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Can we truly create homes with no energy bills while tackling climate change at scale?

In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, about her journey from rural surveyor to national leader in sustainable housing.

Emma shares the bold innovations behind Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes, reflects on her pioneering work building one of the UK’s first rural district heat networks, and explains why community-driven projects and visionary developers are key to the energy transition.

Key Highlights:

• From Rural Surveyor to Climate Leader: How Emma’s career journey led to transforming communities through land, development, and low carbon innovation.
• Taking a Village Off Oil: The story behind creating the UK’s first rural district heat network, proving community-scale solutions are possible.
• Zero Bills Homes Explained: How solar, storage, and heat pumps combine to eliminate household energy bills for up to 10 years.
• Future Homes Standard & Solar at Scale: Why developers must think beyond compliance and embrace full-roof solar and future-proof designs.
• Community Action & Funding: Why climate solutions need local champions, strong teams, and innovative funding pathways.
• Second Careers in Construction: Why Emma believes the industry should welcome talent from diverse backgrounds and promote new pathways into sustainable construction.

This conversation is a must-watch for developers, architects, policymakers, housing associations, and sustainability leaders looking to shape the future of homes and communities.

Links:

• Emma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmafletchercambridge/
• Octopus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/octopusenergy/
• Octopus Website: https://octopus.energy/careers/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&utm_campaign=learn_more_button

#ZeroBillsHomes #NetZeroHousing #ThriveInConstruction #OctopusEnergy #CommunityEnergy #FutureHomesStandard #ConstructionPodcast #BuiltEnvironment

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How do we make the energy transition accessible, affordable, and scalable for millions of homes?

In this episode of the Thrive in Construction Podcast, Darren Evans speaks with Mohamed Gaafar, CEO & Founder of Gryd, a company transforming the way new homes access renewable energy.

After a career designing large-scale energy and infrastructure projects across the UK, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, Mohamed left consultancy to build Gryd—an innovative model that installs solar and battery systems on new-build homes without upfront costs. By shifting energy from a hardware investment to a subscription model, Gryd is making the benefits of renewables accessible for homeowners while helping developers future-proof housing stock.

Key Highlights:

• The Energy Transition Challenge: Why most homeowners can’t afford the £10–15k upfront for renewables—and how Gryd removes this barrier.
• Gryd’s Innovative Model: Solar + storage provided at zero hardware cost, with a monthly subscription similar to broadband or Netflix.
• Future-Proofing New Builds: Why putting just 2–4 solar panels on a roof isn’t enough—and how Gryd scales systems up to cover 70–75% of household needs.
• Learning from Global Experience: Mohamed’s insights from Saudi Arabia and Sudan on designing for extreme climates and building resilient infrastructure.
• Advice for Developers & Buyers: Why regulations should be seen as a minimum, and how to make better long-term decisions on housing and energy.
• Entrepreneurial Lessons: From conviction to resilience, Mohamed shares what it takes to leave a stable career and build a mission-driven company.

This conversation is essential for developers, policymakers, sustainability leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of housing and energy.

#NetZeroHomes #ThriveInConstruction #EnergyInnovation #SolarPower #SustainableHousing #ConstructionPodcast #GrydEnergy #FutureOfHousing #BuiltEnvironment 

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How can the construction industry balance legal risk, sustainability, and innovation while designing buildings for people?

In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Barney Soanes-Cundle, Senior Associate at Hollis, to explore how rights of light, ESG, and technological change are reshaping modern development. 

With nearly 10 years’ experience in Neighborly Matters and a passion for creating better, future-proof buildings, Barney breaks down complex legal frameworks, explains why early engagement is crucial, and shares how to align traditional practices with today’s sustainability demands.

Key Highlights:
- From Interior Design to Rights of Light: How a non-traditional path led Barney to become a specialist in neighborly matters, daylight, and rights of light.
- Why Rights of Light Still Matters: The legal risks developers can’t ignore—and how early planning avoids costly delays.
- Old Laws vs. Modern Needs: Why 100-year-old light standards no longer reflect today’s reality and how the industry can evolve.
- Sustainability & ESG in Practice: Why ESG must move from a bolt-on to an integrated mindset in construction.
- Innovation & People-First Design: Using technology, data, and European-inspired urban design to create resilient, enjoyable buildings.

Packed with practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and real-world examples, this episode is for developers, architects, consultants, and anyone who wants to shape the future of the built environment.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:

Barney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barney-soanes-cundle/
Hollis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollis-global/
Hollis Website: https://www.hollisglobal.com/

#RightsOfLight #DaylightDesign #ConstructionPodcast #ESGInConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #SustainableDevelopment #NeighborlyMatters #ThriveInConstruction #ConstructionInnovation

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Mental health isn’t a weakness, it’s the foundation of strong teams and sustainable careers.

In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans speaks with Vee Holt, Mental Health Trainer at St John Ambulance, who brings personal experience and professional expertise to the vital topic of mental health in the workplace.

From overcoming their own struggles with anxiety and depression to training hundreds of professionals across industries, Vee shares practical strategies for creating cultures where people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive, particularly in high-pressure sectors like construction.

Key Highlights:
- Lived Experience & Professional Expertise: How Vee’s personal journey from university dropout to mental health trainer shaped their mission to support others.
- Recognising the Signs: How to identify when you or a colleague might need support—long before a crisis hits.
- Breaking the Stigma in Construction: Tackling the “tough guy” culture and empowering workers to speak up without fear of judgement.
- Active Listening & Empathy in Action: The skills every manager needs to serve, not fix, when supporting mental health.
- Preventing Burnout & Building Resilience: Why reflection, connection, and daily habits are crucial to long-term wellbeing.
- Suicide Prevention & Courageous Conversations: Debunking myths, asking the hard questions, and providing life-saving support.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders, managers, and professionals across construction and beyond who want to create healthier workplaces and support their teams effectively.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Vee Holt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vee-holt-746a01129/
St John's Ambulance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/st-john-ambulance/
St Jon's Ambulance: www.sja.org.uk

#MentalHealthInConstruction #ThriveInConstruction #WorkplaceWellbeing #SuicidePrevention #ActiveListening #ConstructionCulture #StJohnAmbulance #MentalHealthMatters

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How do you lead teams, embrace technology, and deliver sustainable infrastructure in a rapidly changing world?

In this Thrive in Construction Podcast episode, Darren Evans talks to Nathan Marsh, Chief Digital Officer and a visionary leader in the infrastructure sector. From his early days in elite sport and military service to shaping major infrastructure projects, Nathan shares unique insights into resilient leadership, digital transformation, and purpose-driven careers.

Key Highlights:

Resilience & Leadership Lessons: Why winning, losing well, and optimism are essential traits for leading teams under pressure—lessons from the military and sport applied to business.

Digital Twins & Technology in Infrastructure: How digital twins, AI, and data governance are revolutionising construction by reducing risk, saving billions, and enabling sustainability at scale.

Purpose-Driven Infrastructure: Why infrastructure is more than a job—it’s shaping society’s future—and why young professionals should see it as a career with impact.

Faith & Values in Business: How personal values and belief systems can help leaders navigate uncertainty and build lasting success.

This episode is a must-listen for contractors, developers, engineers, policymakers, and tech innovators seeking to understand the future of construction and infrastructure.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Nathan Marsh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nath-marsh-6320539/
Bentley Systems Website: https://www.bentley.com/
Bentley Systems LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bentley-systems/

#DigitalTwins #ConstructionInnovation #ThriveInConstruction #InfrastructureLeadership #ResilientLeadership #AIinConstruction #BuiltEnvironment #NetZeroInfrastructure #FutureOfConstruction

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Concrete is the backbone of modern construction—but it’s also one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.

In this episode of Thrive in Construction, Darren Evans speaks with Nia Bell, Programme Manager at the Climate Group and lead of the ConcreteZero initiative. Nia shares how her team is working with global industry leaders to create a market for low and near net zero carbon concrete, driving real-world change in one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.

Key Highlights:
The Carbon Challenge of Concrete: Why cement production accounts for up to 90% of concrete’s emissions, and how innovation can transform this critical material.

ConcreteZero & Global Collaboration: How leading corporates are banding together to demand low-carbon solutions—and why demand signals are the key to industry-wide change.

The Power of Data & Standards: From UK benchmarks to global initiatives like Singapore’s market mapping, Nia explains how data transparency, EPDs, and benchmarks are accelerating progress.

Policy, Procurement & Early Engagement: Why clients, contractors, and engineers must work together early to embed sustainability into projects from day one.

A Global Perspective: The scale of the challenge—a city the size of Paris built every week worldwide—and the urgent need for systemic solutions that go beyond cost alone.

This episode is essential for architects, developers, contractors, sustainability consultants, and policy makers who want to stay ahead of the curve in decarbonizing construction.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Nia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nia-bell-a6060235/
Climate Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climate-group/
Climate Group Website: https://www.theclimategroup.org/

#SustainableConstruction #NetZeroConcrete #ThriveInConstruction #ConcreteZero #EmbodiedCarbon #Decarbonisation #BuiltEnvironment #ClimateAction #ConstructionPodcast

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From summiting Kilimanjaro to delivering some of the UK’s most complex heritage renovations, Jamie Mills lives by one rule: one step at a time.

In this episode, Jamie shares how this mindset applies to business, charity, and sustainability, and why breaking down big goals is the only way to achieve them.

You’ll learn:
 • How endurance challenges prepare you for business setbacks
 • Why culture matters in high-performance construction teams
 • How to keep moving forward when projects feel overwhelming
 • The role of clear communication in problem-solving
 • How to apply adventure lessons to leadership

Whether you’re leading a team, a project, or a personal challenge, this is the roadmap for staying the course.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Jamie's LinkedIn:
Signaturebuild website: https://signature.build/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signature.build/
Signaturebuild LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/signaturebuild/

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Most developments are built to sell fast, but what happens when you design for the next 500 years instead? Jerry Tate, founder of Tate+Co Architects, reveals why a legacy mindset changes every decision in the design process.

In this episode, Jerry unpacks how long-term ownership, regenerative principles, and human-centred design can transform housing, universities, and public spaces. He explains why short-term profit thinking limits sustainable progress and how to build places that last.

You’ll learn:
 • The financial and social benefits of long-term ownership models
 • How to integrate nature into high-density urban spaces
 • What “regenerative” means beyond net zero
 • The barriers stopping mass adoption of sustainable materials
 • Examples of projects delivering value across generations

This is a masterclass in thinking beyond the next quarter and designing for the next century.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Jerry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-tate-7b69354/
Tate+Co: https://tateandco.com/

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The net-zero future depends on new builds designed from the start for low-carbon energy — not retrofitted later.

In this episode, Mark Lufkin maps out the standard for net-zero-ready new builds: smart electric heating, embedded controls, and performance-first energy planning. This is the future of UK homes — and it starts now.

You’ll learn:
• Why energy usage matters more than low emissions after the build
• Key role of heat pumps within an entire energy system
• How thermal design, insulation, and controls interconnect for performance
• The economic case for building smart now vs future retrofit cost
• What policy and market forces are making this the new standard
If you're involved in designing, delivering, or living in new homes — this is the episode to watch.

Watch now and find out how to build for the future, not just the brief.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip

Find us on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links:
Mark's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklufkin/
Wondrwall's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wondrwall/ 
Wondrwall's Website: https://wondrwall.com/

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Despite building everything around us, construction remains misunderstood by the public and too many leaders are afraid of the spotlight.

In this powerful episode, Leanne Tritton, founder of ING Media and Co-Founder of Don't Waste Buildings, reveals why the built environment struggles to tell its own story and what must change. From the fear of unscripted interviews to the missed power of podcasts, this is a call to arms for confident, human storytelling.

We explore:
• Why traditional PR strategies don’t work in modern media
• The hidden opportunity in podcasts and personal voice
• What’s stopping construction from owning its impact
• Why the industry can’t afford to stay silent on sustainability
• How to build trust without losing control

This is essential listening for any leader who wants their work and values to be seen and heard.

If you want to see our other insightful podcasts, click here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOHI_yaqB2U8KWbsfJDPCoYEfOh-TTnip 

Find us on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0dDkxLWZ25nT0krYWaTiIT 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-in-construction-with-darren-evans/id1726973152 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrzqei7gttB8WB5wM6hUpw 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/thrive-in-construction-podcast/ 
Our Website: https://darren-evans.co.uk/

Links: 

ING MEDIA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ing-media
X: @INGMedia 
Insta: @ingmedia_
TikTok: INGMedia

The London Society 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10346652
X: @londonsoc
Insta: londonsociety1912
Don’t Waste Buildings – volunteer group
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13002786/
Web: www.dontwastebuildings.com

Leanne Tritton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-tritton/
X: @leannetritton
Insta: @leannetritton

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