RISE podcast

Afleveringen

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  Thermal comfort all year round with Klimatica 12.08.2026 28min

  In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Dr Victoria Tink, co-founder of Klimatica and a leading expert in energy efficiency, thermal comfort and overheating risk. Drawing on her experience developing UK Building Regulations, Victoria explores why creating comfortable homes throughout the year is a fundamental part of successful retrofit, and why overheating should be considered alongside energy efficiency from the earliest stages of project design.The conversation examines practical strategies for improving thermal comfort, from reducing solar gains through thoughtful glazing and shading design to maximising natural ventilation and ensuring homes remain safe, secure and easy for occupants to manage. Victoria also highlights the importance of providing residents with clear guidance on how to operate their homes effectively, helping retrofit projects deliver healthier, more comfortable living environments that are resilient to both winter cold and increasingly warmer summers.For further information contact: www.klimatica.coThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Optimising management of assets for long-term retrofit projects with Cotality 05.08.2026 31min

  In this episode of the RISE Retrofit Information Support and Expertise podcast, Claire Brown is joined by Russell Smith, Director at Cotality, to explore the vital role of asset management in delivering successful large-scale retrofit programmes. Drawing on his experience in decarbonisation, data, and infrastructure asset management, Russell explains how a structured, data-driven approach helps organisations make informed decisions about maintaining, upgrading and operating building assets while supporting long-term decarbonisation goals.The episode explores how effective asset management can improve project planning, optimise investment, and reduce complexity across retrofit programmes. Russell also discusses the importance of high-quality data, long-term thinking, and integrating asset management into organisational strategy to maximise building performance and resilience. The conversation offers practical insights for housing providers and retrofit professionals looking to strengthen their approach to asset management and deliver more effective, sustainable retrofit outcomes.For further information visit: www.cotality.com/ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.
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  Blended funding with SMS Energy 29.07.2026 21min

  In this episode, Claire Brown is joined by Tom Woolley, Director of Low Carbon Residential at SMS Energy, to explore the role of blended funding in delivering retrofit at scale. Drawing on SMS Energy's experience of deploying millions of smart meters through private infrastructure investment, Tom explains how similar funding models can be used to accelerate the rollout of technologies such as solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps without relying solely on public funding.The discussion examines how private finance can complement government grants, helping social housing providers and local authorities deliver retrofit projects more quickly while supporting local supply chains and engineering workforces. Listeners will gain practical insights into innovative funding approaches that can unlock large-scale decarbonisation and help meet ambitious retrofit targets across the UK.For further information visit: www.smsenergy.comThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Training future retrofit workers with Capital City College 22.07.2026 23min

  In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Mishary Alfahad, Head of the Green Academy at Capital City College, to discuss the growing retrofit sector and the skills needed to build a future-ready workforce.Drawing on his experience in employability, skills development and green training, Mishary shares how education providers are helping people access careers in retrofit through practical training, employer partnerships and tailored support. Their discussion explores the importance of upskilling both new entrants and existing professionals, the challenges of meeting increasing demand for green skills and the value of strong collaboration between colleges, employers and local organisations.The episode also highlights the opportunities available for young people and career changers looking to enter the green economy, with practical advice on taking the first steps into retrofit training and employment. Listeners will gain valuable insight into the skills, pathways and partnerships helping to shape the UK's transition to a more sustainable built environment.For further information visit:www.capitalccg.ac.ukwww.capitalccg.ac.uk/skills-academies/greenThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Heat pumps in retrofit schemes 15.07.2026 17min

  Claire Brown is joined by Stevie Mardy, Key Account Manager at Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions, to explore the growing role of heat pumps in retrofit projects.Stevie shares insights from working with housing associations and local authorities to deliver low carbon heating solutions, discussing the practical opportunities and common challenges of installing heat pumps in existing homes. The conversation covers the importance of resident engagement, education, phased delivery and building confidence in new technologies, while highlighting how successful case studies can help accelerate wider adoption across the housing sector.The episode also explores the future of home heating and cooling as the UK moves towards net zero, and why manufacturers have an important role to play in supporting the transition through innovation, collaboration and sharing best practice.For further information visit: www.aircon.panasonic.eu/GB_enThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Retrofit guides for residents 08.07.2026 26min

  Host Claire Brown explores the importance of retrofit guides for residents through a case study from Stoke Climsland Parish Council in the South West of England.Claire is joined by Richard Davies, Vice Chair of Stoke Climsland Parish Council and Chair of its Carbon Zero Committee, who discusses the council’s work to support whole-house retrofit across the parish. The conversation introduces the local approach to encouraging sustainable home improvements and highlights how community-led initiatives can help residents understand and engage with retrofit projects.This episode provides an introduction to the role of parish councils in driving retrofit ambitions and the value of clear, accessible guidance for residents embarking on their own retrofit journey.For further information visit: stokeclimslandparishcouncil.gov.uk This podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  HPA UK, the heat pump market and what's to come 01.07.2026 49min

  In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association UK (HPA UK), and Laura Bishop, Co-Chair of HPA UK.  The discussion begins by introducing the newly formed organisation, which brings together three previous trade bodies to provide a single voice for the sector. HPA UK works with government and industry to improve standards, support installer training, influence policy and accelerate the uptake of heat pumps across the UK.The speakers explain how heat pumps are a well-established technology that transfers heat from the air, ground or water into buildings, making them far more efficient than traditional gas boilers. They address common misconceptions, highlighting that heat pumps can work effectively in existing homes, including older properties, when correctly designed and installed. Advances in refrigerants have also improved performance and reduced environmental impact, while customer satisfaction remains high, with around 95% of Boiler Upgrade Scheme recipients reporting positive experiences.The discussion highlights strong market growth, increasing use of heat pumps in social housing and new-build developments, and expanding installer capacity. They conclude that heat pumps are a proven solution for low-carbon heating, with continued government support, lower electricity costs and greater consumer awareness expected to drive further growth in the years ahead.For further information visit: www.hpauk.org.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Transition from ECO to Warm Homes with InstaGroup 30.06.2026 23min

  In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Ed Andrews, Commercial Director at InstaGroup, to explore the transition from the ECO and GBIS funding schemes to the government's new Warm Homes Plan.Drawing on InstaGroup's extensive experience in retrofit delivery, Ed discusses how the sector is adapting to a fundamentally different operating model that places greater emphasis on whole house retrofit, local delivery, long term programme management and quality assurance. Their conversation examines the opportunities and challenges facing installers as they navigate new procurement routes, increased compliance requirements, changing payment structures and the growing importance of partnerships across the retrofit supply chain.Adam and Ed also explore the role of resident engagement in delivering successful retrofit projects, the importance of maintaining high quality standards throughout delivery and how collaboration between local authorities, contractors, installers and communities will be essential to achieving the UK's ambitious decarbonisation and energy efficiency goals. Drawing on InstaGroup's work with Surrey County Council, Ed shares practical lessons on building trusted local partnerships and delivering successful retrofit programmes at scale.For further information visit: www.instagroup.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  The importance of ventilation with Farmwood 24.06.2026 38min

  Adam Armour-Florence speaks with Nathan Wood, Managing Director of Farmwood, about the growing importance of indoor air quality and building health in the drive towards more energy-efficient homes.Nathan shares insights from over two decades working across residential and commercial ventilation systems, discussing how retrofit projects can succeed or fail depending on whether ventilation is properly considered. The conversation explores the links between airtightness, moisture management, damp and mould, occupant behaviour and long-term building performance, while highlighting the risks of focusing solely on energy efficiency without considering the health and wellbeing of residents.The episode also examines common challenges encountered in retrofit projects, the need for competent design and installation and the value of engaging residents so they understand how their homes are intended to operate. Through practical examples and industry experience, Nathan makes the case for treating ventilation as an essential part of the retrofit process, helping to create homes that are not only warmer and more efficient, but healthier places to live.For further information visit: www.farmwood.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Retrofit Credits with HACT 10.06.2026 25min

  In this episode, Claire Brown is joined by Antoine Pellet, Head of Retrofit Credits at HACT, to explore how social landlords can unlock additional funding from retrofit projects through the Retrofit Credits programme. The conversation examines how retrofit measures such as insulation, solar panels and heat pumps can generate verified carbon credits, alongside measurable social value linked to improved wellbeing, comfort and reduced fuel poverty. Antoine outlines the end-to-end process for housing providers, from submitting property and retrofit data through to independent auditing, credit issuance and the sale of credits, all delivered at no cost to participating organisations.Claire and Antoine also discuss real world examples, including an award winning partnership involving Riverside and Knauf that demonstrates how local supply chains, carbon finance and social housing investment can work together to create a circular funding model. The episode concludes with practical advice for retrofit providers, highlighting the importance of good data, resident engagement, collaboration and exploring innovative funding approaches to maximise the impact of retrofit programmes.For further information visit: www.hact.org.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  LGBTQ+ focused resident engagement 03.06.2026 34min

  Host Claire Brown is joined by Jack Mason, LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Coordinator at Stonewall Housing, and Sarah Willcox-Jones, Property Services Improvement Specialist at L&Q, to explore the importance of inclusive resident engagement within retrofit programmes.The episode highlights the unique housing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ residents, including safety concerns, isolation, discrimination and barriers to engaging with housing providers. Jack shares insights from research, including the landmark No Place Like Home study, while Sarah reflects on the role housing providers play in creating safe, inclusive environments for all residents.Together they discuss practical approaches to improving resident engagement, from collecting better demographic data and diversifying communication methods to building trust through visible allyship and staff training. Their conversation also explores the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, a sector-wide initiative supporting housing providers to embed inclusive practices, strengthen resident engagement and improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.For further information visit: www.stonewallhousing.orgThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Community Health Impact Assessments (CHIAs) with the National Retrofit Hub 27.05.2026 39min

  Claire Brown from Turner & Townsend is joined by Sara Edmonds, Co-Director of the National Retrofit Hub, to explore the growing importance of community health in retrofit delivery.The conversation focuses on Community Health Impact Assessments (CHIAs) and how they can help local authorities, housing providers and communities better understand the relationship between housing, neighbourhoods and health outcomes. Sara discusses why retrofit must move beyond technical upgrades alone and instead place greater emphasis on trust, lived experience and long-term community wellbeing.The episode explores how issues such as damp, mould, fuel poverty, poor housing conditions and social isolation are deeply connected to the built environment. Sara shares practical examples from Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham, demonstrating how community led approaches can lead to more effective, trusted and sustainable retrofit programmes.The discussion also highlights the work of the National Retrofit Hub in bringing together organisations, communities and industry partners to strengthen retrofit delivery across the UK, while providing practical tools and guidance for those delivering programmes on the ground.For further information visit:Community Health impact Assessments in RetrofitHealth, Place, and Retrofit ReportCentric Lab's Ecological Health learning programmeThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Measurement matters: navigating retrofit with data with Knauf 20.05.2026 36min

  In this episode, host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Christopher Price, Technical Development Manager at Knauf Installation, and Nick Johansen, Commercial Director at Knauf Energy Solutions, to discuss why data measurement is becoming critical to successful retrofit delivery for housing providers.The conversation explores the growing gap between EPC assumptions and the real world thermal performance of homes. Drawing on extensive experience across fuel poverty, insulation, retrofit delivery and energy systems, the guests explain how housing providers can use data and measurement to make better investment decisions, improve resident outcomes and prepare homes for future decarbonisation requirements. The discussion also highlights how poor installation quality, thermal bypass and inconsistent retrofit standards can undermine project performance, even in homes that appear compliant on paper. For further information visit:www.knaufinsulation.comwww.knaufenergy.comThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  The importance of coaching with Glee Coaching 13.05.2026 27min

  In this episode of the RISE Podcast, Claire Brown speaks with leadership coach Barbra Carlisle of Glee Coaching about the critical role leadership and coaching play in delivering successful retrofit programmes.The episode explores how retrofit leaders can navigate ambiguity, manage complex teams, support behaviour change and create psychologically safe environments where people feel heard and empowered. Barbra shares insights into self-awareness, communication, team dynamics, accountability and why coaching is about curiosity and growth rather than fixing performance.The conversation also highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, celebrating small wins, avoiding burnout and building resilient teams capable of delivering large scale retrofit projects while keeping residents and communities at the heart of the process.For further information visit: www.gleecoaching.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Learning from data insights with Acuity 06.05.2026 20min

  In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence is joined by Sean Brennan, Benchmarking and Corporate Director at Acuity Research & Practice, to explore how data and insight can strengthen retrofit delivery across the housing sector.With over 17 years’ experience in local government and social housing, Sean shares practical perspectives on using benchmarking, resident satisfaction data and service performance insights to improve decision making. The discussion focuses on how organisations can shift from reactive approaches to preventative strategies, helping to identify risks early, enhance resident outcomes and maximise the impact of retrofit investment.Whether you're working on large-scale schemes or preparing for future funding opportunities, this episode offers valuable guidance on using data, resident insight and shared learning to deliver more effective retrofit projects.For further information visit: www.arap.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  U-value measurement with Build Test Solutions and Energy house Labs 29.04.2026 37min

  In this episode, host Claire Brown is joined by Richard Fitton from Energy House Labs at University of Salford and Richard Jack from Build Test Solutions to explore how we measure the real world thermal performance of buildings.Focusing on U-values, the conversation unpacks why traditional ‘calculated figures often fall short, and how in situ measurement is transforming our understanding of heat loss, energy efficiency and building quality. Drawing on cutting-edge research from Energy House Labs and practical tools developed by Build Test Solutions, the episode highlights the surprising variability in building performance, even among seemingly identical homes.The conversation explores what U-values really measure and why they matter, the gap between predicted and actual building performance and how new technologies are enabling more accurate measurement of heat loss, air tightness and thermal efficiency. It also looks at why a measure first approach could reshape retrofit strategies, alongside the growing role of data, testing and international collaboration in improving housing standards.For further information visit:www.buildtestsolutions.comwww.energyhouselabs.salford.ac.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  Retrofit Success Guides with SHAP 22.04.2026 38min

  In this episode, Adam Armour-Florence introduces the Retrofit Success Guides, developed in collaboration with Sustainable Housing Action Partnership (SHAP). The discussion explores how these guides aim to support organisations delivering retrofit projects by providing structured, practical and evidence-based approaches.Guest Poonam Sakarsudha shares her background in communications, highlighting the importance of clear engagement strategies in driving meaningful social and environmental change. Alongside her, Richard Bubb reflects on the collaborative effort behind the guides and their role in addressing the complex challenges of large-scale housing retrofit.Poonam and Richard emphasise that successful retrofit goes beyond technical delivery, it requires strong communication, resident engagement and ongoing learning. They discuss the importance of monitoring outcomes, ensuring residents can effectively use new technologies like heat pumps, and fostering collaboration across local authorities, housing providers, and communities.For further information visit: www.shap.uk.com/retrofit-successThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  International collaboration for retrofit 15.04.2026 19min

  Host Adam Armour-Florence speaks with Stephen Fernandez, Director and Global Building Retrofit Leader at Arup, to examine how international approaches can inform more effective, scalable programmes across the UK. Drawing on over 25 years of global experience, Stephen shares insights from leading retrofit projects and working across multiple regions.Key themes include the role of international collaboration in shaping policy and delivery models, the value of standardised, long term funding programmes and how proven approaches from countries such as Germany and the Netherlands are helping to reduce costs and increase confidence in retrofit at scale.Stephen also outlines clear, actionable steps for housing providers, local authorities and policymakers to adopt global best practice, covering governance, data sharing and delivery structures that support consistent, high-quality outcomes.For further information visit: www.arup.com/services/building-retrofitThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  The importance of communication in retrofit 08.04.2026 27min

  In this episode, host Claire Brown explores the vital role of communication in delivering successful retrofit programmes. Joined by communications specialist Polly Buckland and Andy Piper, Head of Sustainability at VIVID, the discussion explores why clear, accessible and resident focused communication is essential across every stage of retrofit projects.Polly and Andy share practical strategies to improve engagement, such as tailoring communication to resident needs, using accessible and multi-channel approaches, and embedding two way dialogue throughout projects. They emphasise the importance of building trust, managing expectations around disruption, and designing property specific messaging to reduce risk and improve delivery, offering clear, actionable insights for organisations planning or delivering retrofit at scale.For further information visit: www.pollyb.co.ukwww.vividhomes.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.
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  The importance of 3rd party guarantees 01.04.2026 29min

  Host Adam Armour-Florence is joined by industry experts Andrew Champ and Mitch Gee from SWIGA to explore the critical role of third-party guarantees in retrofit projects.Drawing on decades of experience in construction and external wall insulation, the guests unpack what 3rd party guarantees are, why they matter, and how they protect both homeowners and project stakeholders. The discussion highlights key challenges in the retrofit sector, including subcontracting risks, inconsistent quality standards and the need for better data sharing across certification and guarantee providers.Andrew and Mitch also share practical insights from large scale programmes such as social housing decarbonisation schemes, demonstrating how early engagement with guarantee providers and robust quality assurance processes can lead to consistently successful outcomes. They challenge common misconceptions around failure rates in insulation projects, emphasising that with the right checks and accountability in place, high-quality delivery is not only achievable but already being demonstrated.For further information visit: www.swiga.co.ukThis podcast is an informal discussion between interested parties associated with Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise. Any views expressed are those of the individuals concerned and do not seek to represent the government.There are a number of webinars, masterclasses and followup events available for free right now through RISE. Please visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find the right event for you.