NEWS: From Refugee Training To The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive And A Newborn Okapi

Welcome to the very first edition of the Constructive Voices News — a short, sharp burst of uplifting stories from the built environment, with a side of conservation. Hosted by Jackie De Burca, this six minute episode showcases inspiring developments in construction, sustainability, and social integration. Here’s what’s in the spotlight: Refugee Training: Empowering Refugees Through Construction Training In Amersfoort, Netherlands, the Arcadis Future Academy is changing lives. A powerful collaboration between Arcadis Refugee Talent Hub, New Dutch Connections, and De Taaltrainer is helping refugees build careers in construction and architecture. One standout story is Ayoub Choban, who arrived in the Netherlands from Iraq in 2014 and has now secured a contract with Arcadis. The programme combines technical training with soft skills and mentorship, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the sector. Bouygues Construction Commits to a Net Zero Future French firm Bouygues Construction is leading the charge towards a low-carbon future. With a bold goal to cut carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, they’re investing in eco-design, bio-based materials, reuse strategies, and life cycle analysis (LCA) at every stage of construction. Digital tools and staff training are central to their approach — and they’re calling on the industry to join in the transformation. Related episode plug: If this topic piques your interest, don’t miss our newly released episode on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive with Stephen Barrett of the Irish Green Building Council. Conservation Win: Rare Okapi Calf Born at Dublin Zoo In a moment of joy for wildlife enthusiasts, Dublin Zoo has welcomed its first okapi calf in over a decade. This elusive and endangered species — often called the “forest giraffe” — is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Courtesy of Dublin Zoo Born to Lumara and Kitabu, the new calf represents hope for the future of the species and a proud achievement for the zoo’s conservation team. Although born on Good Friday, the news was only released officially in late July. Helen Clarke, the Team Leader at Dublin Zoo said, “The calf is thriving, and visitors exploring the African Plains area may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her in the coming days – and see just h...