Brogan’s journey—from a creative young vegetarian to a senior engineer and environmentalist—reflects a bigger shift taking place across the built environment sector: one that demands we stop settling for “less bad” and start designing systems that actively restore.

From Carbon Focus to Climate Justice

Brogan’s role at Ramboll has expanded far beyond traditional carbon accounting. Today, she leads initiatives around:

• Embodied carbon reduction

• Circular economy and material reuse

• Biodiversity impact management

• Equity and climate justice in design

“We’re still operating in a degenerative paradigm—taking more than we give back. Regenerative design asks: how do we leave places healthier than we found them?”

Her point is clear: net-zero isn’t enough. Construction must actively repair, rewild, and rethink its entire relationship with natural and human systems.

Breaking the “Creative vs Scientific” Myth 🎨🔬

Brogan’s path challenges the old idea that you’re either a creative or a scientist. Initially pigeonholed into the arts at school, it was a single teacher who opened her eyes to the possibilities of blending both worlds.

“Engineering isn’t the opposite of creativity. It is creative—problem-solving with ingenuity.”

This blending of artistry and technical rigour defines her philosophy today, whether redesigning steel systems or reimagining corporate leadership models.

Leading with Softness 💬

Another powerful insight Brogan shared is the shift in how she leads.

“For years, I tried to blend in—to be one of the guys. Now, I lean into softness. Authenticity, empathy, and care are leadership strengths, not weaknesses.”

In a male-dominated engineering world, this shift has helped her build trust and influence far more effectively than traditional command-and-control styles.

Steel, Scrap, and the “Uncomfortable Truth” of Decarbonisation 🔥

Discussing the recent Scunthorpe Steel crisis, Brogan illuminated a critical, often misunderstood issue:

• Scrap steel can only meet a third of global demand.

• Demand for steel is set to rise 50% by 2050.

• Even “low-carbon” solutions like electric arc furnaces aren’t silver bullets unless paired with drastic consumption reduction.

“Specifying recycled steel might look good on a project report. But it doesn’t cut global emissions. We need material reuse, systemic reduction, and real honesty about our limits.”

She also issued a stark warning: without better scrap recovery, smarter material reuse, and demand reduction, the green steel revolution risks being a mirage.

Radical Solutions: Reuse, Bio-Based Materials, and Mindset Shifts 🌱🏗️

Despite the serious challenges, Brogan remains hopeful:

• Steel reuse: Salvaging and recertifying steel from demolition sites could slash emissions dramatically.

• Bio-based materials: Timber, hempcrete, mycelium composites, and more could transform mid-rise construction.

• Innovative concrete technologies: New blends like calcined clay concrete could revolutionise infrastructure if clients embrace innovation and risk.

But the biggest barrier? Mindset.

“Construction moves slowly. It took twenty years to fix basic safety. We can’t afford that pace for the climate transition.”

Graduates and younger professionals, she believes, are key to unlocking faster cultural change.

Brogan’s Magic Wand Moment 🪄

If given a magic wand, Brogan would replace GDP as the dominant measure of success with Doughnut Economics—balancing human needs within planetary boundaries.

“GDP doesn’t equal happiness. We need an economic model that values health, equity, and environmental regeneration.”

Final Takeaway 🚀

Brogan MacDonald’s vision challenges the construction industry—and society more broadly—to stop patching problems and start building net-positive futures. Through material reuse, radical honesty, systemic redesign, and authentic leadership, a regenerative built environment isn’t just possible—it’s urgently necessary.