Refurb and Retrofit - Transformation In Action

Matt Milloy
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Following the developments, stories and innovations in the refurbishment, retrofit and refit sectors. Bricks made from plants, carbon negative materials and building transformations. We hear from architects, materials specialists, builders, heating experts, gas and pipe gurus and pioneers of new ways that can help transform housing here in the UK and around the world.

  1. 05/06/2025

    Ending Retrofit’s Rollercoaster: Jack Allen on Wave 3 Funding, PAS 2035 & Truly Warm Homes

    Strap in for a straight‑talking, myth‑busting tour of Britain’s retrofit frontline. Host  Matt Milloy sits down with Jack Allen-founder of Building Energy Experts and one of the sector’s sharpest building‑physics brains-to expose why PAS 2035 compliance, airtightness testing and real‑world performance data beat “best‑guess” modelling every time . Jack pulls no punches about the boom‑and‑bust “Wave” funding fiasco that’s left contractors gasping for air-and explains how the three‑year Warm Homes Wave 3 pot could finally steady the ship if policymakers stop dithering . He calls out the perverse incentives that splash £30k on external wall insulation while ignoring dirt‑cheap airtightness fixes, and argues that councils should fund expertise first and measures second to unlock real value for money . But this episode isn’t just policy talk. Jack drops jaw‑dropping stats-25 k excess cold‑home deaths, 30 k pollution deaths every year-and shows how a cosy, ventilated, heat‑pump‑powered home can slash bills and asthma attacks alike . His rallying cry? Open‑house programmes, bacon‑butty bribes and a “take‑the‑gloves‑off” marketing push to get the next 20 % of Brits to see, feel and want the retrofit revolution . If you’re ready for unfiltered insights, fearless advocacy and a roadmap to truly warm, healthy homes, this is the episode to queue up now.

    42 min

  2. 05/01/2025

    Water and The Retrofit Solution

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy speaks with Samantha Mant from Halcyan Water about the innovative water conditioning technology that addresses the issues of hard water. They discuss the significant energy and carbon savings that can be achieved by treating hard water effectively, the challenges faced by small businesses in the water treatment industry, and the importance of accreditation for market access. Samantha shares insights into the environmental benefits of their product, the science behind it, and the need for greater consumer awareness and adoption of sustainable solutions.

    42 min

  3. 04/09/2025

    Mad Men Ad Man Takes On Retrofit

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, Matt Milloy interviews Leo Raymon founder of Eden Labs, who discusses the intersection of sustainability and marketing. They explore the challenges of marketing retrofit solutions, the importance of community engagement, and the emotional drivers that can motivate consumers to adopt sustainable practices. Leo emphasizes the need for a national conversation about sustainability and the role of collaboration among various stakeholders to create demand for eco-friendly solutions. The conversation also touches on overcoming negative perceptions and the importance of storytelling in promoting sustainability. Leo was and is one of those people who is a modern Mad Men. But the good one.

    33 min

  4. 03/20/2025

    Employment Focused Training - The Future Of Retrofit

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy speaks with Elliot Grover from Greenworkxs about the critical role of training in the retrofit industry. They discuss the urgent need for a skilled workforce to meet net zero targets, the barriers preventing new entrants from joining the industry, and how Greenworks is addressing these challenges through innovative training solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, the need for engaging training methods for younger generations, and the potential of AI in enhancing training processes.

    26 min

  5. 03/10/2025

    House Monitoring Tool In The Post

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy interviews Hermione Crease, CEO of Permetrix, a company specializing in tools for measuring housing performance. They discuss the importance of accurate data in retrofit projects, the user-friendly nature of Permetrix's testing kits, and the company's commitment to data privacy under GDPR. Hermione explains how their tools provide valuable insights for homeowners and professionals alike, emphasizing the need for accurate measurements to guide retrofit decisions. The conversation also touches on the future of the company, the role of AI in home monitoring, and the challenges of addressing climate resilience in building design.

    33 min

  6. 02/24/2025

    Empowering SMEs in the Construction Sector

    In this conversation, Tom Jarman, a construction and energy expert, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the retrofit and construction sector. He emphasizes the importance of understanding value and outcomes, the role of SMEs, the need for workforce training, and the impact of public sector funding. The conversation also highlights the significance of local knowledge, the potential of technology, and the necessity for a long-term vision in retrofit projects. Jarman advocates for a supportive environment for SMEs and stresses the human element in construction, ultimately linking retrofit to energy planning.

    40 min

  7. 02/08/2025

    WE Built This House of Straw - Cypren Edmunds

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy speaks with Cypren Edmunds, head of Straw Building UK, about the potential of straw as a sustainable building material. They discuss the organization's mission to promote straw building, the challenges and misconceptions surrounding its use, and the benefits of straw in terms of insulation and environmental impact. Cypren emphasizes the abundance of straw in the UK and the need for greater awareness and education about its advantages. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement and the role of advocates in promoting straw building as a viable alternative in the construction industry.

    44 min

  8. 01/30/2025

    Why Ventilation Matters More Than You Think

    In this episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy speaks with Simon Jones, the host of the Air Quality Matters podcast. They discuss the critical importance of indoor air quality, the risks associated with poor air quality, and practical solutions for improving air quality in homes. Simon emphasizes the need for effective ventilation, the impact of outdoor pollution, and the role of citizen activism in advocating for better air quality standards. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding air quality as an access issue for vulnerable populations and provides actionable insights for homeowners looking to improve their living environments.

    41 min
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Following the developments, stories and innovations in the refurbishment, retrofit and refit sectors. Bricks made from plants, carbon negative materials and building transformations. We hear from architects, materials specialists, builders, heating experts, gas and pipe gurus and pioneers of new ways that can help transform housing here in the UK and around the world.

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