Podcasts about retrofit

We sat down with Anna Moore, CEO of Domna Group, to talk about its approach to the business of retrofit, pragmatic retrofit strategy, and long-term asset management for landlords. All underpinned by a layer of data collation and machine learning.Domna is currently retrofitting around 10,000 homes per year through grant-funded and self-funded programmes, using an integrated asset management—strategy to: deliver impact and savings through a mix of strategy, support on funding, management of delivery, and quality assurance. Importantly, Anna knows her stuff and she is fun, too.Notes from the showAnna Moore on LinkedInDomna Group on LinkedIn The Domna website (sign up in the footer)**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

Send a text✈️ Lufthansa erneuert ihre Flotte – langsam, aber sichtbar!In diesem Video zeige ich dir die komplette Lufthansa Flotte 2026: vom Airbus A319 bis zum Superjumbo A380, vom Dreamliner bis zur legendären Boeing 747-8. Welche Jets bleiben, welche verschwinden – und welche neuen Modelle schon vor der Tür stehen.Perfekter Überblick für Aviation-Fans, Meilensammler und alle, die Lufthansa im Detail verstehen wollen.

Send a text✈️ Mehr Komfort auf Europas Kurzstrecken!Die Lufthansa startet eine große Kabinen-Modernisierung: 38 Airbus A320 erhalten neue Sitze von Geven, deutlich größere Gepäckfächer, USB-Anschlüsse an jedem Sitz sowie praktische Halterungen für Tablet & Smartphone.Der erste umgerüstete Jet – D-AIZY – ist bereits wieder im Einsatz. Insgesamt dauert ein Retrofit rund 30 Tage pro Flugzeug, verbaut werden etwa 1.000 neue Komponenten von rund 100 Lieferanten. Bis 2029 soll die gesamte Flotte umgestellt sein.Was bedeutet das für Passagiere? Mehr Komfort, weniger Stress beim Boarding und bessere Technik an Bord.Ist das der richtige Schritt – oder nur Kosmetik?

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We're back! And we're talking about the value of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) with Tom Robins and Leigh Fairbrother of Switchee.Their business is POE for landlords that's intended to improve the quality of life for the residents that they rely on. Capturing sensor data, analysing it, and synthesising that into something their clients can use.Essentially, this means validating the quality of fabric, the impact of retrofit works, and anticipating car crashes—metaphorical ones.We get a really helpful explanation of Awaab's Law around 25–30 minutes in, too. (Thank you Leigh.)Notes from the showTom Robins on LinkedInLeigh Fairbrother on LinkedIn The Switchee website (sign up in the footer)Switchee on LinkedInPH+ coverage of that early work in Thamesmead (the Clockwork Orange estate) **SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

Jerry spoke to Brian McIntyre, SEAI Programme Manager - High Performance Building Technologies about the National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026.  This includes being able to avail of a new grant of up to €4,000 for new windows and doors.  You may contact the SEAI at 01 802 2100.

This could be commercial real estate's “buy of the decade,” according to a 35-year investing veteran. This asset class is seeing rock-bottom prices, shrinking supply, and acquisitions at a quarter of replacement cost. Everyone says this asset is dead, so why are expert investors, lenders, and brokers betting on it? Michael Bull, founder & CEO of Bull Realty, Inc., has personally overseen over $8 billion in commercial real estate transactions in his 35 years in the industry. He's seeing sentiment shift toward one forgotten asset class office space investing. Office investments are seeing supply get actively demolished, but lending and buying are returning, and some cities are even seeing more office demand.  The media is saying it's all doom and gloom, but on the ground, Michael is seeing something very different. Want to buy when the fear is still high, but prices are touching bedrock? Michael shares his underwriting playbook for finding valuable office investments, what savvy operators are doing with outdated office vintages (demolish, rebuild, or retrofit?), and the markets with the most opportunity for demand. Plus, the exact type of tenant that is giving those who invest in office space consistent revenue and unmatched peace of mind. Insights from today's episode: Commercial real estate's “buy of the decade” and why investors are jumping back in No new supply coming online? Why office building supply is shrinking, just as demand bounces back  Underwriting “guardrails” experts use to validate a valuable vs. dead office investment  First office investment? Where Michael says beginners should start looking for opportunities   Falling values = falling property taxes? An even bigger lever for cash flow  Retrofit, rehab, or convert? How to add value to old, outdated office vintages  — Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Buy or Sell with Bull Realty America's Commercial Real Estate Show Podcast Recommended Resources: Accredited Investors, you're invited to Join the Cashflow Investor Club to learn how you can partner with Kevin Bupp on current and upcoming opportunities to create passive cash flow and build wealth. Join the Club! If you're a high net worth investor with capital to deploy in the next 12 months and you want to build passive income and wealth with a trusted partner, go to InvestWithKB.com for opportunities to invest in real estate projects alongside Kevin and his team.  Looking for the ultimate guide to passive investing? Grab a copy of my latest book, The Cash Flow Investor at KevinBupp.com.  Tap into a wealth of free information on Commercial Real Estate Investing by listening to past podcast episodes at KevinBupp.com/Podcast.

Only 20 per cent of Irish consumers are very confident in their ability to choose the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for their home. That's according to new research from Bord Gáis Energy. All to discuss with Valerie Hand, Retrofit manager with Bord Gáis Energy.

Only 20 per cent of Irish consumers are very confident in their ability to choose the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for their home. That's according to new research from Bord Gáis Energy. All to discuss with Valerie Hand, Retrofit manager with Bord Gáis Energy.

This week on The Brief Fran Williams is joined by Tom Dollard. Tom is an architect and partner for sustainability at Pollard Thomas Edwards. He was recently appointed Mayor's Design Advocate and is Chair of the Good Homes Alliance. Together they discuss:Government launches ‘biggest home upgrade plan in UK history'// Westminster Council puts Retrofit at the heart of the city // New plans to protect architects from unqualified rivals // And Mexico's LANZA picked for this year's Serpentine PavilionSubscribe to the Open City Podcast on Spotify, Soundcloud or iTunesThe Open City Podcast is supported by Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture platform and produced in association with the Architects' Journal, London Society, C20 Society and Save Britain's Heritage.The Open City Podcast is recorded and produced at the Open City offices located in Bureau. Bureau is a co-working space for creatives offering a new approach to membership workspace. Bureau prioritises not just room to think and do, but also shared resources and space to collaborate.To help support excellent and accessible, independent journalism about the buildings and the urban environment, please become an Open City Friend.Music credit: Homestead by Punch Deck | https://soundcloud.com/punch-deckMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Con Gianfranco Pizzuto, imprenditore ed esperto del settore dell'auto elettricaIl retrofit elettrico permette di modernizzare modelli diffusi come Panda, 500 e Ypsilon, estendendone la vita utile grazie a economie di scala che garantiscono costi di trasformazione accessibili. L'adozione di un kit con omologazione europea, inoltre, consente di semplificare le procedure burocratiche nazionali, integrando nei veicoli nuove tecnologie digitali e interfacce dedicate per la gestione del powertrain e della batteria. Entro sei mesi sarà completato il primo prototipo operativo, supportato da una rete di centinaia di officine specializzate per assicurare l'assistenza tecnica e la conversione su larga scala del parco auto - spiega Gianfranco Pizzuto, imprenditore ed esperto del settore dell'auto elettrica.

Welcome to another inspiring episode with me, Granger Forson find me at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk or on LinkedIn as I sit down with Samantha Mant, CEO and Founder of Halcyan Water, a business transforming the way homes and companies manage hard water and energy efficiency.   Samantha's journey began in the world of beautiful bathroom design, where she repeatedly saw installations deteriorate in just months. Instead of accepting that frustration, she experimented. She searched globally, discovered a technology that could turn badly behaved hard water into nicely behaved hard water, and tested it for years before she ever went to market. That curiosity launched the business that is now helping homes and industries reduce limescale, protect equipment, and dramatically cut energy use, all without chemicals or salt    In this conversation, she shares openly the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, from learning to trust her instinct when it comes to people decisions, to bootstrapping through recessions, and discovering the power of accountability and Profit First principles. Her values are clear throughout: environmental impact, transparency, education before sales, and building a team culture where collaboration beats hierarchy.   Today Halcyan is celebrating 10 years, backed by a global growth vision, expanding into commercial and international markets, and building a freelance powerhouse of specialist marketers working seamlessly as one team. It's a story full of experimentation, ownership, resilience and deep belief in making a real difference.   If you care about scaling a purpose-driven business, reducing carbon footprint, or simply want your shower glass to stay clean and your bills lower, this is one to listen to. To ensure you don't miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.   So, let's now dive into the inspiring journey of energy saving, environmental impact and scaling with Samantha Mant.   Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.   If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here: https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin   Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff. https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl   You can get in touch with Kevin & Granger here: kevin@biz-smart.co.uk grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk   Kevin's Latest Book Is Available! Drawing on BizSmart's own research and experiences of working with hundreds of owner-managers, Kevin Brent explores the key reasons why most organisations do not scale and how the challenges change as they reach different milestones on the ScaleUp Journey. He then details a practical step by step guide to successfully navigate between the milestones in the form of ESUS - a proven system for entrepreneurs to scale up. More on the Book HERE - https://www.esusgroup.co.uk/   Samantha can be found here: https://halcyanwater.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthamant/ For the FREE resources - commercial@halcyanwater.com   Resources: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/profit-first-mike-michalowicz/400a882cfa85766b?ean=9780735214149&next=t They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/they-ask-you-answer-a-revolutionary-approach-to-inbound-sales-content-marketing-and-today-s-digital-consumer-revised-upd-m-sheridan/3181632?ean=9781119610144&next=t The Richest Man In Babylon by George S Clason - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-richest-man-in-babylon-george-s-clason/f1b3d47f69a792be?ean=9780143448037&next=t Focus On The Fun Stuff podcast - https://mi-pa.co.uk/podcast/welcome-to-focus-on-the-fun-stuff/ Seth Godin podcast - https://www.akimbo.link/ Tony Robbins podcast - https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcasts?srsltid=AfmBOopKYd3pvIBW6b1UX2LN1k9c8mclRNnoPrs3Sy9odR8_qDFA3v53 Tradeswomen Together podcast - https://www.fixradio.co.uk/shows/tradeswomen-together/ Retrofit podcast - https://nationalretrofithub.org.uk/podcasts/ Brain Toss app - https://braintoss.com/ ChatGPT - https://chatgpt.com/  

In this engaging episode of the HVAC School podcast, host Bryan Orr sits down with Leo and Paul Sharkey, a father-son duo of mechanical engineers who made the leap into the HVAC business. Leo and Paul share their remarkable journey of purchasing an HVAC company in September 2020 and quadrupling its revenue within five years. Their engineering backgrounds bring a refreshing, data-driven perspective to an industry that often relies on rules of thumb and outdated practices. The Sharkeys operate in the challenging Northeast market, where homes can date back to the 1600s and 1700s. They discuss the eye-opening discovery that traditional HVAC sizing methods—like the simplistic "one ton per 400 square feet" rule—fail dramatically in older housing stock. Their commitment to running thousands of Manual J calculations has transformed their approach, often resulting in smaller, more efficient systems than competitors propose. The conversation dives deep into the unique challenges of working with centuries-old New England homes, including extreme infiltration rates, non-linear heat loss curves during harsh winters, and the complications of mixing modern additions with ancient construction. Beyond sizing, Leo and Paul tackle the practical realities of heat pump installations in cold climates. They explain why turndown ratio is critical, how they handle homes with heat loads that triple their cooling loads, and when backup heating systems are truly necessary. Their consultative approach rejects the "one-size-fits-all" mentality that has flooded the market with incentive-chasing installations. They candidly discuss the problems created by Massachusetts' generous rebate programs, which have attracted fly-by-night operators who prioritize rebate qualifications over proper design and long-term performance. The episode also explores the balance between ductless and ducted systems, revealing when each approach makes economic and technical sense. The Sharkeys share fascinating case studies, from a 1748 house with the equivalent of a full-size door's worth of air leakage to underground concrete dome homes requiring specialized dehumidification. Their willingness to take on complex projects that other contractors avoid demonstrates how engineering thinking, combined with trade expertise, can solve challenging HVAC problems. This conversation is essential listening for anyone serious about understanding cold climate HVAC design, building science principles, and what it takes to deliver quality comfort solutions in real-world conditions. Topics Covered Engineering background transition to HVAC - How mechanical engineering experience in semiconductors and manufacturing informed their HVAC business approach Manual J calculations and proper sizing - Running 7,000-9,000 Manual J calculations over five years and why they typically specify smaller systems than competitors Old New England housing challenges - Working with homes from the 1600s-1700s, extreme infiltration rates, and heat loss characteristics of ancient construction Heat load vs. cooling load imbalances - Managing homes where heat loads can be triple the cooling loads and how this affects system design Heat pump turndown ratios - Why equipment turndown capability is critical for shoulder seasons and preventing short cycling in cold climates Cold weather performance and derating - Equipment capacity loss at low ambient temperatures and the importance of proper backup heat sizing Ductless vs. ducted system economics - When to choose multi-zone ductless over ducted systems based on home layout, infrastructure, and cost Retrofit complications in mixed construction - Dealing with homes that combine 200-year-old sections with modern additions on the same heating system Massachusetts incentive programs - How Mass Save rebates (up to $25,000 financing + $10,000 rebates) have impacted market quality and contractor behavior Installation challenges at low temperatures - Field issues including undersized ductwork, poor equipment placement, defrost cycle complications, and electric backup heat requirements Building science fundamentals - Blower door testing, weatherization impacts, infiltration effects on heat load, and wind loading considerations Consultative sales approach - Rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions and customizing system recommendations based on home characteristics and homeowner needs Backup heating strategies - When and why fuel-based backup systems are necessary, including power outage considerations and client comfort levels Complex project examples - Case studies including underground concrete dome homes, storage closet air handler installations, and severely under-designed retrofit corrections   Learn more about Leo and Paul's business, Jay Moody HVAC, at https://jaymoodyhvac.com/.  Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

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Are you interested in the governments' role for the future of cities? What do you think about urban retrofitting? How can we encourage our politicians to think long term? Trailer for episode 394 - interview with Harriet Shing, MP for the Eastern Victoria Region. Minister for Housing and Building, Precincts and Development Victoria, and Suburban Rail Loop. We will talk about her vision for the future of cities, the government's role, liveability, urban retrofit, and many more. Find out more in the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Episode generated with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ assistance (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠affiliate link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lesfm ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The FCC delivered a massive shakeup to the drone industry right before the holidays, adding foreign-made drones (most notably from industry giant DJI) to its "Covered List" of national security threats. While the move effectively bans the sale of future DJI models in the U.S., GeekWire’s Todd Bishop and John Cook explore why this might be a golden economic opportunity for the Pacific Northwest. Featuring highlights from a recent interview with Blake Resnick of Brinc, the Seattle-based maker of public safety drones, who lobbied for the U.S. policy change and supports the move. Related story: Drone capital of the world? Seattle could be a big winner in the U.S. crackdown on DJI and others Plus, the results are in. After ignoring John’s advice and deciding to retrofit his 2007 Toyota Camry with a modern infotainment system, Todd shares the verdict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#254Our WhatsApp  groupProperty Engine discounts (Code: EXPAT)Starter: 30 day trialPro: 30 day trial/3 mths 1/2 price, Ultimate: 1/2 price 3 monthsGoalsettingLeave a review37 Question Due Diligence Checklist / Auction GuideOur Sponsors: Finnigan McNeill Property GroupThis is the fifth episode in this year's mini-season celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas.We're releasing daily bite sized episodes.Each one contains clips from three of my favourite episodes from 2025.Today's show features extracts from:#224: Why You Should Invest in Northern Ireland Property (Eimear Gourley)#225: Structural Secrets for UK Property Investors (Paul Fowler)#223: The Ticking Time Bomb of EPCs in UK Property (Solo)KeywordsUK property podcast, Expat property podcast, UK buy to let podcast, Property investment UK podcast, UK property investment tips, Investing in Northern Ireland property, Expat property story, UK rental property advice, Energy Performance Certificate advice UK (EPC), EPC changes 2026 UK landlords, UK property market podcast, Structural issues property UK, UK property portfolio management, Hands free property investing UK, Property renovation UK podcast, How to identify structural issues in UK properties, Landlord tips for EPC changes 2026, Buying to let in Belfast Northern Ireland podcast, UK property legislation for expats, Maximising capital growth Northern Ireland property, Avoiding subsidence problems in UK rentals, Retrofit contractors advice UK property podcast, Grants for energy improvements UK landlords, UK stamp duty for expats, Rental yield Belfast, UK property legislation differences, Property sourcing companies UK review, Podcast for investing in Manchester property

To register for our Reimagine Buildings: Best of Retrofit online conference on Friday, December 5, 2025, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/In episode thirteen of The Reimagine Edit series of the Passive House Podcast, host Zack Semke shares selected clips of insights from Al Mitchell, Kimberly Llewellyn, Greta Tjeltveit, Ya'el Santopinto, Wolfgang Feist, and Lisa White.This episode is split between two topics. The first addresses one of the most common questions veteran members of the high-performance building community hear from those who are new to the industry: How do you get your start? For some, that route may be through the trades. For others, it may be through design. There are also less orthodox pathways, particularly for folks with backgrounds in modeling, data management, or consulting. No matter what your background is, this episode provides some practical advice on beginning a career in high-performance building.The second topic is retrofits, particularly the new Phius REVIVE standard. Guests Lisa White and Al Mitchell, both of Phius, describe the basics of REVIVE and how resilience became the driving rationale behind the standard.The Reimagine Edit is a special series of the Passive House Podcast that shares curated insights from our Experts-In-Residence at the Reimagine Buildings Collective, our membership community of building professionals stepping up to tackle climate change. Learn more about the Reimagine Buildings Collective at https://www.reimaginebuildings.com

Marion Baeli, author of "Residential Retrofit," offers hands-on experience of designing and retrofitting high performance homes. As well as drawing on her personal retrofit she shares the lessons learnt from revisiting properties that took part in the Retrofit for the Future competition over a decade ago. Check out the show notes for more information.

To register for our Reimagine Buildings: Best of Retrofit online conference on Friday, December 5, 2025, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews James Hartford and Juhee Lee Hartford of River Architects in Hudson Valley. The discussion covers the firm's focus on Passive House projects, mostly single-family homes with a mix of new constructions and retrofits. They touch on their first retrofit project affected by Hurricane Sandy, the evolving client interest in Passive House standards, and the firm's growth from two to ten employees. They discuss the financial and practical challenges of Passive House projects, including material and energy considerations, involvement in advocacy through Passive House Hudson Valley, and the growing demand for such homes. They also highlight the benefits of prefab construction in difficult climates and the importance of builder experience. https://www.riverarchitects.com/Video of River Architects' Bank Lofts retrofit project: https://youtu.be/GHLC2xGM-ykBest of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registrationThank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms: ➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple ➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic ➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify ➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein ➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart BYD HOLDS ELECTRIC-CAR LEAD AS TESLA SPEEDS UP https://evne.ws/4rrRH0Y BYD OVERTAKES TESLA IN EUROPE'S ELECTRIC-CAR MARKET https://evne.ws/43QFecW CHINA DOWNGRADES ELECTRIC CARS—BUT ONLY IN NAME https://evne.ws/44vDV3i XIAOMI SU7 BONNET FACES COURT SCRUTINY https://evne.ws/4ilItPz ZEEKR CROWDFUNDS ADAS RETROFIT https://evne.ws/4pxMrXM XPENG RAMPS UP PRODUCTION OF NEW MPV AS CHINA DEMAND SURPRISES https://evne.ws/43OldDV IM MOTORS' IM6 TESTS PREMIUM EV DEMAND IN OCEANIA https://evne.ws/44vE5HW HUAWEI DEEPENS PUSH INTO SMART CARS https://evne.ws/3LZDZlD CATL BETS ON BATTERY-SWAP TAXIS IN HONG KONG https://evne.ws/3LZw6wE CHINA'S EV BATTERIES BECOME AN URBAN MINE https://evne.ws/4p3Uax5

To register for our Reimagine Buildings: Best of Retrofit online conference on Friday, December 5, 2025, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/In this episode of the Passive House Podcast co-host's Jay and Mary chat with Emily Mottram, founder of Mottram Architecture, about her architectural firm and her passion for building science and low-carbon residential architecture. Emily discusses her firm's focus on retrofits and new builds, explaining their approach to sustainable architecture using eco-friendly, bio-based materials. She shares insights on the complexity and importance of retrofitting existing structures, the challenges and benefits of panelized construction, and the holistic methods she employs to ensure the health and safety of building occupants. https://www.mottramarch.com/Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registrationThank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

Welcome to The Trade Talks Live, where we celebrate the blue-collar trades and everything they stand for! Join us every weekday from 10-11 AM as we dive into national news, review trade websites, and share tips on mindset growth to help you succeed. Don't miss this hour of insights, inspiration, and practical advice! A big thank you to Leak-Pro for sponsoring this episode of The Trade Talks Live! Register for my FREE webinar! www.justmetroger.com LeakPro provides state-of-the-art leak detection solutions specifically designed for plumbers, helping professionals pinpoint hidden leaks with accuracy and efficiency. By utilizing advanced acoustic technology and digital sensors, LeakPro allows plumbers to reduce unnecessary damage, saving time and money on every job. LeakPro's tools are essential for detecting slab leaks, pipe leaks, and irrigation system failures without invasive measures. Whether working in residential or commercial plumbing, LeakPro offers cutting-edge solutions that enhance service quality. For more information, visit www.leak-pro.com or call 1-888-853-2577. Tradesmen built America. This is the "Blue Collar Channel"... Where you can listen to the top tradespeople around the world. Everything you need to learn about getting into the trades, becoming the best tradesman, starting your own business, and using networking and social media... To GROW in the trades!!!

This week: Jeff Bezos is back in startup mode (sort of) with Project Prometheus — a $6.2 billion AI-for-the-physical-world venture that instantly became one of the most talked-about new companies in tech. We dig into what his return to the CEO title really means, why the company’s location is still a mystery, and how this echoes the era when Bezos was regularly launching big bets from Seattle. Then we look at Amazon’s latest real-world experiment: package-return kiosks popping up inside Goodwill stores around the Seattle region. It’s a small pilot, but it brings back memories of the early days when Amazon’s oddball experiments seemed to appear out of nowhere. And finally…Todd makes the case for upgrading his 2007 Toyota Camry with CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera — while John questions the logic of sinking thousands into a beloved older car. All that, plus a mystery Microsoft shirt, a little Seattle nostalgia, and a look ahead to next week’s podcast collaboration with Me, Myself and AI from MIT Sloan Management Review.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug says homeowners and home buyers worrying about the wrong things isn't new. Chris asks if reducing carbon in houses makes sense with AI's voracious energy consumption. Spenser wonders about ways to temporarily heat his job sites. Zach describes his comprehensive plan to redo his house's building envelope.    Tune in to Episode 712 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:  ·       Why clients having trouble caring about what they can't see  ·       Pros and cons of common temporary job site heating ·       Rebuilding the shell  of a house you're living in     Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.     ➡️➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 712 ➡️ Learn about Fine Homebuilding All-Access membership ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:   Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. 

Eric Kaiser sits down with Haley Harlow and Al Mitchell from PHIUS (Passive House Institute US) to explore Revive 2024, a groundbreaking new retrofit standard focused on thermal resilience and healthier, safer existing buildings. Haley shares her path from Pennsylvania College of Technology to her current role managing building certifications at PHIUS. At the same time, Al recounts his journey from aspiring car engineer to building scientist, drawn to the elegant complexity of whole-building systems. Together, they unpack how Revive differs from traditional PHIUS new-construction standards. Instead of focusing on heating and cooling load targets, Revive emphasizes thermal resilience—a building's ability to remain habitable for up to a week during power outages or extreme weather. They also discuss ReviveCalc, PHIUS's new software tool for analyzing retrofit scenarios, allowing designers to test various upgrade packages, balance cost and performance, and phase improvements over time. The tool incorporates lifecycle cost analysis, dynamic energy modeling, and resilience metrics, making advanced design decisions more accessible to real-world projects. Both guests share their excitement about addressing the massive stock of underperforming existing buildings. Haley connects it to her own experience growing up in energy-intensive apartments, while Al reflects on how to use today's computing power better to design resilient, efficient homes. They close with a shared message: retrofitting our current buildings is not only possible, it's essential for the future of sustainability, comfort, and community resilience. Key Takeaways PHIUS Revive 2024 focuses on retrofits, bringing resilience and energy equity to the existing building stock. Thermal resilience replaces traditional load metrics, ensuring buildings remain habitable during grid or system failures. ReviveCalc helps users model envelope and mechanical upgrades, estimate lifecycle costs, and optimize phase-by-phase improvements. The program aligns with ASHRAE Guideline 0.2 for commissioning and integrates EPA's Energy Savings Plus Health framework. Air sealing remains the top "bang for the buck" retrofit measure for both comfort and energy savings. CPHC certification (Certified PHIUS Consultant) is open to anyone—no degree required. The Revive approach balances performance, cost, and practicality for real-world projects. Haley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-harlow-3965b41b5 Al's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-mitchell-bb74827b/ Info on Phius Revive 2024: https://www.phius.org/phius-revive-2024     This episode was recorded in October 2025.  

In this episode, I talk with Joe Demers, P.E., a civil engineer at Alpha Structural, about seismic retrofit strategies to enhance building safety. Despite decades of warnings, many cities remain dangerously unprepared for major earthquakes, often relying solely on outdated building codes. Joe shares his extensive experience in structural repair and design, offering insights into […] The post Enhance Earthquake Safety with Seismic Retrofit Strategies – Ep 169 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast host Mary James meets with Katie Schwamb, Managing Director at Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex) to  discuss emissions reduction and compliance with Local Law 97 in New York City.  Local Law 97, sets carbon emissions limits for buildings over 25,000 square feet to help achieve near-zero emissions by 2050. Mary and Katie cover the importance of strategic planning, financial incentives, and challenges building owners face in complying with the law. Katie highlights Building Energy Exchange's array of resources aimed at advancing energy-efficient, decarbonized buildings, including case studies, retrofit playbooks, and their Local Law 97 calculator.https://be-exchange.org/Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registrationThank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

In this episode, our guest is Daisy Vardy, co-founder of ForeseEnergy, a 100% minority women-owned cleantech EPC company based in British Columbia. Daisy shares her company's inspiring journey and mission to decarbonize transportation by retrofitting diesel fleets—from mining trucks and postal vans to tugboats and cranes—with state-of-the-art electric drive systems and battery swapping technologies. She discusses how their end-to-end solutions extend the life of vehicles, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs by up to 90%. Daisy also explains how ForeseEnergy is leading initiatives in second-life battery repurposing, autonomous vehicle retrofits, microgrids for rural communities, and collaborations with Indigenous Nations. Her story is a compelling testament to female-led innovation, sustainable development, and the power of strategic partnerships in accelerating the energy transition. Please join to find more. Connect with Sohail Hasnie: Facebook @sohailhasnie X (Twitter) @shasnie LinkedIn @shasnie ADB Blog Sohail Hasnie YouTube @energypreneurs Instagram @energypreneurs Tiktok @energypreneurs Spotify Video @energypreneurs

In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, host Jay Fox talks with Andrea Michael, an architect from Love Schack Architecture in Bozeman, Montana. They discuss Andrea's comprehensive home retrofit, aimed at improving energy efficiency and comfort. The retrofit included air sealing, adding insulation, installing a heat pump, ERVs, solar panels, and more. The conversation highlights Andrea's journey from initial DIY efforts to a full-scale renovation, revealing significant energy savings and improved indoor air quality. The episode also touches on the challenges and successes of integrating sustainable building practices in Montana.https://loveschackarchitecture.com/See Andrea December 5th at Best of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registrationThank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

A growing number of vehicles on the road still lack tire pressure monitoring systems, and Schrader is hoping to change that with its new Aircheck BLE retrofit kit. In this episode of What's Treading, David Sickels talks with Kelly Sadler, vice president and general manager for Sonata's aftermarket business, about how the product works and what it means for both drivers and service shops.The Aircheck BLE is designed to fit nearly any light-duty vehicle and deliver tire pressure, temperature, and sensor battery life information directly to the dashboard through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Sadler explains that the system uses Bluetooth Low Energy and a range extender to ensure reliable communication even over long distances, such as when towing a trailer.For installers, Schrader kept setup simple. The sensors mount internally to protect against tampering and provide more accurate readings, while an app-based configuration removes the need for hard-wiring and specialized tools. Sadler says installation typically takes less than five minutes and that the company has produced full training materials and videos to help technicians get up to speed.With roughly 250 million vehicles still operating without TPMS, the retrofit market represents a sizable opportunity for tire dealers looking to expand their services. Sadler notes that the Aircheck BLE's single-SKU design helps streamline inventory and reduce complexity in the bay, giving shops a way to add value for customers who want better tire health monitoring without replacing their vehicle.Tire Review: www.tirereview.comHunter Engineering: www.hunter.com

Konstantin Efimov was born in 1958 in St. Petersburg, Russia, the elder (by 10 years) of two sons born to Igor Efimov, well-established movie actor, and his wife, Irina, whom he met while attending Moscow's prestigious Maly Theater School.  Irina performed on stage until a few days before Kostia's birth.  "That must be why I enjoy being on stage so much," says Kostia, who goes by his childhood nickname.  His parents chose to live in St. Petersburg to be close to Igor's elderly mother.  In 1961, they signed a five-year contract with the Theater Group of the Soviet Army Force, performing in East Berlin.  KGB regulations, however, did not allow them to bring Kostia, then age 2-½ with them.  He stayed, as an "insurance policy," with his grandmother, Valya, living in a communal apartment that housed nine families (33 people) in 11 rooms, all sharing the same hallway, kitchen and bathroom.  "The bathtub was always filled with laundry," Kostia recalls.  "We took our baths twice a week in the community bathhouse."  As a child, Kostia displayed a tremendous interest in music, spending much time in front of the radio in his grandmother's tiny room.  At age 4, a present was delivered to him from his parents -- a 1937 Wolkenhauer upright piano, upon which he soon learned to play hundreds of Russian folk songs.  "It became the center of life in our home," Kostia remembers.  "Even my pet rooster, Peter, used the lid as his favorite perch, and he would sit there and listen while I played."  Kostia's parents returned from East Germany in July of 1965, when he was 7.  His grandmother died of a stroke the following month.  The same year, Kostia was accepted into a special music preparatory school of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.  For the next 11 years, each day involved four to six hours of piano practice.  At the school he met his first great influence, teacher Tamara Karetkina.  "I was her first student," Kostia recalls.  "She was a tremendous pianist and a beautiful woman, very much resembling Jacqueline Bisset.”  Because of his talent, Kostia and other elite prodigies were forbidden to play sports, for fear of hand injuries.  At 14, Kostia, who loved basketball, broke a finger in his right hand during a clandestine pick-up game.  "I was so frightened," Kostia says. "The thought of not being able to play again was so horrifying!  It was worse than death for me.  I didn't tell my mother that I did it playing basketball; I told her I fell down carrying my briefcase."  While his right hand healed, Kostia passed the time mastering pieces written by Ravel and Scriabin for left hand.  Ravel's piece was composed in honor of a pianist who lost his right hand during World War I.  At 18, Kostia entered the famed St. Petersburg Conservatory.  Here he met and studied under Vladimir Nielsen, one of the last great masters of Russian Romanticism.  He completed his Conservatory studies in 1982 with advanced graduate degrees in four disciplines:  concert (solo) pianist, pianist for chamber ensemble, accompanist, and piano teacher.  Following graduation, Kostia performed throughout Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia as a soloist, with orchestras, with ethnic ensembles and his own jazz-fusion group.  Typically, Conservatory graduates move into teaching.  "I decided to go another way.  I was already involved with jazz and pop performances, and I was pretty well known as an arranger, so I wanted to explore new music.  Friends introduced me to Oscar Peterson, and modern jazz and progressive rock bands like Genesis, Yes and King Crimson.  It was very different, extremely energetic, and absolutely spontaneous, like myself.  I am definitely a free spirit, and playing this music allowed me a certain level of freedom that I wasn't able to explore in classical music."  Kostia received a proposal from the St. Petersburg Cultural Center to start, essentially, an experimental music group.  "This was 1982," he says, "and things were warming up a little bit."  Kostia called the group “ARS” -- Latin for "art.”  While working with ARS, Kostia started composing and arranging music for movies, documentaries and theatrical productions.  He freelanced as an arranger, working on a number of soundtracks for the various stage productions.  His skills as a performer led him to work with some of the well-established Russian composers (i.e., Alfred Schnitke, Vladislav Uspensky, Vladislav Panchenko), and a number of Soviet pop stars, including Marina Kapuro and Aleksander Rosenbaum, among others.  During a visit to the United States in 1989 with the Soviet-American Cultural Exchange project "Clay Stomp," Kostia had an opportunity to perform for his first American audience at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where he shared the stage with Narada artist David Lanz.  That day changed Kostia's life forever.  The next morning he received a call from Narada records offering him a recording contract.  From 1989 until 1997, Kostia worked extensively on various Narada projects as a performer, arranger and producer, including David Arkenstone's Grammy-nominated In the Wake of the Wind, and Narada's most celebrated recording, Nutcracker.  Kostia's music appeared on more than a dozen of Narada's collections and compilation albums.  In 1992, Kostia and David Arkenstone collaborated on the first album ever endorsed by the United States Olympic Committee, Spirit of Olympia.  In 1994, Narada released Kostia's first piano solo album Suite St. Petersburg, which he describes as "a piano portrait of my beloved city."  1996 brought another critically acclaimed piano album, Ten Pebbles, where Kostia revisits some of his most cherished memories.  Both albums won him respect and recognition of his fellow musicians and the love of fans around the world.  Beginning in 1997, Kostia started a series of recordings with North Sound Music Group dedicated to piano idols of pop music.  That year, he released Kostia's Interpretations of Billy Joel followed by Kostia's Interpretations of Elton John in 1998.  The success of these projects led to a number of tribute recordings completed with world renowned instrumentalists such as Daryl Stuermer, guitarist from Genesis and Phil Collins Band; Paul McCandless, Windham Hill artist and reed and saxophone player from the band Oregon; and Windham Hill guitarist, Alex De Grassi.  In 1999, Kostia composed the soundtrack for the motion picture Czar of Make Believe from Italian director Daniel Alegi, which won an award for Best Short Film at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. In 2001, Kostia released Piano Ocean, an album of original music recorded in collaboration with ex-Narada star Spencer Brewer.  At the same time, he composed the soundtracks for a motion picture, The Play in the Modern Style, and a short film of Alex Boguslavsky entitled Blue Lamp.  New Millennium also brought several other exciting projects to Kostia as well – a collaboration between LEGO and George Lucas Film, celebrated short animated film “Star Wars: “Revenge of the Brick.”; new Alex Boguslavsky's film “My Little Philosopher”; a pilot for an independent motion picture “Slow Poison.”; a collaboration with legendary band Sweetbottom (original Indi fusion group) – “Sweetbottom Live”; several new albums with old band mate, Daryl Stuermer – “GO!”, “Rewired”, “Retrofit”; debut album of Carmen Nickerson “Tomorrow Is Another Day” etc. One of Kostia's compositions made it to the world renown TV series “Sex and the City.”  In addition to collaborations with well-established music groups and individual artists, Kostia has had his music performed by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony Orchestra, the internationally famed Veronica String Quartet, and Present Music cellist, Paul Gemainder, to name a few.  Currently, Kostia is at work composing music for his next CD, performing solo piano concerts around the country, and recording and performing with the Daryl Stuermer Band.  Future plans?  "I am thinking about something I always wanted to do – a series of pieces for chorus, poem for string quartet, and six pictures for piano and orchestra," says Kostia.  His journey continues.  "Musical Columbus," as he is often called by journalists, is again on the way to discovering new worlds for himself and his fans. Kostia plays regularly at Fox River Congregational Church where he is a composer in residence.  

In this episode, Braheem Santos, US Segment Leader for Healthcare at Schneider Electric, and Andrew Carréno, Business Development Manager for Healthcare at ASCO, discusses how hospitals can retrofit existing facilities to enhance power resilience, reduce downtime, and improve patient care through collaboration and intelligent infrastructure. Learn more about how Schneider Electric is engineered for every moment of care for your health organization here: https://www.se.com/us/en/work/solutions/healthcare/?utm_source=beckershealthcare&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=2025_oct_us_de_ehealth_beckershealthcare_consideration_directmedia-contentbuy_local&utm_term=octpod&campaign_objective=consideration&mcl_name=ehealth

Es Tresidder from Highland Passive explains what an air-to-air mini split heat pump is, why he believes it's a good choice for heating a high performance home and the various pros and cons of going down this route. He also reflects on one of the toughest stages of his retrofit when they took the roof off the existing dwelling and then faced torrential rain. Check out the show notes for more information.

Here's the thing. “Smart” has been the buzzword for years, but Richard Leurig argues we're on the cusp of something bolder. In our conversation, the Accruent president drew a clear line between buildings filled with connected systems and buildings that can sense, decide, and act without a person staring at a dashboard all day. Richard shared a retail story that sticks. By wiring refrigeration units with sensors and training models on billions of telemetry points, his team can spot failures 48 to 72 hours before lettuce wilts or milk spoils. That time window turns panic calls at 3 a.m. into planned daytime fixes. It cuts waste, protects revenue, and keeps customers from walking into empty shelves. The bigger idea is a shift from many panes of glass to no pane of glass. Instead of asking people to wrangle alerts, AI agents coordinate HVAC, security, and maintenance, then dispatch the right technician with the right part only when one is truly needed. That is the road to self-healing facilities. Practicalities that matter now Let me explain why this resonates across industries. Whether you run a hospital, a university, a factory, or a grocery chain, you're wrestling with aging infrastructure and short supply of skilled workers. Richard sees the same pattern everywhere. Teams need guidance at the point of work, not another report. Natural language agents that answer plain questions and walk users through a task are winning hearts because they remove friction. Return-to-office adds another layer. Hybrid work has made space usage lumpy. Richard outlined how linking lease data, occupancy, and booking behavior helps leaders decide what to close, reshape, or scale. It also changes floor plans. When people do come in, they want project rooms and collaboration zones, not endless rows of cubicles. Retrofit is the sleeper story. You don't need a skyline of brand-new towers to get smarter. Low-cost sensors and targeted integrations are making older buildings more responsive than most people expect. That opens the door for progress without nine-figure capex. Energy, sustainability, and proof Boards want less energy spend and real emissions progress. The quickest wins are often hiding in plain sight. Richard walked through HVAC control that follows people, sunlight, and weather rather than fixed schedules. Lights that turn off when a room is empty are yesterday's news. Cooling only where teams are actually working is today's play. He also flagged a coming wave on factory floors. Many legacy motors and line components quietly draw more power than they should. Clip-on sensors can spot out-of-tolerance behavior so maintenance can fix the energy hog instead of replacing an entire line. That is the kind of operational change that lowers bills and supports sustainability targets with data, not slogans. Richard's timeline is refreshingly near term. He believes a large slice of the built environment will show real autonomy in three to five years. Not theory. Not demos. Everyday operations that quietly handle themselves until a human is truly required. If this conversation sparks an idea for your sites, stores, labs, or campuses, I want to hear how you're approaching it. What feels possible this quarter, and what still feels out of reach?

Will South from Etude takes us step-by-step through the retrofit of his Victorian terrace house in Brighton, which has improved the health, comfort and energy efficiency of the property. Check out the show notes for more information.

In this episode, we are joined by Attzaz Rashid (Barratt London) and Joel Callow (Beyond Carbon) to talk about Barratt London's move into Passive House.It was a chance to get into what attracted Barratt to developing this Lo-E homes proposition and how they came to feel confident about committing to deliver certified Passive House apartments, the team effort that's been employed to make it work, and the way this change has brought about a renewed enthusiasm for the job in some of the project's participants.It's a really interesting exploration of how the rigour and challenges of Passive House has affected Barratt's approach to high-density building, and how the Passive House approach has come to be recognised as advantageous to Barratt, in all sorts of ways. Finally, the critique of M&E design that's made late on in the episode is not a Barratt critique—as Az makes abundantly clear—this is one founded in Joel's experience of inheriting issues that require Beyond Carbon's expertise for their resolution.Notes from the showAttzaz Rashid on LinkedInJoel Callow on LinkedIn The Barratt London websiteThe Beyond Carbon websiteDistrict heating and passive house - are they compatible? from the pages of Passive House PlusBarratt launches record passive house scheme also from the pages of Passive House Plus**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

How Ireland is making homes warmer, cheaper to run, and lower-carbon—at real scale—and what you should actually do first. Ireland's Retrofit Race Ireland set out to decarbonise its housing by upgrading existing homes—insulation first, fossil heating out, heat pumps and other renewables in. Dr. Ciarán Byrne from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland explains what “retrofit” really means, where the numbers stand, what's working, and how to start your own upgrade without getting overwhelmed. Ireland's Retrofit Race with Dr. Ciarán Byrne “Anything you do in this space is no-regrets work.” Dr. Ciarán Byrne C Dir Why listen to Ireland's Retrofit Race Plain-English retrofit 101: What counts, what doesn't, and why external wall insulation can make a whole street look brand new. Real progress, real targets: Thousands of upgrades each year, with a growing share of homes reaching a strong BER rating. Money + logistics, demystified: Grants that can be netted off your bill, low-cost green loans, and why using registered contractors matters. Old buildings, smart fixes: How “breathable” materials and traditional-home know-how avoid moisture traps in heritage fabric. Myths busted: You usually don't need to move out for a deep retrofit; confusion often comes from bundling retrofits with kitchen or bathroom refits. Ireland's Retrofit Race Pilot Projects Under 1 Minute Snippet Chapters (00:00:00) - What is retrofitting? A home-energy upgrade: insulate the fabric (walls, roof, doors, windows), then swap fossil heat for renewable systems like heat pumps.(00:03:00) - Targets & the clock: Carbon budgets arrive in five-year blocks; scaling now matters because the decade is “back-end loaded.”(00:04:30) - Scorecard: Applications and completions climbing, more homes hitting BER B2, and solid momentum behind insulation-first pathways.(00:09:30) - Scorecard: Applications and completions climbing, more homes hitting BER B2, and solid momentum behind insulation-first pathways.(00:16:00) - The homeowner journey: Make action easy; reduce clicks and complexity; balance demand with trained, inspected, registered contractors.(00:20:00) - Grants that actually move: Faster approvals, one-stop shops that can net off aid, and quality assurance through inspections.(00:30:00) - “Isn't this only for the wealthy?” Attic insulation is often the cheapest, best first step; green finance covers the rest.(00:33:00) - Deep retrofit myths: Staying put vs. moving out—and why people conflate retrofits with other renovations.(00:34:00) - Heritage & physics: Permeable vs. impermeable materials and a growing evidence base for doing old buildings right(00:37:00) - What's next: Optimised construction, off-site panels, digital twins—promising, but still at early stage locally.(00:40:00) - SEAI's role: “The meat in the sandwich”—bridging policy and delivery while simplifying, standardising, consolidating.(00:41:00) - 2026 success looks like… Bigger numbers, smoother customer journeys, and a confident supply chain.(00:42:00) - Final advice: Check your BER and advisory report, explore grants/finance, pick registered contractors, and start now.

Is there a collaboration problem in retrofit within the social housing sector? That was the premise for this conversation with Rafe Bertram, an architect and retrofit expert—appearing in a personal capacity—who was very surprised when I posed the question because he's found collaboration to be a strength in the sector, at least in London.In the end it led to a conversation about what he's learned from the experiences he's had working on retrofits in the social housing sector, in his community, and even doing big flashy Apple stores.The most interesting bit though is the strategy he's using to reduce the cost of retrofit, with his theory of reactive planning. It's an approach that takes a systematic integrated asset management approach and adds strategic opportunism into the mix in a way that enables him to piggyback essential works, like roof replacement, and use them as a catalyst for getting into a building to do the sustainability stuff that's usually a lower priority.Notes from the showRafe Bertram on LinkedinRetrofit Kentish Town The Good Homes Alliance websiteRafe's finance report for the Good Homes Alliance — “The Green Shift – The existing financial incentives for higher environmental performance of new homes” (October 2023) More links to articles about green building, favourable finance, and better valuations:Homebuyers pay a ‘green premium' of up to £40,000 for the most energy efficient properties (September 2021)—Lloyds Banking GroupHalifax includes EPC ratings in maximum lending calculationsHalifax to use EPC rating in affordability calculationsOctopus reducing interest rates for finance capital: 4 criteria = 1.25% discount, 6+ criteria = 2.00% discount**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

In this episode, Sean White and Cesar Barbosa, CEO of Nu Life, break down the seven “re-”s of solar: Repurpose, Repower, Recycle, Repair, Refurbish, Retrofit, and Remediation. Discover how these strategies are shaping the future of solar projects, from giving panels a second life to tackling the challenges of decommissioning and sustainability.   Topics covered: Nu Life www.nulifepower.com PPA = Power Purchase Agreement Repurpose: Use old panels in a new place or application. Repower: Upgrade a system with new parts for better performance. Recycle: Break down panels to recover materials. Repair: Fix specific issues without major replacements. Refurbish: Restore used panels by repairing minor parts. Retrofit: Replace or upgrade components across a system. Remediation: Correct larger-scale problems to restore function. FabTech www.fabtech.net Decommissioning PV Cycle www.pvcycle.org Used Solar End of Life Utility Cesar Barbosa's Articles www.linkedin.com/in/cesarbarbosa   Reach out to Jon Williams Here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cesarbarbosa Nu Life Website: www.nulifepower.com   Learn more at www.solarSEAN.com and be sure to get NABCEP certified by taking Sean's classes at www.heatspring.com/sean www.solarsean.com/pvcms

This episode is all about case study in circularity and a group of people turning waste into useful materials for the built environment. Daniel Dinizo and Charmaine Cu-Unjieng of NaturLoop are bringing a new bio-based product to market that transforms waste coconut husk into a material that's something between MDF and a particle board.For us, this presented a chance to talk about how sustainable materials are developed, the challenges of bringing them to market and how responsible businesses can approach supply chain development (the big challenge now). As professionals who work with LCAs, EPDs, and carbon calcs all the time it was refreshing to get into a product that will have an impact that can be accounted for in human terms, as well as the usual economic and environmental terms. They're also fundraising right now, so here's the pitch from Charmaine.NaturLoop at the Final Stage of Pre-Seed Funding"NaturLoop, the Swiss–Philippine climate-tech startup behind Cocoboard, is at the final stage of its pre-seed round. Cocoboard is the first industry-ready fibreboard made entirely from coconut husk waste and natural adhesives—a truly biocircular material. Featured at Interzum Cologne 2025, Cocoboard embodies the shift in construction and furniture toward biocircularity—no longer a trend but the future of materials. Europe's sustainable furniture market is set to more than double to $42.6 bn by 2032, with consumers paying around 10% more for sustainable products. NaturLoop is closing its round soon, inviting strategic investors to co-build a climate-positive business that reduces deforestation and uplifts poor coconut farmers—making the industry more future-proof."Notes from the showCharmaine Cu-Unjieng on LinkedinDaniel Dinizo on Linkedin NaturLoop on Linkedin The NaturLoop websiteA short film about Cocoboard®An investor CTA from CharmaineAn example of Cocoboard in use as a speaker box for a Schwab System**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this podcast, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**

In Episode 259 of Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus and John "JJ Flawless" dive deep into a critical safety topic in the pool industry: Equipotential Bonding. They're joined by Dallas Thiesen from the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and John Ritenour, VP of Engineering at SunSmart Engineering, to break down the findings from a landmark bonding study conducted by the Pool Industry Council. Learn the difference between bonding and grounding, explore the two main methods of bonding (copper wire vs. copper grid), and understand why this topic matters to pool service techs, builders, and inspectors alike. The episode covers safety implications, real-world retrofit challenges, and how this research could affect upcoming National Electric Code changes. Whether you're a pool pro servicing backyards daily or a builder navigating evolving code standards, this episode is packed with practical tips, technical insights, and industry updates that could impact your work.

Andy Mitchell, Managing Director of 21 Degrees, explains what factors influence human comfort and how we have tried to make our homes more comfortable through the years. Embracing building physics has been a turning point and while we have the knowledge and skills to create healthy and comfortable homes today, it's still not the default approach. So Andy outlines the options available to get yourself into a better home. Check out the show notes for more information.

“Where we bridge the gap between water plant operators and engineers” In today's episode, we are going to talk about a challenging packaged sanitary wastewater treatment plant retrofit. We are thrilled to welcome back our guest Ibrahim Teres, a senior process engineer at EMCO group with 10+ years in the water and wastewater treatment systems design field. Ibrahim was recently elected as the vice chairman for the AZ Water Association's water treatment committee and holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering. Ibrahim has successfully designed, executed, and started up numerous municipal and industrial water and wastewater treatment projects. His expertise spans across diverse sectors including beverage, food processing, and oil & gas industries. Before moving to Arizona, Ibrahim worked on projects located in the middle east and Africa, thus bringing in a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of delivering innovative and effective water treatment solutions to his new role.

Ben Nother, a Director at Hawkland design and build company, explains the two different roles of Principal Designer in meeting building regulations and addressing CDM health and safety. He also reflects on how this has been integrated into the processes at Hawkland. Check out the show notes for more information.

James and John discuss Etsy finds: sealed Guided Tour of Macintosh cassette tape, restored Color Classic II, and PowerPC 603 paperweight. James looks at the book "20 GOTO 10" by Steven Goodwin, and news includes James Wages' SE/30 Retrofit video and Ron's interview with Bill Appleton. Join our Facebook page, follow us on X (Twitter), watch us on YouTube, and visit us at RetroMacCast.

In this insightful episode, Bill and Eric are joined by Abhi Katamneni from Efficiency Canada and Nate Adams, also known as the House Whisperer, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of home performance, policy, and how HVAC contractors can play a central role in the electrification and decarbonization of housing. Abhi shares lessons from his ride-alongs with contractors across North America, emphasizing how real-world experience shapes policy that actually works. Nate dives into his shift toward consumer education and the systemic problems he's observed in program design and incentives. Together, they unpack how well-meaning policies can backfire when they disrupt the natural rhythm of contracting businesses—highlighting the urgent need for smarter, more contractor-centric approaches. They discuss “boundary spanners,” the unintended consequences of top-down mandates, and why the HVAC service truck is ground zero for climate solutions. Both guests call for immersion, experimentation, and communities of practice to move from boutique success stories to scalable change. Some quotes from the Episode: “The brain can't absorb what your butt can't endure.” – Abhi “If you're not building something shovel-ready for contractors, what are you even doing?” – Abhi “A heat pump isn't just green—it's better. More comfort, less noise, fewer regrets.” – Nate Nate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natethehousewhisperer/ Abhi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akantamn/ Boundary Spanners podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OunercMNOjZ3poROcI5Z4 Nate's website where  you get free downloads or the book: https://www.natethehousewhisperer.com/ ACEEE: https://www.aceee.org/ Efficiency Canada: https://www.efficiencycanada.org/   This episode was recorded in June 2025.  

In this episode of the Passive House Podcast, Mary James speaks with Barry McCarron, Managing Director of Kore Retrofit, about Ireland's bold retrofit efforts and Passive House leadership. Barry traces his journey from building the world's largest Passive House Premium project to leading cutting-edge retrofit initiatives through Kore's one-stop shop model. He shares insights into his PhD research on radon in certified Passive House buildings, the significance of airtightness and ventilation, and Ireland's ambitious retrofit targets. https://www.koreretrofit.com/Thank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

Two great questions about wall assemblies. The boys dig deep, exploring all the variables to consider for both wall assemblies. And no big surprise: Much of the conversation is about how to get these three control layers right (water, air, thermal) and ALSO get the drying potential (vapor) correct.PETE'S RESOURCES:- 2021 IRC - MontanaNOTE: The IRC 2021 does NOT include any chapters on energy efficiency/energy requirements...- Huber Table for ZIP-R recommendations for all climates- "Check but Verify - Why We Do Multiple Blower Door Tests:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDD-BpTZJ3I- "When to Perform a Blower Door Test (and when not to)"

(May 27,2025)Trump administration cancels FEMA earthquake retrofit grants. Immigration is the only thing propping up California's population. Buying 100% American is really, really hard. So, what happens to America's 114 billion pennies once the US stops making them.