What happens when architects and construction leaders stop accepting the limits of traditional building materials—and start asking better questions?In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Allison Dring, CEO and Co-Founder of Made of Air, to explore how discomfort drives curiosity, innovation, and change in the built environment. Explore how biochar is becoming a key tool for sustainable building practices and climate action in the construction industry. With the construction industry responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions, this conversation challenges a common assumption: sustainability is about reducing harm. Instead, it introduces a more ambitious idea—buildings as active participants in climate action.At the center is biochar, a carbon-negative material that can turn buildings into long-term carbon storage systems. But this isn’t just about materials—it’s about leadership, mindset, and what it takes to drive change in an industry shaped by legacy systems, risk aversion, and complex supply chains.Together, they unpack why sustainable materials face resistance, how certification and procurement slow innovation, and why change often starts with individuals—not systems—willing to think differently.This episode reframes the opportunity: not just to build less harm, but to build in a way that actively contributes to solving climate challenges.What you’ll learn: Why material choices drive construction emissions  How biochar enables carbon-negative building materials  The real barriers slowing sustainable material adoption  Why certification and procurement resist innovation  How curiosity and leadership drive change in construction Who this is for: Architects, engineers, developers, and AEC leaders focused on sustainability, innovation, and leading change.Chapters01:06 - Meet Allison Dring and Made of Air06:02 - Why materials drive construction emissions11:40 - Why the industry struggles to adopt new materials17:01 - What biochar is and how it stores carbon25:39 - The carbon budget and why it matters33:15 - The real cost of doing nothing45:42 - What success looks like for carbon-negative buildingsGuestAllison Dring is CEO and Co-Founder of Made of Air, transforming wood waste into carbon-negative building materials that store carbon for decades.With a background in architecture and material innovation, she focuses on scaling biochar-based materials to help the construction industry move beyond carbon neutrality toward carbon removal.https://www.madeofair.com/New Lyfe AccountingFree Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goalsConnective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. New Lyfe AccountingFree Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goalsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note—we’re listening!Follow Ryan at the following: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llchttps://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/https://connective-coaching.com/https://ryanware.me/Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.