Shaping a Greener Tomorrow

UPOWA
  • 0.0 (0)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, the podcast that dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the built environment. Hosted by UPOWA Managing Director, Paul Terry, this series brings together industry-leading voices – from sustainability consultants, housebuilders and developers to product and technology manufacturers. Together, we’ll be tackling the biggest topics and trends shaping the industry, from the transition to net-zero and implications of new legislation and standards, to the challenges of skills shortages and the integration of smart tech and sustainable innovation.

Episodes

  1. MAR 12

    Beyond policy & compliance: Delivering net zero homes in practice, with Chris Gaze

    As the UK housebuilding industry prepares for the Future Homes Standard and the 2027 Solar Mandate, the focus is shifting from policy ambition to practical delivery. In this episode of Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, Chris Gaze, Associate at the Future Homes Hub, joins host and UPOWA Managing Director Paul Terry to explore how the industry can move beyond policy and compliance to deliver net zero homes in practice. The conversation looks at how housebuilders, policymakers, and the wider supply chain can work together to turn regulation into real-world delivery — ensuring new homes perform as designed, reduce carbon across their lifecycle, and support the UK’s transition to net zero. Tune in for insights on: The mission and role of the Future Homes Hub in guiding the industry toward the Future Homes Standard What the Future Homes Standard and Solar Mandate mean for developers, installers, and suppliers The challenges of scaling net zero housing delivery across the UK Why whole-home performance is essential to achieving real carbon reductions How embodied and whole-life carbon are shaping the future of sustainable housing The importance of collaboration between housebuilders, policymakers, and clean-tech partners How innovation and integrated design can help deliver future-ready homes at scale Resources & mentions: Future Homes Hub Future Homes Standard UPOWA If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and review to help others discover the UPOWA Shaping a Greener Tomorrow podcast. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we inspire change to help shape a more sustainable future for the built environment.

    1h 6m

  2. 12/11/2025

    Why SME housebuilders are key to a greener future

    As the UK moves toward the 2027 Future Homes Standard and the Solar Mandate, SME housebuilders are becoming increasingly vital to delivering sustainable, high-quality homes at scale. In this episode of Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, and board member of both the Future Homes Hub and the Home Builders Federation, joins host and UPOWA Managing Director Paul Terry to explore the future of SME development. This conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector: planning reform, regulatory changes, skills and supply chain capacity, policy influence, and the innovative design and technology choices helping SMEs meet evolving standards. Tune in for insights on: Why SME housebuilders play a critical role in meeting UK sustainability and housing targets The biggest regulatory and planning challenges facing smaller developers  How industry bodies like the Future Homes Hub and HBF are supporting SME voices  The importance of skills, collaboration, and local supply chains  How Bargate Homes is designing for sustainability while maintaining affordability  Where solar, battery storage, ASHPs and EV charging fit into compliance and consumer demand What the 2027 Future Homes Standard and Solar Mandate mean for SMEs  The innovations likely to transform UK housebuilding over the next decade  Resources & mentions: Bargate HomesFuture Homes Hub HBF ⁠Future Homes Standard⁠ ⁠Brickability Group PLC ⁠ UPOWA If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and review to help others discover the UPOWA Shaping a Greener Tomorrow podcast. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we inspire change to help shape a more sustainable future for the built environment.

    36 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    No energy bills? Inside the Zero Bills housing revolution

    As the UK housing industry faces rising energy costs and prepares for the Future Homes Standard, one concept is redefining what’s possible for energy, affordability, and sustainability — Zero Bills homes. In this episode of Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, Hannah McCarthy, Head of Zero Bills at Octopus Energy, joins host and UPOWA Managing Director Paul Terry to discuss how homes can be designed, built, and powered with no energy bills for at least ten years. From the technology making it possible to the partnerships driving its rollout, this conversation explores how the Zero Bills model is helping housebuilders and developers deliver low-carbon homes that meet changing regulations and consumer expectations. Tune in for insights on: What defines a Zero Bills home and how the model works The technology and clean energy systems enabling energy-free living How developers are responding to growing consumer demand The role of Zero Bills in meeting the Future Homes Standard The importance of partnership and scalability across the supply chain Real-world examples, including Thakeham’s Templegate development, where Zero Bills has been the single biggest driver of enquiries Resources & mentions: Zero Bills by Octopus Energy Thakeham Homes TemplegateUrban & Civic Penny GreenFuture Homes Standard Brickability Group PLC UPOWA If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate and review to help others discover the UPOWA Shaping a Greener Tomorrow podcast. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we inspire change to help shape a more sustainable future for the built environment.

    25 min

  4. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Shaping a Greener Tomorrow – A New UPOWA Podcast

    Welcome to Shaping a Greener Tomorrow – a podcast that dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the built environment in the UK. Our host is Paul Terry, Managing Director at UPOWA and this season he’ll be speaking to industry-leading experts from across the built environment supply chain. From sustainability consultants, housebuilders and developers to product and technology manufacturers. We’ll be tackling the biggest topics and trends impacting the industry, from the transition to net-zero and implications of new legislation and standards, to the challenges of skills shortages and the integration of smart tech and sustainable innovation. We’re here to uncover practical solutions, share success stories and offer insights to help navigate the evolving landscape of housebuilding and construction in the UK. Tune in and join the conversation as we inspire change to help shape a more sustainable future for the built environment. Subscribe now to Shaping a Greener Tomorrow.

    1 min

  5. 06/26/2025

    Homes of the Future – How do we build sustainably and deliver at scale?

    As the UK housebuilding industry prepares for the Future Homes Standard and aims to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030, how do we futureproof homes while keeping them affordable and buildable at scale? In our debut episode of Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, Danielle Michalska-Morris Senior Group Technical Innovation Manager at Barratt Redrow PLC joins host and UPOWA’s Managing Director Paul Terry to discuss how rethinking home design, leveraging renewable technologies and modern methods of construction, and fostering industry-wide collaboration can accelerate the delivery of sustainable housing. From smart tech in Denmark to timber frame systems in the US, Danielle explains how international best practice is shaping Barratt Redrow’s approach — and why no single solution will work for every home. It’s about data, flexibility, and putting the homeowner at the centre of the design journey. Tune in for insights on: What defines a "home of the future" Decarbonising new homes for net zeroThe role of fabric-first and smart technologyResponding to evolving regulationChallenges of building at scale sustainablyConsumer expectations and the value of educationThe power of cross-sector collaborationResources & mentions: Future Homes StandardEnergy House 2.0 & Zed HouseFuture Homes Hub & HBFBarratt Redrow PLCOctopus Energy Zero BillsBrickability Group PLC If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to rate and review to help others discover the UPOWA Shaping a Greener Tomorrow podcast. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we inspire change to help shape a more sustainable future for the built environment.

    27 min

Trailer

About

Shaping a Greener Tomorrow, the podcast that dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the built environment. Hosted by UPOWA Managing Director, Paul Terry, this series brings together industry-leading voices – from sustainability consultants, housebuilders and developers to product and technology manufacturers. Together, we’ll be tackling the biggest topics and trends shaping the industry, from the transition to net-zero and implications of new legislation and standards, to the challenges of skills shortages and the integration of smart tech and sustainable innovation.

Information