The Big Retrofit Challenge is back, bigger and bolder for 2026!   Futurebuild, in partnership with the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and Innovate UK, is launching The Big Retrofit Challenge 2026, a national call for innovations to help decarbonise our homes at scale.   In this episode of the Futurebuild Podcast, Martin Hurn talks with Laura Marks, Chair of the NHDG Innovation Working Group and Innovation Champion at United Infrastructure, about what's new for 2026, last year's standout ideas, and how the Challenge is driving real change across the retrofit sector.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

The Big Retrofit Challenge is back, bigger and bolder for 2026!   Futurebuild, in partnership with the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and Innovate UK, is launching The Big Retrofit Challenge 2026, a national call for innovations to help decarbonise our homes at scale.   In this episode of the Futurebuild Podcast, Martin Hurn talks with Laura Marks, Chair of the NHDG Innovation Working Group and Innovation Champion at United Infrastructure, about what's new for 2026, last year's standout ideas, and how the Challenge is driving real change across the retrofit sector.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild Retrofit Mini Series, Martin Hurn speaks with Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director from Kensa to explore how ground source heat pumps are quietly transforming UK home heating. From social housing estates to large-scale retrofit projects, discover the technology, cost savings, and environmental impact of this low-carbon solution, all from right beneath our feet.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild Retrofit Mini Series, Martin Hurn speaks with Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director from Kensa to explore how ground source heat pumps are quietly transforming UK home heating. From social housing estates to large-scale retrofit projects, discover the technology, cost savings, and environmental impact of this low-carbon solution, all from right beneath our feet.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this Futurebuild podcast, host Martin Hurn is joined by Diego Padilla-Philipps—Director of Decarbonisation and Innovation for Building Structures at WSP. A structural engineer by trade, Diego has led landmark projects like 22 Bishopsgate and is driving WSP’s mission to halve emissions by 2030.   He shares how AI and multi-objective optimisation are transforming the design process—breaking down silos, testing thousands of options, and flipping the industry’s “journey of disappointment” into the productisation of buildings.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this Futurebuild podcast, host Martin Hurn speaks with Diego Padilla-Philipps—Director of Decarbonisation and Innovation for Building Structures at WSP. A structural engineer by trade, Diego has led landmark projects like 22 Bishopsgate and is driving WSP’s mission to halve emissions by 2030.   He shares how AI and multi-objective optimisation are transforming the design process—breaking down silos, testing thousands of options, and flipping the industry’s “journey of disappointment” into the productisation of buildings.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

As part of our Retrofit Mini Series host, Martin Hurn speaks with Sara Edmonds—architect, activist, and co-director of the National Retrofit Hub. She shares how the retrofit movement is shifting from policy and pilots to purpose, people and place. In this episode, Sarah explores the potential of community retrofit, the role of collective action, and the system innovations needed to scale solutions. A must-listen for anyone serious about the retrofit revolution.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

As part of our Retrofit Mini Series host, Martin Hurn speaks with Sara Edmonds—architect, activist, and co-director of the National Retrofit Hub. She shares how the retrofit movement is shifting from policy and pilots to purpose, people and place. In this episode, Sarah explores the potential of community retrofit, the role of collective action, and the system innovations needed to scale solutions. A must-listen for anyone serious about the retrofit revolution.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild Podcast, Elaine Toogood, Senior Director, MPA Concrete and The Concrete Centre. joins host Martin Hurn to explore how we can deliver homes that are truly fit for the future. From the risks of overlooking what’s behind our walls to the opportunities of low-carbon concrete, they discuss resilience, safety, innovation, and why housing policy must keep pace with climate reality.   Explore more insights and case studies in The Concrete Centre’s Sustainability Series   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild Podcast, Elaine Toogood, Senior Director, MPA Concrete and The Concrete Centre. joins host Martin Hurn to explore how we can deliver homes that are truly fit for the future. From the risks of overlooking what’s behind our walls to the opportunities of low-carbon concrete, they discuss resilience, safety, innovation, and why housing policy must keep pace with climate reality.   Explore more insights and case studies in The Concrete Centre’s Sustainability Series   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

How do we retrofit commercial buildings to cut emissions — without compromising performance? In this third episode of Futurebuild’s Retrofit Series, Martin Hurn is joined by Ben Bartle-Ross from Mitsubishi Electric about the rise of heat pumps in commercial retrofit. From working with architects and consultants to overcoming real-world challenges at Bournemouth University and Chester Zoo, this episode explores innovation, collaboration, and what successful retrofit truly requires.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

How do we retrofit commercial buildings to cut emissions — without compromising performance? In this third episode of Futurebuild’s Retrofit Series, Martin Hurn is joined by Ben Bartle-Ross from Mitsubishi Electric about the rise of heat pumps in commercial retrofit. From working with architects and consultants to overcoming real-world challenges at Bournemouth University and Chester Zoo, this episode explores innovation, collaboration, and what successful retrofit truly requires.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this second episode of our new retrofit series, host Martin Hurn speaks with Varsha Ravichandran, Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend and part of the RISE Retrofit programme team, joins the Futurebuild Podcast to explore retrofit as a cultural and technical challenge. She discusses balancing carbon reduction with architectural heritage, creating local green skills, and why changing mindsets is just as important as updating buildings. A fresh look at how retrofit can transform not just performance, but places and communities.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this second episode of our new retrofit series, host Martin Hurn speaks with Varsha Ravichandran, Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend and part of the RISE Retrofit programme team, joins the Futurebuild Podcast to explore retrofit as a cultural and technical challenge. She discusses balancing carbon reduction with architectural heritage, creating local green skills, and why changing mindsets is just as important as updating buildings. A fresh look at how retrofit can transform not just performance, but places and communities.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

Charlie Martin, CEO and founder of the Anti-Greenwash Charter, joins the Futurebuild Podcast to discuss the growing trend of greenhushing—where companies stay silent on sustainability due to fear of backlash. Drawing from the first annual Green Claims Pulse Survey, a collaboration between Futurebuild, the Carbon Literacy Project, and Hattrick, Charlie shares insights on why radical transparency and honest storytelling are critical to rebuilding trust and driving meaningful climate action in the built environment. He highlights how marketing can go beyond promotion to become a powerful catalyst for genuine change.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

Charlie Martin, CEO and founder of the Anti-Greenwash Charter, joins the Futurebuild Podcast to discuss the growing trend of greenhushing—where companies stay silent on sustainability due to fear of backlash. Drawing from the first annual Green Claims Pulse Survey, a collaboration between Futurebuild, the Carbon Literacy Project, and Hattrick, Charlie shares insights on why radical transparency and honest storytelling are critical to rebuilding trust and driving meaningful climate action in the built environment. He highlights how marketing can go beyond promotion to become a powerful catalyst for genuine change.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

Dr. Michelle Sanchez-Brokovich, Sustainability Lead at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and Circular Economy Policy Campaign Coordinator at the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN), joins the Futurebuild Podcast to share her international journey in sustainable design — from early grassroots reuse projects in Venezuela to leading ESG frameworks and ISO certification at a global architectural firm. She also discusses her work with the Architects Climate Action Network and their new Circular Economy Policy Campaign, offering insight into the built environment’s role in emissions, waste, and systems change.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

Dr. Michelle Sanchez-Brokovich, Sustainability Lead at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) and Circular Economy Policy Campaign Coordinator at the Architects Climate Action Network (ACAN), joins the Futurebuild Podcast to share her international journey in sustainable design — from early grassroots reuse projects in Venezuela to leading ESG frameworks and ISO certification at a global architectural firm. She also discusses her work with the Architects Climate Action Network and their new Circular Economy Policy Campaign, offering insight into the built environment’s role in emissions, waste, and systems change.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild podcast, host Martin Hurn sits down with Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action, The Institution of Structural Engineer, to unpack what it truly means to be a “guardian of materials” — and how engineering is playing a pivotal role in the shift toward net zero construction. From reducing embodied carbon to embracing circular design, material reuse, and social value, we explore how structural decisions can shape a more sustainable built environment.   The conversation also highlights key industry-led initiatives like the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the campaign for Part Z — a proposed amendment to UK building regulations that could radically change how we measure and manage the carbon impact of construction materials. Whether you're an architect, contractor, policymaker or sustainability professional, this episode offers fresh insight into the future of building design and regulation.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast

In this episode of the Futurebuild podcast, host Martin Hurn sits down with Will Arnold, Head of Climate Action, The Institution of Structural Engineer, to unpack what it truly means to be a “guardian of materials” — and how engineering is playing a pivotal role in the shift toward net zero construction. From reducing embodied carbon to embracing circular design, material reuse, and social value, we explore how structural decisions can shape a more sustainable built environment.   The conversation also highlights key industry-led initiatives like the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the campaign for Part Z — a proposed amendment to UK building regulations that could radically change how we measure and manage the carbon impact of construction materials. Whether you're an architect, contractor, policymaker or sustainability professional, this episode offers fresh insight into the future of building design and regulation.   Tune in now: Follow Futurebuild on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook #futurebuild #futurebuildpodcast