CLIMATE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT – IN CONVERSATION WITH CLIMATE REALITY LEADER KATE BOYLAN

KATE BOYLAN. PHOTOGRAPH PROVIDED BY K. BOYLAN, 2026

The built environment is often seen as rigid and enduring, shaped by centuries of trusted practices. Yet the industry’s adaptability is integral to how we respond to the climate emergency. To succeed, long-standing ways of doing things are questioned and new approaches embraced.

We had the immense privilege of speaking with Sustainability and Climate Consultant and Climate Reality Leader Kate Boylan about her work helping bring climate resilience and

carbon emissions considerations into the world of engineering and construction. Our conversation explores the intersection of the built environment and climate, as well as the recurring theme of interconnectedness in the systems that shape our world.

We hope you enjoy this interview.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN CLIMATE REALITY

I was in what felt like never-ending lockdown in Melbourne, and there wasn't a lot of inspiration going around, so when I learnt about the Climate Reality Leadership Training, it was an easy yes. 

HOW HAS THAT EXPERIENCE INFLUENCED YOUR WORK OR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE

I already lived and breathed sustainability and climate through my work and personal life, but I always find value and inspiration in hearing others describe the challenge and opportunity. It was a timely reminder, given the lockdown surrounds, of the world out there, and what needed to be done. I enjoyed meeting others from across Asia Pacific equally concerned and passionate about this work. 

Kate Boylan. Photograph provided by K. Boylan, 2026

HOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND AND APPLY A WORLDVIEW OF INTERCONNECTEDNESS IN YOUR SUSTAINABILITY WORK

During my time in the United Kingdom I learnt about Regenerative Design, the concept of adjusting our mindset to align more with living systems (of which we are part of!) and focusing on the interconnectedness of our world. Back on home soil in Aotearoa New Zealand, this same 'concept' is embedded within te ao Māori (the Māori worldview); viewing the world as one large, interconnected, living system. As much as I believe in this worldview and mindset, I sometimes find it difficult to apply in the world of engineering and construction projects, which is particularly literal and logical. The best time and place to influence these projects is at their inception. Does this need to be built at all? If so, what is the best thing to build? And ultimately, 'what if every time we built something, the world got better?' 

WHAT SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT OR ACHIEVEMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF

Kate Boylan. Photograph provided by K. Boylan, 2026

I am most proud of my work helping large public sector organisations bring climate change resilience and carbon emissions considerations into their very early-stage investment planning.

That is, considering carbon and climate when deciding which project options to invest in / take forward. Can we build something that better adapts to our changing climate? That requires less embodied carbon in the materials used to build? And enables less carbon throughout its lifetime? 

HOW HAS YOUR ENGINEERING BACKGROUND SHAPED THE WAY YOU APPROACH THE CLIMATE CRISIS

From my engineering background and experience, I find that I approach the climate crisis with cautious, logical consideration. Our built environment is integral to our response to the climate emergency in many ways. In terms of climate resilience (adaptation) and carbon emissions (mitigation), sometimes the best thing would be to build nothing. 

However, that often isn't an option. With our growing population and aging infrastructure, we require new or renewed buildings and infrastructure to support our way of life and ensure the safety of our people. Traditional building materials have high embodied carbon and are not easily reused or recycled at the end of the asset's life. 

Kate Boylan. Photograph provided by K. Boylan, 2026

Alternative, climate-friendlier materials are available, but we need to rethink what and how we build. Such behaviour change, in an industry ruled by 'the way we've always done things', is one of my key climate challenges.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU - AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING WILL GROW FROM THE CONNECTIONS FORMED AT THE AOTEAROA HUI THIS YEAR

Climate Reality Leader Hui 2025. Photograph provided by K. Boylan 20206.

Having just moved home to Aotearoa, this diverse community of passionate people is incredibly valuable for me reconnecting to the whenua (land) and tangata (people). "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. (What is the most important thing in the world?  It is people, it is people, it is people)." As part of this living system, we are interconnected 

both to this land, and to each other. The inspiration, the action, and the change that these connections can enable are endless. I look forward to what comes next.