Refurb and Retrofit - Transformation In Action

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."

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 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.

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.