a standard requirement in many regions, leading to improved building performance. This progress, however, hasn't been uniform. While the "quality" of projects submitted for publication has increased, the prevalence of misleading "magic bullet" solutions remains a concern. Jeff emphasised the importance of data-driven approaches, citing the Irish SEAI's BER research tool as a valuable resource for empirical analysis.
We delved into the messy reality of driving change within the construction industry. Jeff shared anecdotes from his experience lobbying for policy changes, highlighting the challenges of navigating bureaucratic processes and a sometimes culturally relaxed attitude towards regulation. He also pointed out the lingering influence of outdated conventions, like the over-reliance on natural ventilation or maximising passive solar gain, which can lead to unintended consequences like overheating. The need for evidence-based approaches, including post-occupancy evaluation and intelligent use of monitoring technology, was a recurring theme.
A key point of discussion was the analogy between the current state of IAQ and the sustainability landscape of 15-20 years ago. Both are plagued by greenwashing, a lack of a standardised lexicon, and inconsistent understanding across sectors. Just as sustainability has seen wave after wave of regulations and initiatives, from EU taxonomy to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, IAQ is poised for similar transformative pressures. The crucial difference, however, is that while sustainability has made strides, there's a risk of "spreadsheet progress" overshadowing actual performance. A truly sustainable building, Jeff argued, must prioritise both energy efficiency and occupant health and well-being, which are inextricably linked to IAQ.
We explored the tension between "spreadsheet progress" and actual building performance. Jeff highlighted the issue of performance gaps, where buildings consume significantly more energy than predicted by their energy ratings. This gap can be attributed to various factors, including occupant behaviour, flawed calculation methodologies, and poor construction quality. Passive House, with its rigorous performance standards and focus on post-occupancy evaluation, was presented as a potential solution to minimise this gap. The shift towards Passive House by major developers like Cairn Homes signals a growing recognition of the importance of verifiable performance data, driven in part by ESG reporting requirements and the increasing scrutiny of green finance.
Looking back, Jeff reflected on what he would have done differently if he had the "levers of power" in 2003. He stressed the importance of boldness in setting standards, arguing that industry resistance often dissipates once changes are implemented. He also emphasised the need for better communication and depoliticisation of sustainability issues, highlighting the importance of storytelling and simplifying complex technical concepts. The goal, he said, is to frame sustainability and IAQ in terms of tangible benefits for occupants and the industry rather than relying on fear-mongering or abstract metrics.
Our conversation concluded with a look ahead to the next five years. Jeff expressed optimism about the potential of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to drive progress in embodied carbon reduction. He also hopes to see a shift away from superficial "dinner party sustainability" towards a deeper understanding of resource efficiency and the interconnectedness of building design, energy use, and occupant well-being.
Ultimately, Jeff believes that the growing body of evidence from successful sustainable building projects, combined with effective communication and a focus on human stories, will continue to drive positive change in the built environment. The key takeaway? While the journey is long and complex, the momentum is building, and the future of sustainable building, including its crucial IAQ component, looks promising.
This podcast was brought to you in partnership with
Aico - Aereco - Ultra Protect and Inbiot
Do check them out in the links and on the Air Quality Matters Website.
If you haven't checked out the YouTube channel its here. Do subscribe if you can, lots more content is coming soon.