Serious about sustainability
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago -Serious about sustainability is a podcast series brought to you by Mitsubishi Electric's Ecodan – air source heat pump. Through a series of guest interviews including architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke, the podcast series covers a range of topics, from the perspective of UK homeowners, self-builders, contractors, and housing associations. The show promotes greater awareness of renewable, heat pump technology, helping to build a sustainable, zero-carbon future for home heating.
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Episodes
Ep20 High-Temperature Heat Pumps: The Future
January 03, 2024 10:23 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode, architect and Ecodan Ambassador George Clarke is in conversation with James Chaplen, Head of Product Marketing & Communications at Mitsubishi Electric and Rob Hicks, Asset Sustainability Manager at Sovereign Network Group. James introduces the latest Ecodan R290 heat pump and why it is setting new standards for performance and sustainability. He explains how the latest high-temperature products will reshape the UK residential retrofit market. Rob discusses Sovereign...
Ep19 Supporting Social Housing For Net Zero
January 09, 2023 12:13 - 1 hour - 112 MBIn this episode, Ecodan’s Russell Dean is in conversation with Architect and Ecodan Ambassador George Clarke, and James Mealing, ex-Director at Blueflame. James discusses his 15 years of experience with renewable energy and installing air source heat pumps for social housing developments. James highlights getting the fundamentals right for a successful social housing heat pump project. The group discusses running costs compared with oil and gas boilers, the funding streams available...
Ep18 Sustainable Homes: Building the Future
November 16, 2022 10:34 - 1 hour - 91.7 MBIn this episode, Ecodan’s Russell Dean is in conversation with Architect and Ecodan Ambassador George Clarke, Cala Homes’ Product Design Manager, Stephen Kelso, and Martin Fahey, Head of Sustainability at Mitsubishi Electric. Stephen explains how building standards differ between England and Scotland, and how Cala is trialling new technologies, such as air source heat pumps, ahead of regulation changes. Martin and George share their views on our collective journey towards net zero c...
Ep17 Upskill to Ecodan
October 17, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutes - 75.5 MBIn this episode, Russell Dean from Ecodan is in conversation with Architect and Ecodan Ambassador George Clarke, Will Allanson, Deputy Principal at Harlow College and Lance Hitchins, People and Training Manager at Mitsubishi Electric. The group discusses the transitional challenges of upskilling UK gas engineers to be able to install air source heat pumps. Lance explains the benefits of Mitsubishi Electric's new Ecodan Training Centre at Hatfield – allowing their courses to combine ...
Upskill to Ecodan
October 17, 2022 08:00 - 54 minutes - 75.5 MB01:06 / The need to upskill 02:15 / Ecodan training challenges 03:50 / Learning plumbing and electrics 11:30 / Decarbonising the curriculum 13:00 / Engaging with employers for jobs 15:00 / Transitional phase for skills 18:00 / Regional job opportunities 23:00 / A sustainable journey 28:45 / Educate for carbon literacy 34.50 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 35:15 / The green economy 36:15 / The commercial benefits of Ecodan 39:00 / The opportunities for gas installers ...
Zero Carbon Home
July 07, 2022 10:33 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MB01.40 / An introduction to the Barratt Zed House 04.15 / Being 'green' without trying 05.28 / Skirting board heating 07.06 / The case for a Zero carbon home 09.05 / Ecodan and heating the Zed House 12.30 / Getting rid of gas 14.30 / Robots building houses 20.38 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 21.00 / The evolution of MMC 28.05 / Designed for manufacture 30.45 / The educated self-builder 39.00 / Government standards and planning 45.00 / Trading energy 47.45 / A remote co...
Ep16 Zero Carbon Home
July 07, 2022 10:33 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBIn this episode, Russell Dean from Ecodan, is in conversation with architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke, and Oliver Novakovic, Technical and Innovation Director at Barratt Developments Plc. They discuss the Zed House project – a unique zero carbon concept home that showcases the future of sustainable living in the UK. Built on the University of Salford’s main campus, the Zed House is the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially ...
Heat Pumps : The Road to Net Zero
May 19, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MB01.00 / George Clarke's journey to sustainable living and renewable heating. 06.08 / Ben Freeman: starting a renewable heating business 12.00 / The educated renewable buyer 14.30 / Low-income households and efficient heating 15.45 / The Boiler Upgrade Scheme 17.15 / Retrofitting existing housing stock 22.10 / A long-term strategy for green buildings 24.15 / Making technology simple 27.00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 27.24 / Installer advice from Dore Woodman 31.10 / Housebuilder...
Ep15 Heat Pumps: The Road to Net Zero
May 19, 2022 08:00 - 50 minutes - 69.3 MBIn this episode, Russell Dean from Ecodan, is in conversation with architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke, and Ben Freeman, founder of Dore Woodman – UK renewable heating specialists. They discuss several topics including; what it means to live 'greener', starting a renewable heating business, grants, 'heating education', retrofitting existing UK housing stock, and the overall challenges that face the heating industry in meeting the UK Government's target to cut greenhouse g...
Air Source Heat Pump Myths
April 09, 2022 17:02 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MB01.00 / An intro to ASHP myth-busting 01.59 / Heat pumps are a new and unproven technology. 02.38 / Heat pumps are not powerful enough to heat my home in cold weather. 03.42 / Heat pumps take a long time to warm up a home. 06.02 / A heat pump is more expensive to run than a fossil fuel solution. 10.00 / Electricity is not a clean, green fuel type. 10.37 / Air source heat pumps are noisy. 13.11 / Planning permission is required before you can install an air source heat pu...
Ep14 Air Source Heat Pump Myths
April 09, 2022 17:02 - 35 minutes - 33.3 MBSince COP26 in Glasgow in Oct/Nov 2021, interest in renewable heating technologies from the UK media and the public has intensified. Social media has been awash with often 'polar opposite' opinions and viewpoints regarding air source heat pumps. In this episode, Russell Dean from Ecodan, architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke, and Laurent Widloecher, Product Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, discuss and 'debunk' commonly held myths associated with air source heat pumps. 01:0...
Heat Pumps: The Future Homes Standard
September 10, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 41.4 MB01.55 / An intro to Chris and Elmhurst Energy 04.12 / The roadmap to NetZero in 2050 05.00 / Up-skilling installers to meet demand 08.00 / Heat pumps – a crucial technology 09.55 / The Future Homes Standard from 2025 11.40 / Part L Regulations 14.00 / Our energy grid is low-carbon now 17.30 / Measuring energy use in buildings 22.20 / Timelines for 2025 26.40 / SAP 10.2 33.00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 33.30 / Change impact for developers 35.30 / What will the new industry st...
Ep13 Heat Pumps: The Future Homes Standard
September 10, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 41.4 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Chris Ricketts from Elmhurst Energy. Elmhurst Energy Systems is the UK's largest accreditation scheme, covering EPCs on domestic properties, new-build compliance, U-Value calculations and inspections. Chris shares his insight from his consultancy work for UK Government on The Future Homes Standard – the landmark Building Regulations update set to improve the energy efficiency of all new homes. Max and Chris discuss, the journey to ...
Ep12 Installing Ecodan: Partnering for success
July 23, 2021 17:23 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to David Cooke, one of the UK's most experienced Ecodan installers. David has been installing Ecodan air source heat pumps for more than 10 years and has completed over 630 installs, mainly domestic, off-gas, retro-fit, new and self-build projects in North Norfolk. He shares his journey; switching from fossil fuels to sustainable heating, how the consumer market and technology has changed over the years and what makes a successful bus...
Installing Ecodan: Partnering for success
July 23, 2021 17:23 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MB01.36 / Over 10 years of Ecodan installs 03.40 / Giving up on oil boilers 05.00 / Ground source vs air source heat pumps 07.30 / Partnering with Mitsubishi Electric 09.30 / Sizing a heat pump correctly 14.40 / Low-temperature capacity 16.25 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 17.00 / A typical install process 19.45 / Room-by-room heat loss calculations 20.45 / Commissioning the Ecodan with SD cards 22.32 / The Ecodan MelCloud App 23.40 / Remote maintenance to prevent false cal...
Self build with Ecodan: Sustainable home heating
June 09, 2021 12:56 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB00.45 / Welcome intro 02.25 / Making your home a safe haven 03.55 / A passion for home renovation 06.00 / Starting a self build project 07.00 / The right sustainable technology 09.00 / An ultra-quiet solution 10.00 / Cylinder and heat pump placement 11.40 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 12.05 / Easy install process 13.10 / Championing the technology 17.15 / Underfloor heating vs radiators 23.00 / Living with Ecodan 26.00 / Remote control heating 27.15 / Switching to a renewable en...
Ep11 Self build with Ecodan: Sustainable home heating
June 09, 2021 12:56 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Georgina Burnett, Property and DIY Interiors Presenter. They discuss Georgina's passion for sustainable home renovation and her experience of choosing a Mitsubishi Electric, QUHZ Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump for her self build project. Georgina tells the story starting from her desire to be more energy-efficient, researching the sustainable home-heating technology available, selecting the right manufacturer and product, through to i...
Heat Pumps: The UK's changing home-heating landscape
May 05, 2021 15:38 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB01.05 / Introducing Russell Dean 02.30 / COVID-19 – A challenging 12 months 04.53 / The perfect storm 05.59 / The end of the Green Homes Grant 06.30 / The Clean Homes Grant 09.00 / The evolution of Ecodan 11.14 / The future of heat pump mass-market uptake 12.50 / Heat pumps for new build homes 15.15 / Living with Ecodan for homeowners 17.00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 17.24 / Challenges to meet moving carbon targets 19.50 / The time is now for UK heat pumps 24.35 ...
Ep10 Heat Pumps: The UK's changing home-heating landscape
May 05, 2021 15:38 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Russell Dean, Head of Residential Heating and Ventilation at Mitsubishi Electric UK. Russell reflects on how Mitsubishi Electric UK responded to the industry, the business and manufacturing challenges that they faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the launch and subsequent demise of the UK Government's Green Homes Grant. Max and Russell also discuss the evolution of the Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump in the UK over the last...
Ep9 UK Net Zero: Buildings for a sustainable future
April 12, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive of UK Green Building Council. Julie explains the history of the UKs policy for Net Zero carbon buildings and what it means today for existing buildings in operation and new construction. Max and Julie also discuss the decarbonisation of home heating and the challenges facing the built environment industry to reach the UK Government's Net Zero carbon goals. 02:00 / UK Green Building Council introdu...
UK Net Zero: Buildings for a sustainable future
April 12, 2021 08:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB02.00 / UK Green Building Council introduction 05.33 / Net zero carbon for buildings definition 08.40/ The slow pace of UK regulation change since 2016 11.15 / UK governement 'green' subsidies 13.45 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 14.15 / A Net Zero home in operation definition 16.44 / Net Zero for construction vs operation 18.35 / Hydrogen and the decarbonisation of home heating 26.00 / Smoke and mirror energy market 30.30 / How is the industry gearing up for Net Zero? 35.40 / ...
Switching to renewable technologies
January 28, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.8 MB01.15 / Switching to air source technology 02.00 / From oil to Ecodan 04.15 / UK Grid carbon intensity app 06.09 / Designing a sustainable house 07.50 / Intelligent I-life heaters 11.00 / How an Ecodan works 14.00 / Pioneering the new technology 14.49 / Grants available for UK homeowners 15.00 / Off-gas solution 18.44 / After workout cool down 20.00 / Adding insulation for greater efficiency 21.06 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 21.35 / How the UK compares to other countries 24.41 ...
Ep8 Switching to renewable technologies
January 28, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Ben Fogle, broadcaster, writer and adventurer. They discuss Ben's personal experiences of renovating and moving his family into a period, stone-flint, off-gas property in the UK countryside. Choosing sustainability over pure aesthetics. Switching from oil to renewable heating and hot water with an Ecodan air source heat pump system, with intelligent, I-life heaters from Mitsubishi Electric. 01:15 / Switching to air source technolo...
Ep7 A sustainable future
December 02, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Ben Fogle, broadcaster, writer and adventurer. They discuss the challenges that we all face in reducing our collective consumption, striving to live more sustainably. They reflect on Ben's personal experiences of setting up a new home in the country, before lockdown, the encouragement from his two children to 'go-greener', and his views as a 'positive campaigner' on global climate change, and how one person 'can' make a difference ...
A sustainable future
December 02, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MB00.55 / A reverse adventure 02.12 / A Life on Our Planet Netflix film 04.20/ COVID impact on the environment 05.30 / Balancing a personal carbon footprint 07.15 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 07.50 / Buying to last 13.00 / Shift to selflessness 14.24 / How one person can make a difference 16.40 / The UK 'pioneer of green values' 21.06 / UK target for Net Zero 24.04 / Be the change you want to see 27.22 / Setting 'green goals' 34.56 / A hope for the future www.ecodan....
Ep6 Social Housing: Leading the way to net-zero
October 08, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Rob Hicks, Innovation Manager at Sovereign Housing Association. They discuss how the social housing sector and Sovereign, in particular, are playing a key role in reducing carbon emissions from home heating, by installing sustainable technologies for both new build and retrofit applications. Rob discusses a Sovereign Housing Association case study, where they were able to reduce resident heating bills by over 50% when switching to ...
Social Housing: Leading the way to net-zero
October 08, 2020 08:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MB01.36 / Sovereign's approach to net-zero 02.28 / Air Source – the perfect match for off-gas grid 04.30 / Moving homes up to band C and beyond 06.38 / Reducing heating bills by over 50% 07.10 / Improving warmth ratings & reducing CO2 tonnage 08.02 / The Clean Homes Grant – the RHI replacement 10.27 / The Green Homes Grant 11.56 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 12.25 / Sustainable heating technologies – the way forward 14.33 / The 2050 'Road Map' – 'Future Homes Standard' 18.26 / Socia...
Ep5 Social Housing: Affordable warmth
September 24, 2020 08:49 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to Rob Hicks, Innovation Manager at Sovereign Housing Association. They discuss Sovereign's decision to invest in sustainable heating technology to meet their long-term, 'affordable warmth' objectives for residents. Rob reflects on the housing association's ten-year relationship with Ecodan, and the educational challenges they overcame when introducing new technology. 01:00 / Early adopters for Ecodan technology 01:30 / A long term...
Social Housing: Affordable warmth
September 24, 2020 08:49 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MBEpisode show notes 01.00 / Early adopters for Ecodan technology 01.30 / A long term approach 02.49 / What is affordable warmth? 04.53 / Using Energy Performance Certificates 06.10 / The best recipe for home energy efficiency 09.17 / Changing to Ecodan 10.53 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 11.22 / Challenges of new technology 13.30 / Selecting the right energy tariff 16.30 / MELCloud app for Ecodan monitoring 17.03 / MELConsole for maintenance and servicing www.ecodan.co...
Ep4 Modern methods of construction: A building revolution
September 02, 2020 18:17 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke. Find out what are MMCs (Modern Methods of Construction) and how this 'mini-revolution' in off-site, factory manufacturing is shaping the design and build of energy-efficient and sustainable UK homes for self-builders and developers. 01:15 / What are MMCs and the benefits 05:50 / House specifications – options to order 07:29 / 'Just-in-time' building process? 10:58 / Mobie charity...
Modern methods of construction: A building revolution
September 02, 2020 18:17 - 38 minutes - 53.4 MBEpisode show notes 01.15 / What are MMCs and the benefits 05.50 / House specifications – options to order 07.29 / 'Just-in-time' building process? 10.58 / Mobie charity 19.13 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 19.40 / A stable construction workforce for the future 22.00 / We still built houses like the Romans 26.20 / A real opportunity to change the industry 28.00 / Smart homes and technology 30.00 / Early days of MMC 32.20 / What’s it like to live with an Ecodan? 35.00 / Ar...
Social housing: The sustainable heating solution
August 17, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 36 MB02.44 / Rishi Sunak UK Chancellor urged to build more social housing 05.23 / George Clarke's Council House Scandal 06.15 / Unaffordable UK housing 12.06 / Right to Buy Scheme 15.55 / Housing Associations, affordable warmth 16.53 / Long-term housing view 17.10 / Fuel poverty, to eat or heat? 18.00 / Replacing old heating technology 18.35 / The UK's poor housing stock 21.40 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 22.08 / New build vs retrofit for social housing 24.25 / The RIBA Stirling Prize...
Ep3 Social housing: The sustainable heating solution
August 17, 2020 08:00 - 38 minutes - 36 MBIn this episode, (recorded on 25th June 2020) Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke. They discuss social housing in the UK, 'affordable warmth', and the need to educate the entire sector, from government, developers, housing associations, and residents about heat pump technology. They consider the case for new-build developments versus retrofitting the UK's existing social housing stock to be more sustainable and energy-efficient. 02:44 /...
Ep2 Newbuild homes: The future of home heating in the UK
August 03, 2020 13:47 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke. They discuss the future of home heating in the UK from a new build perspective and the need for a radical shift in the way we design and build new homes to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, considering that all the new homes we build now will be with us for at least 100 years? 01:08 / Net carbon zero 2050 01:51 / New build housing 06:20 / Future Homes Consultation 08:34 / Zer...
Newbuild homes: The future of home heating in the UK
August 03, 2020 13:47 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB01.08 / Net carbon zero 2050 01.51 / New build housing 06.20 / Future Homes Consultation 08.34 / Zero carbon homes initiative 10.15 / The cost of creating energy-efficient homes 18.13 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 18.40 / All-electric economy – the big picture 21.05 / A level playing field for UK housebuilders 29.14 / Mobie Charity 30.10 / Option 2 of Future Homes Consultation www.ecodan.co.uk
Homeowner retrofit: Switching to Ecodan from fossil fuels
July 13, 2020 18:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MB01.30 / The UK retrofit challenge 03.25 / The road to UK net-zero 09.35 / George's own Ecodan experience 15.36 / What is an air source heat pump? 24.08 / Every new house should have an ASHP 27.09 / UK Government RHI scheme 30.05 / A Future Homes Standard in 2025 31.42 / Sound comparison ASHP vs gas flue 34.01 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan 34.30 / Getting a heat pump, where to start? 37.25 / A trickle of clean energy 40.00/ MELCloud App and Homeowner Helpline 41.46 / Show close-out ...
Ep1 Homeowner retrofit: Switching to Ecodan from fossil fuels
July 13, 2020 18:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBIn this episode, Max Halliwell from Ecodan talks to architect and Ecodan Ambassador, George Clarke. They discuss sustainable home heating for UK homeowners from a retrofit perspective. George shares his experience of switching from a gas boiler to an Ecodan air source heat pump providing sustainable heating and hot water for his home. 01:30 / The UK retrofit challenge 03:25 / The road to UK net-zero 09:35 / George's own Ecodan experience 15:36 / What is an air source heat pump? 24...