Sustainability is now part of almost every conversation in construction, planning and development. From net zero targets and ESG reporting to retrofit, material choices, biodiversity, energy performance and long-term value, the built environment is being asked to deliver more than ever.

But what happens when those big ambitions meet site reality?

In this episode of The Hard Hat Talks, Kenneth Martin is joined by Derartu Agama, Senior Sustainability Advisor at The ESG Institute, for a practical conversation about environmental considerations, governance, net zero and what sustainability really means once projects move beyond policy papers, reporting frameworks and good intentions.

Drawing on her work helping organisations turn wider ESG principles into clearer strategies, metrics and deliverables, Derartu brings the conversation back to the real world of construction – where decisions are shaped by clients, budgets, existing buildings, site conditions, weather, materials, supply chains and commercial viability.

The chat explores why sustainability can still feel difficult to define, why measurement only helps when it connects with what is happening on the ground, and why the people delivering buildings need to be part of the conversation if the industry is going to turn ambition into meaningful progress.