In this enlightening episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy delves into the world of industrial hemp with industry expert Jamie Bartley, CEO of Unyte Group. Listeners will be captivated by the transformative potential of hemp as Jamie shares his journey on developing and promoting a breakthrough product poised to revolutionize the sustainable materials market. Jamie Bartley's journey with Unyte Group began by recognizing the immense potential of industrial hemp for large-scale decarbonization. Experimenting with various cultivars, seed densities, and harvest systems, his team strategically researched and trialed to pinpoint the most effective methods for hemp cultivation specific to UK conditions. With a DEFRA and Innovate UK-funded project, the group aimed to harness regenerative agriculture and is now on the cusp of producing hemp-based construction materials such as Hempcrete blocks and non-woven insulation at an industrial scale.

Listen to women, let them have a voice and save the planet. Our guest, Leah Robson, succinctly details her experiences leading a progressive heat pump enterprise, sharing insights into the growth and adaptation of her business and the industry at large. Leah touches on the nuanced dynamics of customer interactions, stressing the importance of addressing both the technical and personal sides of energy retrofitting. She sheds light on the gendered aspects of sales and installations, bringing to attention the need for a more inclusive approach within the industry. The conversation then shifts to the broader landscape of the energy transition in the UK. The pair examine how media representation, public perception, and diverse workforce can affect the adoption of heat pumps. Leah advocates for innovative workforce training strategies and inclusivity, providing a thought-provoking perspective on progressing the renewable energy mission.

In this episode, we focus on a newly published report from the London Assembly that could significantly influence local and national policy on sustainable building practices. Discover the intricate balance between refurbishment, retrofitting, and new constructions, and how their life cycles affect our planet. We dive into the complex world of policy, construction, and demolition industries, as the report's recommendations challenge the status quo, advocating for mandatory whole-life carbon assessments and seeking to bolster the viability of retrofit over new builds.

In the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy delves into the innovative world of digital logbooks for property management with guest Nigel Walley. This episode unpacks the concept of house logbooks, which might be unfamiliar to many, but hold the potential to revolutionize how homeowners track vital information about their properties. Gain insight into the parallels between car logbooks and their newfound counterparts in the housing industry. Nigel Walley discusses the philosophy behind digital logbooks, highlighting their role as secure tools for homeowners to compile and control data related to their property transactions, building works, and maintenance. He emphasizes the homeowners' right to own and manage this information, amidst an ecosystem where third parties often hold such data. The conversation explores how digitization creates service benefits, akin to car ownership, and the future integrations expected with various local and commercial data sources. With this backdrop, the episode ventures into the implications for retrofitting and real estate, addressing privacy concerns, data abuse, and the evolving expectations for homeowners' knowledge about their properties.

[SUMMARY]: Sam Baumber, COO of Indinature, discusses the revolutionary industrial hemp-based thermal insulation products manufactured by the company. With formal approval and accreditation, Indinature is ready to provide high-quality, sustainable insulation for large-scale construction and retrofit projects. Sam addresses the challenges of changing perceptions around biomaterials, the importance of fire safety, and the potential for carbon sequestration through hemp farming. He also teases upcoming product releases, including acoustic insulation and higher-density boards. Indinature aims to transform the industry and create a sustainable future for buildings.

In this episode of the **Refurb and Retrofit Podcast**, host Matt Milloy engages with Leigh Fairbrother from Q-Bot in a thought-provoking dialogue about the intersection of technology and sustainability in home insulation. They delve into the revolutionary concept of Q-Bot's robotic underfloor insulation system, examining its impact on both the housing industry and individual homeowners' lives. Leigh Fairbrother introduces us to Q-Bot’s innovative system, a robotic solution that addresses the challenges of underfloor insulation in UK homes – a process traditionally associated with significant disruption and complication. With a clever design allowing it to navigate tight spaces and difficult terrains beneath floorboards, Q-Bot’s technology not only enhances thermal performance but also contributes beneficially to indoor health by mitigating dampness and preventing the ingress of harmful particles. Throughout the conversation, Milloy. inquires about the broader implications of adopting such technology, shedding light on retrofit's potential benefits and challenges. The exchange probes into the details of the robot's capabilities, the sustainability of the materials used, and the process of achieving industry consensus on new technologies. By the end of this episode, listeners are left contemplating the future of home insulation and the innovative solutions emerging within the retrofit industry.

Matt Milloy hosts Mel Esquerre and Laura Dalgetty from Lochend in Edinburgh, discussing the complex and frustrating retrofit process in mixed-tenure housing. Despite the promise of warmer, more efficient homes, residents face hidden costs, poor communication, and potential eviction. The episode sheds light on the systemic issues and the emotional toll on low-income homeowners and renters. It's a critical conversation on the need for transparent, fair retrofitting practices that safeguard residents' rights and well-being. This episode is a vital listen for those facing similar challenges nationwide.

In this enlightening episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy engages with Dr Yekhaterina Brobrova, a distinguished researcher from the University of Oxford, to explore the intricacies of domestic retrofit. The conversation delves deep into the psychological and emotional barriers homeowners face when considering retrofitting their homes. Yekhaterina's insights reveal a fresh perspective on the retrofit industry, emphasizing the emotional connection homeowners have with their homes and how this affects their decision-making process. During the episode, Yekhaterina presents her findings on the common misconceptions within the industry, where the emphasis often lies heavily on financial benefits and energy savings. She brings to light the importance of addressing the emotional significance of homes and their impact on the homeowners' motivations. Matt and Yekhaterina discuss the importance of trust in the retrofit process and how negative experiences can have lasting repercussions on homeowners’ perceptions, ultimately affecting industry uptake. The conversation also covers the heuristic framework—Home for the Common Future (HCF)—developed by Yekhaterina to guide better understanding and communication around retrofitting benefits.

In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit Podcast, host Matt Milloy speaks with Imandeep Kaur, co-founder of Civic Square, a community-led initiative focused on fighting climate change through neighborhood-led retrofitting. Imandeep shares insights into how Civic Square operates, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, the challenges of securing funding, and the role of emotional connection in sustainable housing solutions. She explores how Civic Square has built bridges between communities, councils, and professional organizations to deliver retrofit solutions that empower neighborhoods, making retrofit accessible and understandable to everyday people. The conversation touches on the future of retrofitting at scale, the friction between commercial and civic imperatives, and the importance of representation in making sustainable housing a reality for all.

In this episode, Matt Milloy chats with Michelle Robinson, Development Manager at Snugg, a digital platform designed to guide homeowners through the process of energy efficiency upgrades. Michelle explains Snugg’s mission to help users create personalized home improvement plans, access financing, and connect with trusted installers to make their homes greener. Together, Matt and Michelle discuss the broader role Snugg plays in advancing retrofit efforts in the UK and making sustainable upgrades more accessible for everyone. Key Quotes "Snugg is here to guide homeowners through their journey of understanding and financing energy efficiency projects for their homes." "Partnerships are crucial to our mission of supporting UK’s retrofit goals and helping people feel confident about sustainable home improvements." "We’re not just another digital tool. We want to be a trusted resource in helping homeowners navigate an often complex process."