Website for SNUGG


Key Topics and Highlights:

• What is Snugg?
  Michelle introduces Snugg as a user-friendly platform that helps homeowners kickstart energy-efficient home projects, learn about funding options, and connect with approved installers.
  
  
• The Importance of Home Retrofit
  With 18% of UK emissions coming from home heating, there’s an urgent need for widespread home retrofitting. Michelle highlights Snugg’s goal to reduce carbon emissions through partnerships with banks, utilities, and advice bodies.
  
  
• Customer Engagement and Education
  Snugg aims to empower homeowners by giving them clear, personalized advice on their retrofit journey, helping to navigate financing, grants, and service providers.
  
  
• Unique Partnerships
  Michelle discusses Snugg's collaboration with consumer advocacy groups, like "Which?", to build trust and improve consumer confidence in retrofitting processes. These partnerships help ensure homeowners are linked with vetted, quality contractors.
  
  
• Addressing EPC Challenges
  Michelle explains how Snugg adapts to the evolving standards of the UK's Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Although EPCs can sometimes be inaccurate, Snugg engages users in confirming details, ensuring personalized plans remain accurate.
  
  
• Data-Driven Insights and Consumer Responsibility
  Snugg is regulated by the FCA, which helps safeguard data and ensure transparency. Michelle emphasizes a balance between collecting useful data for personalization while respecting user privacy.
  
  
• Future Plans and Collaboration
  Michelle shares Snugg's ambition to expand partnerships with financial institutions and community groups to make retrofitting more accessible at scale. Snugg is also exploring features that could help homeowners learn from nearby retrofitted properties.
  
  

**Guest:** Imandeep Kaur, Co-founder of [Civic Square](https://civicsquare.cc)  
**Host:** Matt Milloy  
**Topic:** Community-led Retrofitting and the Role of Civic Engagement in Sustainable Housing

In this episode, Matt Milloy sits down with Imandeep Kaur, co-founder of Civic Square, to discuss the critical role that community-led approaches play in the successful retrofitting of neighborhoods. Civic Square’s innovative model bridges the gap between local councils, professional organizations, and grassroots communities to create sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions. Imandeep shares valuable insights on how her organization addresses the knowledge gap around retrofitting, the emotional and social motivators that inspire community participation, and the long-term vision for scaling retrofit projects across the UK.

#### Key Discussion Points:
1. **Introduction to Civic Square**  
   Imandeep provides an overview of Civic Square’s mission and how the organization is driving change in Birmingham and beyond.  
   **More about Civic Square:** [Civic Square Website](https://civicsquare.cc)

2. **Neighborhood-Led Retrofit**  
   Imandeep explains the importance of community-driven initiatives in retrofit projects, and how Civic Square helps communities understand the process and benefits.  
   **Learn about UK Neighborhood Retrofit Models:** [UK Green Building Council](https://www.ukgbc.org/)

3. **Engaging Communities in Retrofit Projects**  
   Imandeep addresses the challenge of engaging communities and ensuring they feel empowered and knowledgeable enough to participate in retrofit schemes.  
   **More on community engagement in retrofit:** [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/)

4. **Emotional Connection and Retrofit**  
   Imandeep shares how Civic Square creates emotional connections between residents and their homes, making retrofit projects more approachable and relatable.  
   **Discover how to foster emotional connections in community projects:** [Home of 2030](https://www.homeof2030.com/)

5. **Overcoming Complex Terminology**  
   Discussion on breaking down the technical jargon associated with retrofitting to make the process understandable for everyday homeowners.  
   **More resources for demystifying retrofit:** [Retrofit Academy](https://www.retrofitacademy.org/)

6. **Funding Challenges in Retrofit Projects**  
   Imandeep speaks about navigating the complex funding structures for retrofit, making it easier for communities to access the resources they need.  
   **Funding information for UK retrofitting:** [Energy Saving Trust Grants](https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/)

7. **Tipping Point for Community Involvement**  
   Imandeep discusses the key motivators that encourage communities to take part in retrofit projects, including environmental benefits and the improvement of living conditions.  
   **Case Study: Civic Square’s Birmingham Project** [Birmingham Retrofit Project](https://civicsquare.cc/blog/2022/1/22/neighbourhood-retrofit)

8. **Generational Shifts in Thinking About Sustainability**  
   The conversation turns to the cultural and generational shifts necessary to drive retrofitting at scale across the UK.  
   **Learn more about the generational challenge of sustainability:** [Generations Working Together](https://generationsworkingtogether.org/)

9. **Representation in Retrofit**  
   Imandeep reflects on the importance of diversity and representation in retrofitting to ensure that all communities benefit from energy-efficient housing.  
   **Representation and Diversity in Sustainability:** [Women in Sustainability](https://www.womeninsustainability.co.uk/)

10. **The Future of Civic Square and Neighborhood-Led Retrofit**  
    Closing the discussion, Imandeep shares her vision for Civic Square over the next few years and how she hopes to scale neighborhood-led retrofit projects across the country.  
    **Follow Civic Square’s Latest Projects:** [Civic Square Blog](https://civicsquare.cc/blog)

#### Quotable Highlights:
- **"We can’t just retrofit houses; we need to retrofit the way we think about community, sustainability, and the future of our neighborhoods."**
- **"Our role at Civic Square is to bridge the gap between councils, professional organizations, and everyday people—because retrofit isn’t just a technical solution, it’s a community solution."**
- **"When people emotionally connect with their homes, explaining the benefits of retrofit becomes much more than technical jargon—it’s about creating a future they can believe in."**
- **"We need a generational shift, a whole new way of thinking about retrofit—this is not just about buildings, it’s about building a sustainable future together."**

#### Links to Featured Organizations:
- [Civic Square](https://civicsquare.cc) – Imandeep’s community-led initiative focused on sustainable urban futures.
- [UK Green Building Council](https://www.ukgbc.org/) – Driving sustainability in the built environment.
- [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/) – Charity supporting community engagement in energy projects.
- [Retrofit Academy](https://www.retrofitacademy.org/) – Training and resources for retrofit professionals.
- [Energy Saving Trust](https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/) – Funding and advice for energy efficiency.
- [Home of 2030](https://www.homeof2030.com/) – Sustainable home and retrofit inspiration.
- [Women in Sustainability](https://www.womeninsustainability.co.uk/) – Supporting diversity and leadership in sustainability fields.

#### Connect with Us:
- **Podcast Website:** [Refurb and Retrofit](https://www.refurbandretrofit.com)
- **Subscribe for Future Episodes:** [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com), [Spotify](https://www.spotify.com)

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Significance of Homes: Homeowners view their residences as places of deep emotional value, not just as financial assets.
  
  
• Motivational Factors: Beyond financial savings, motivations such as control over the environment, happiness, and altruistic identity play crucial roles in the decision to retrofit.
  
  
• Heuristic Framework (HCF): Ekaterina’s HCF framework provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the diverse motivational priorities of homeowners.
  
  
• Trust and Negative Experiences: Trust is critical in the retrofit process; negative experiences can deter homeowners significantly more than positive ones can attract them.
  
  
• Visual Communication: The power of visual storytelling in communicating the benefits and emotional rewards of low-carbon dwellings is highly effective.
  
  

Notable Quotes:

1. "Home is a place of a great emotional significance for individuals." - Yekhaterina
   
   
2. "People felt more in control with a home that has low carbon dwelling." - Yekhaterina
   
   
3. "We can use such framing to shape frameworks, cognitive frameworks of others, to feel that such retrofit would be beneficial for them." - Yekhaterina
   
   
4. "A support for step-by-step retrofit would be beneficial." - Yekhaterina
   
   
5. "The negative opinions are more damaging, are of greater magnitude of significance than positive ones." - Yekhaterina
   
   

Resources:

• Yekhaterina's Research Paper 
• Blog on the Research 
• Edinburgh Housing Podcast 

Stay tuned for more enlightening episodes from the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, where we continue to explore the latest insights and strategies in the retrofit and refurbishment industry. Follow and review our podcast to join us in making impactful changes for a sustainable future.

About the Guest(s):Mel Esquerre: Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Mel is a private homeowner and active member of the Living Rent organization. With a vested interest in housing improvements, Mel has recently been involved in a campaign addressing the challenges and complications of the retrofit process initiated by Edinburgh Council.

Laura Dalgetty: Also residing in Edinburgh, Scotland, Laura is a homeowner in the Lochend area and an advocate for housing improvements through the organization Living Rent.   

Key Takeaways:

• Complexities of Mandated Retrofits: Insight into how local councils are using Scottish law to enforce retrofits, often leaving homeowners in financially precarious positions.
  
  
• Mixed Tenure Housing Challenges: Understanding how mixed tenure blocks complicate the decision-making process and why clear communication and resident engagement are critical.
  
  
• Financial Anxieties and Legalities: The financial burden placed on low-income homeowners and renters due to undefined retrofit costs and the implications of the Tenement Act 2004.
  
  
• Living Rent's Advocacy: The role of Living Rent in supporting homeowners and tenants, advocating for improved communication, funding support, and private rental tenant protections.
  
  
• Personal Experiences: Mel and Laura's firsthand accounts highlight the flawed system and the need for a more empathetic, resident-focused approach to housing improvements.
  
  

Resources:

• Living Rent - An organization advocating for tenants' rights and fair housing policies in Scotland.
  
  
• Edinburgh Council - Official site providing resources and information on local governmental policies and housing projects.
  
  

• Q-Bot's Robotic Innovation: Introduced a robotic system for underfloor insulation in UK homes, focusing on improving thermal performance and bottom-floor air quality.
  
  
• Sustainable Solutions: Discussion around the environmental impact of insulation materials and the ongoing search for greener alternatives.
  
  
• Industry Barriers: Explores the reasons behind the slow adoption of modern insulation techniques and the need for better resident engagement and education.
  
  
• Impact on Residents: Emphasizes that 90% of tenants and residents notice an immediate improvement post-installation with Q-Bot’s solution.
  
  
• Future of Retrofit: Suggests the necessity for national retrofit infrastr
  
  

RESOURCES

• Q-Bot Website: www.qbot.co
  
  
• LinkedIn - Q-Bot’s Social Media Platform: LinkedIn Profile
  
  
• 
  

Explore the ingenious mechanisms behind Q-Bot's underfloor insulation and unravel the broader retrofit narrative by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more forward-thinking conversations that shine a spotlight on the evolving landscape of home insulation and sustainability on the Refurb and Retrofit podcast.

About the Guest(s):
Sam Baumber serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Indinature, an innovative company focused on manufacturing technical thermal insulation based on industrial hemp. With a decade-long journey leading up to their current breakthroughs, Sam has been pivotal in establishing production facilities in the Scottish Borders, initiating a new era in sustainable and local UK manufacturing. His expertise lies in blending industrial proficiency with ecological considerations, aiming to combat climate change through practical solutions in the construction industry.

Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of the Refurb and Retrofit podcast, host Matt Milloy engages in an enlightening conversation with Sam Baumber of Indinature. As the company celebrates its groundbreaking achievement in receiving formal approval and accreditation for their hemp-based insulation products, this discussion delves into the transformative journey of Indinature and its mission to revolutionize the construction sector with eco-friendly alternatives.
The episode unfolds with a deep dive into the fringes of biomaterials, discussing Indinature's sustainable insulation options, their potential to reshape perceptions in the building industry, and the recent certifications that are poised to expand their market reach. Listeners are offered a peek into the technical and logistical prowess underpinning Indianature's operations, as well as the challenges and future prospects lying ahead for bio-based construction materials.
Key Takeaways:

Indinature is making strides in the UK market with industrial hemp-based thermal insulation, achieving the first BBA certification for such a product in the country.
Bio-based materials like hemp are not only environmentally friendly but also offer significant benefits for soil health, crop rotation, and carbon sequestration in agriculture.
Despite being a newer industry, Indinature has proven their products meet rigorous quality standards, setting them up as a sustainable alternative for large-scale construction projects.
Public perception and regulatory understanding of fire safety and material classifications are crucial barriers that Indinature must navigate to broaden their product adoption.
The company is poised to launch a variety of new products, including acoustic solutions and high-density boards, catered to the retrofit and new build sectors.

Notable Quotes:

"We now have the first product sheets that show how you can use that material in the different parts of the building." - Sam Baumber
"We're on that tipping point at the moment, really, and it's taken a long journey to get to now." - Sam Baumber
"The adoption of low or lower embodied carbon or carbon capturing products…needs to be there for the adoption at scale." - Sam Baumber
"We have a natural industrial revolution. It's nothing short of that." - Sam Baumber
"Making sure there's enough people to derisk these next few years as the planet and the climate may change." - Sam Baumber

Resources:

Indinature Website: www.indinature.co


We highly encourage our audience to listen to the full episode for an in-depth understanding of the innovative world of biomaterials and the inspiring journey of Indinature. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the future of sustainable construction and stay updated with the latest industry breakthroughs.

Nigel Walley is a seasoned professional with a dual role in the housing and property management sector. He serves as the chair of the Residential Logbook Association, a trade body that focuses on property-related advocacy and standards.  Additionally, Nigel is the CEO of a logbook company that specializes in digital logbook services for homeowners, aiming to streamline and secure the house-related data management process. With years of experience and a keen understanding of digital innovation in property tracking, Nigel brings valuable insights into how technology can transform the management of household information.  He doesn't get off easy with some hard questions about privacy, retrofit data tracking and how reliable his sources are.

Find out about the Residential Logbook Association here https://www.rlba.org.uk/about

Learn about data abuse here:  https://rlba.org.uk/do-we-need-gdpr-for-property

Nigel Walley's company is here on the internet: http://www.chimni.pro

Make sure you sign up and subscribe to the Refurb and Retrofit website for podcasts and stories about the sector. https://www.refurbandretrofit.com/podcast/

Subscribe to the magazine here; https://www.refurbandretrofit.com/subscribe

Discover how the London Assembly's new report on retrofitting and refurbishing buildings could have a significant impact on local and national policy. The report outlines six key recommendations, including mandatory whole life carbon assessments for buildings and the publication of annual data to track progress. By making retrofitting more viable and promoting a circular economy approach, the report aims to reduce carbon emissions and waste in the construction sector. Find out how these recommendations could shape the future of sustainable building practices in the UK.

Read More Here https://www.refurbandretrofit.com/can-we-use-more-wood/

Here's the GLA Report in full:  https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-work/london-assembly-publications/retrofit-vs-rebuild-report

Leah Robson is an influential figure in the renewable energy industry, helming a burgeoning heat pump business that also provides solar panels, EV chargers, and batteries. Her venture, operating in the Southeast of England, is not just a business; it signifies a movement towards whole-house renewables aimed at significantly reducing homeowners' carbon footprints. With nearly six years at the company's forefront, Leah and her team of 14, comprising both installers and back office staff, embolden the transition to greener energy solutions.

• Heat pumps, coupled with other renewables like solar panels, provide a holistic solution for homeowners aiming to lower carbon emissions.
• Customer education and engagement are crucial in the renewable installation business, especially given misconceptions and gender dynamics in decision-making.
• Greater inclusion of women in technical and sales roles could enhance communication and facilitate the adoption of heat pumps.
• Combatting misinformation and increasing real-life testimonials may help shift public perception positively towards heat pumps.
• There's a pressing need for better apprenticeship pathways and support for small businesses to grow a skilled and diverse workforce in the heat pump industry.

What Leah Says:

• "You want to be having all those conversations up front." - Leah on the importance of customer understanding of technology.
• "But there's also a slight wariness about whether their wife is going to agree to it or not." - Leah on the gender dynamics within the purchasing decision for heat pumps.
• "We're really passionate about climate change, their concern for their kids and their grandchildren, and they want to be warm and comfortable." - Leah on the demographics and motivations of customers.
• "The majority of the people I deal with as customers are men." - Leah discussing the prevalent customer profile.
• "It's a big challenge to train enough people up." - Leah Robson on the challenges of workforce development in the industry.

Resources:

• Your Energy Your Way Website: https://yourenergyyourway.co.uk
• Leah Robson's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-robson-9538202

Jamie Bartley is a leading authority on industrial hemp and the CEO of Unyte Group. With a background rooted in waste recovery solutions and land remediation, Jamie embarked on a mission to harness the power of industrial hemp for environmental sustainability and economic growth. His tenacious research into phyto-remediation and carbon sequestration has positioned him as a prominent figure in the field. Under his guidance, Unyte Group has taken an innovative approach to cultivating hemp, focusing on its potential to make substantial contributions towards decarbonization on a large scale and to revolutionize the construction industry with hemp-based materials.

• Industrial hemp has vast potential in decarbonizing the construction sector, which accounts for 40% of UK carbon emissions.
• Unyte Group's detailed research into various hemp cultivars has laid the groundwork for optimized cultivation and high yield in the UK.
• Hemp's high tensile strength and quick growth rate make it an ideal material for construction, offering environmental benefits over traditional materials.
• A significant barrier to expansion is acquiring the necessary £60 million capital investment for the first of five planned infrastructure facilities.
• Unyte Group has an assured market for its products among existing retrofit schemes and is ready to supply as soon as the infrastructure is established.

What Jamie Says:

• "We formed the group of companies around the potential for industrial hemp to decarbonize at scale." - Jamie Bartley
• "It's a cost efficiency scale calculation that means that, unfortunately, to be able to make cost efficient products, we need to have that infrastructure in place." - Jamie Bartley
• "If you build exactly the same passive house out of Hempcrete and hemp insulation, it achieves net zero carbon by 2035." - Jamie Bartley
• "All of our revenue generated comes through the waste business at the moment, but the majority of it is actually the retrofit works we're doing." - Jamie Bartley
• "The biggest barrier is unlocking the investment piece at the scale that's needed." - Jamie Bartley