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.
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33:05
Perezhivanie - Emotional Resonance in Retrofit: What Marketers Need to Know
In this enlightening episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy engages with Dr Yekatherina Bobrova, 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. Yekatherina'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, Yekatherina 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 Yekatherina 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 Yekatherina to guide better understanding and communication around retrofitting benefits.
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28:15
From Fuel Poverty to Financial Ruin: The Retrofit Dilemma
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.
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39:24
Automating Retrofit - The Q-Bot Insulation Underfloor Robot
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.
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31:29
Approved For Use - Indinature Gets Hemp Insulation Into Houses
[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.
About Refurb and Retrofit - Transformation In Action
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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