Serious about sustainability

In 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 Network Group's 'Roadmap for Change' strategy and how the R290 will accelerate the decarbonisation of their social housing stock, helping to lift more people out of fuel poverty. This episode was recorded on the 21st of November 2023.01:17 / Introducing the Ecodan R29001:52 / What is a high-temperature heat pump?03:40 / Retrofit opportunities for R290 08:00 / Matching fossil fuel boiler temperatures11:50 / R290 refrigerant benefits16:05 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan16:30 / Sovereign Network Group18:00 / A roadmap to change 21:35 / Comfort, carbon and cost24:30 / Costing for decarbonisation31:00 / Reducing fuel povertyhttps://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/products/residential-heating/outdoor/ecodan-r290www.sng.org.uk

In 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 to UK housing associations and what a long-term approach towards healthier homes will mean for tenant wellbeing.This episode was recorded on the 6th of September 2022.1:00 / James Mealing4:07 / How heat pump technology has improved8:00 / User-friendly controls9:37 / The perfect Ecodan set-up10:35 / Getting it right for social housing 13:28 / Social housing providers adopting green technology16:35 / ASHP runnings costs compared with oil and gas 18:24 / Village hall visits for ASHP education23:40 / Funding streams for social housing37:13 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan37:39 / Advise for housing associations 41:15 / 24/7 homeowner helpline43:50 / Using AI to future monitor45:50 / Heat as a service59:30 / Healthy homes for tenantshttps://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/end-users/application-by-sector/housing-association

In 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 carbon, the importance of embodied vs operational carbon, and discuss what sustainability will look like in the future using new eco-materials. The group discusses how closer construction industry and supplier collaboration coupled with education will play a vital role in meeting the UK's decarbonisation challenges.This episode was recorded on the 6th of September 2022.01:10 / Cala Homes introduction02:37 / Building standards in Scotland04:00 / Hybrid heat pumps as a stepping-stone08:20 / Cala Homes and Part L Regulations11:00 Changing the building mindset17:00 / Zero, net or low carbon for 2050?21:00 / The scale of change for heating23:30 / Embodied carbon 25:00 / Working together as an industry30:00 / Eco-materials & bio-architecture36:25 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan36:49 / Cala Homes customers40:00 / Graduates spearheading sustainability47:45 / Collaboration and education53:15 / The retrofit challenge1:01:00 / Challenges for Cala Homes1:03:00 / Challenges for Mitsubishi Electrichttps://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/housing-developershttps://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/homeowners/our-heat-pumpshttps://www.cala.co.uk/

In 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 online group sessions with more personal, 'hands-on' teaching. Will Allanson from Harlow College talks about promoting 'carbon literacy' and 'decarbonising their college curriculum' to deliver sustainable heating education to the next generation of heating installers.This episode was recorded on 6th Sept 2022.01:06 / The need to upskill02:15 / Ecodan training challenges 03:50 / Learning plumbing and electrics 11:30 / Decarbonising the curriculum13:00 / Engaging with employers for jobs 15:00 / Transitional phase for skills 18:00 / Regional job opportunities23:00 / A sustainable journey28:45 / Educate for carbon literacy34:50 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan35:15 / The green economy36:15 / The commercial benefits of Ecodan 39:00 / The opportunities for gas installers 44:20 / The biggest challenge for educators 53:20 / Honesty, education & collaboration https://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/upskill-to-ecodanhttps://les.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/homeowners/our-heat-pumpshttps://www.harlow-college.ac.uk/https://podcast.ecodan.uk/

In 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 beyond the UK Government's Future Homes Standard. Oliver discusses partnering on the project with Mitsubishi Electric – Ecodan to deliver sustainable heating and hot water and other innovative technologies and processes, like MMC, that will change the way that all new homes are built in the future.01.40 / An introduction to the Barratt Zed House04.15 / Being 'green' without trying 05.28 / Skirting board heating07.06 / The case for a Zero carbon home 09.05 / Ecodan and heating the Zed House12.30 / Getting rid of gas14.30 / Robots building houses20.38 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan21.00 / The evolution of MMC28.05 / Designed for manufacture 30.45 / The educated self-builder39.00 / Government standards and planning45.00 / Trading energy47.45 / A remote control for a house51.28 / Changing coming with The Future Home Standard www.ecodan.co.ukhttps://www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk/showcase/z-house

In 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 gas emissions by 2050.01:00 / George Clarke's journey to sustainable living and renewable heating.06:08 / Ben Freeman: starting a renewable heating business 12:00 / The educated renewable buyer14:30 / Low-income households and efficient heating 15:45 / The Boiler Upgrade Scheme17:15 / Retrofitting existing housing stock22:10 / A long-term strategy for green buildings24:15 / Making technology simple 27:00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan27:24 / Installer advice from Dore Woodman31:10  / Housebuilders and changing legislation coming in 2025 33:50 / Hydrogen ready boilers?35:00 / Heat or eat / fuel poverty38:00 / Re-programme the industry for heat pumps47:00 / Collaboration is the future www.ecodan.co.ukwww.dorewoodman.co.uk

Since 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. 01:00 / 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 pump.14:41 / Heat pumps take up too much space outside and inside.16:47 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan.17:12 / Heat pumps are only suitable for new build homes.19:29 / Heat pumps only work with underfloor heating.21:13 / Heat pumps are high maintenance.21:48 / Heat pumps have a short life span.23:34 / Heat pumps are expensive.26:17 / Heat pumps are complicated to programme and use. 26:58 / Renewable heating incentives are difficult to apply for. 28:16 / The UK government is forcing people to scrap their working gas boilers.29:41 / Heat pumps are imported products and not manufactured in the UK.30:06 / The national grid will not be able to cope with the mass market uptake of electric cars and heat pumps.  34:45 / Air Source Heat Pumps are not practical for apartments.www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 UK NetZero carbon, the challenges the industry will face, to up-skill the current fossil-fuels installer base to fit the number of heat pumps needed – an expected timeframe for change and what the new Building Regulations will mean to developers. 01:55 / 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 technology09:55 / The Future Homes Standard from 202511:40 / Part L Regulations14:00 / Our energy grid is low-carbon now17:30 / Measuring energy use in buildings 22:20 / Timelines for 202526:40 / SAP 10.233:00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan33:30 / Change impact for developers 35:30 / What will the new industry standards be?40:35 / A line in the sand has been drawn www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 business partnership with the right heat pump manufacturer.    01:36 / Over 10 years of Ecodan installs03:40 / Giving up on oil boilers05:00 / Ground source vs air source heat pumps07:30 / Partnering with Mitsubishi Electric09:30 / Sizing a heat pump correctly14:40 / Low-temperature capacity16:25 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan17:00 / A typical install process19:45 / Room-by-room heat loss calculations 20:45 / Commissioning the Ecodan with SD cards22:32 / The Ecodan MelCloud App 23:40 / Remote maintenance to prevent false call-outs26:23 / Grant funding for heat pumps32:54 / Partnering with Ecodan for a successful heat pump business34:33 / Advice for installers looking to switch from fossil fuels to heat pumps.www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 installation and user experience. 00:45 / Welcome intro02:25 / Making your home a safe haven 03:55 / A passion for home renovation06:00 / Starting a self build project07:00 / The right sustainable technology 09:00 / An ultra-quiet solution10:00 / Cylinder and heat pump placement11:40 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan12:05 / Easy install process13:10 / Championing the technology17:15 / Underfloor heating vs radiators  23:00 / Living with Ecodan26:00 / Remote control heating27:15 /  Switching to a renewable energy supplier28:30 / Renewable Heating Grants30:15 / No more gas boilers by 2025 www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 12 years and how Mitsubishi Electric has simplified the technology for installation, improved the efficiency and the user experience to meet the requirements of tenants, homeowners, installers, developers and housing associations.  01:05 / 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 Grant09:00 / The evolution of Ecodan 11:14 / The future of heat pump mass-market uptake12:50 / Heat pumps for new build homes15:15 / Living with Ecodan for homeowners 17:00 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan17:24 / Challenges to meet moving carbon targets19:50 / The time is now for UK heat pumps24:35 / Heat pumps for on-gas homes27:50 / Dedicated heat pump warehousing28:45 / Future UK grant fundingwww.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 introduction05:33 / Net zero carbon for buildings definition08:40/ The slow pace of UK regulation change since 2016  11:15 / UK governement 'green' subsidies  13:45 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan14:15 / A Net Zero home in operation definition 16:44 / Net Zero for construction vs operation18:35 / Hydrogen and the decarbonisation of home heating 26:00 / Smoke and mirror energy market30:30 / How is the industry gearing up for Net Zero? 35:40 / Further information37:07 / What can we all do for Net Zero? www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 technology02:00 / From oil to Ecodan04:15 / UK Grid carbon intensity app 06:09 / Designing a sustainable house 07:50 / Intelligent I-life heaters11:00 / How an Ecodan works14:00 / Pioneering the new technology14:49 / Grants available for UK homeowners15:00 / Off-gas solution18:44 / After workout cool down20:00 / Adding insulation for greater efficiency  21:06 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan21:35 / How the UK compares to other countries24:41 / The UKs Electric economy 30:00 / How critical is the climate situation now36:00 / Committing everybody to 10% changewww.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 to environmental sustainably.00:55 / A reverse adventure 02:12 / A Life on Our Planet Netflix film04:20/ COVID impact on the environment05:30 / Balancing a personal carbon footprint 07:15 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan07:50 / Buying to last13:00 / Shift to selflessness14:24 / How one person can make a difference16:40 / The UK 'pioneer of green values'21:06 / UK target for Net Zero24:04 / Be the change you want to see27:22 / Setting 'green goals' 34:56 / A hope for the future  www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 Ecodan, air-source heat pumps. They improved resident 'warmth ratings' – moving from, one out of five, to five out of five, and also reduced CO2 tonnage from 4.5 tonnes down to 1.8 tonnes (per property).01:36 / Sovereign's approach to net-zero02:28 / Air Source – the perfect match for off-gas grid04:30 / Moving homes up to band C and beyond06:38 / Reducing heating bills by over 50%07:10 / Improving warmth ratings & reducing CO2 tonnage08:02 / The Clean Homes Grant – the RHI replacement 10:27 / The Green Homes Grant 11:56 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan12:25 / Sustainable heating technologies – the way forward 14:33 / The 2050 'Road Map' – 'Future Homes Standard'18:26 / Social housing – leading the way to net-zerowww.ecodan.co.ukwww.sovereign.org.uk

In 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 technology01:30 / A long term approach02:49 / What is affordable warmth?04:53 / Using Energy Performance Certificates06:10 / The best recipe for home energy efficiency09:17 / Changing to Ecodan10:53 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan11:22 / Challenges of new technology13:30 / Selecting the right energy tariff 16:30 / MELCloud app for Ecodan monitoring17:03 / MELConsole for maintenance and servicing www.ecodan.co.ukwww.sovereign.org.uk

In 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 benefits05:50 / House specifications – options to order 07:29 / 'Just-in-time' building process?10:58 / Mobie charity19:13 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan19:40 / A stable construction workforce for the future22:00 / We still built houses like the Romans26:20 / A real opportunity to change the industry28:00 / Smart homes and technology 30:00 / Early days of MMC32:20 / What’s it like to live with an Ecodan?35:00 / Are we doing enough in the UK? www.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 / Rishi Sunak UK Chancellor urged to build more social housing 05:23 / George Clarke's Council House Scandal06:15 / Unaffordable UK housing12:06 / Right to Buy Scheme15:55 / Housing Associations, affordable warmth16:53 / Long-term housing view 17:10 / Fuel poverty, to eat or heat? 18:00 / Replacing old heating technology18:35 / The UK's poor housing stock21:40 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan22:08 / New build vs retrofit for social housing24:25 / The RIBA Stirling Prize for Norwich social housing project26:30 / Educating residents on new technology34:35 / The future of social housingwww.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 205001:51 / New build housing06:20 / Future Homes Consultation08:34 / Zero carbon homes initiative10:15 / The cost of creating energy-efficient homes18:13 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan18:40 / All-electric economy – the big picture21:05 / A level playing field for UK housebuilders 29:14 / Mobie Charity30:10 / Option 2 of Future Homes Consultationwww.ecodan.co.uk

In 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 challenge03:25 / The road to UK net-zero09:35 / George's own Ecodan experience15:36 / What is an air source heat pump?24:08 / Every new house should have an ASHP27:09 / UK Government RHI scheme30:05 / A Future Homes Standard in 202531:42 / Sound comparison ASHP vs gas flue34:01 / Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan34:30 / Getting a heat pump, where to start?37:25 / A trickle of clean energy 40:00/ MELCloud App and Homeowner Helpline41:46 / Show close-out www.ecodan.co.uk