Susan McGarry: Low Carbon Cement Decarbonising Construction
From Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED by Engineers Journal Ireland
January 5, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 54
About this episode
Susan McGarry discusses the challenges of decarbonising the construction sector and the importance of diversity in engineering.
Construction sector faces urgent decarbonisation challenge whilst Ireland maintains only 11% women in engineering unchanged since 2011 despite ambitious housing and infrastructure targets requiring diverse workforce expansion. Susan McGarry, Managing Director for Ireland at Ecocem pioneering low carbon concrete company, explains journey from Greenpeace member receiving Rainbow Warrior dolphin pictures to becoming youngest MD at 30 years old, how ACT advanced cement technology reduces clinker from 85% to under 30% achieving 600 kilos CO2 savings per tonne, why Irish regulatory system lacks assessment route for new low carbon materials despite ambitious National Development Plan targets, and how cancer diagnosis at 34 prompted reflection on policy passion over operational leadership. With expertise spanning technical concrete troubleshooting through European policy advocacy and member of Engineers Ireland Women in Engineering Group, Susan shares practical advice on visibility without egotism, why nice girls who don't ask get nothing, and how senior management diversity influences maternity leave, IVF cover and bereavement policies attracting retaining women throughout career…
People in this episode
Guest: Susan McGarry
Topics covered
- low carbon cement
- decarbonisation
- women in engineering
- construction industry
- diversity in management
- policy advocacy
Keywords
- low carbon concrete
- clinker reduction
- CO2 savings
- regulatory system
- maternity leave policies
- IVF cover
- cancer diagnosis
- visibility in leadership
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Ecocem, Engineers Ireland
Places: Ireland
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