24 Jan 2025
By Carl Dodd

2024 was a chaotic weather year

2025, affordable warmth, air pollution, air quality, Carl Dodd, draught-proofing, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Floods, heat pumps, Heatwave, housing, humidity, hydroelectricity, KLB – Scottish NZC, loft insulation, mould, Net Zero Carbon, peat restoration, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, recycling, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants, ventilation, water neutrality, weatherproof, wind power, wind turbine
The effects of climate change are becoming more evident 2024 was a record-breaking year for extreme weather in the UK. Storms and floods caused an unprecedented level of damage to homes and businesses, leaving many homeowners facing costly repairs and insurance claims. Heavy rainfall, high winds, and flooding were more frequent and severe. With climate risks intensifying, homeowners can no longer afford to be reactive. Instead, proactive measures like retrofitting offer a long-term solution to protect properties against extreme weather. Retrofitting homes with better insulation, flood resistance, and storm-proof features is not just about avoiding damage - it is about…
Read More
10 Jan 2025
By Carl Dodd

The Future of Retrofit: what to expect in 2025

affordable warmth, air quality, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, circular economy, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, heat pumps, housing, hydroelectricity, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants, wind power, wind turbine
What lies ahead... As leading UK retrofit specialists, PRL has witnessed significant changes in the industry over the past few years. The urgency of decarbonisation, rising energy costs, and stricter building regulations have all contributed to a rapid evolution in retrofit practices. Now that we find ourselves once again at the start of a new year, it is essential to consider what lies ahead for homeowners, landlords, and industry professionals alike. The drive for energy efficiency We feel that one of the biggest drivers for retrofit in 2025 will continue to be energy efficiency. The UK government's net-zero targets mean…
Read More
20 Dec 2024
By Carl Dodd

Octopus Energy customers to receive £676 in savings

affordable warmth, Carl Dodd, circular economy, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, housing, hydroelectricity, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, tenants, tiny homes, wind power, wind turbine
New Ofgem regulations lead the way Consumers are celebrating as Octopus Energy announces a new plan that could see customers save up to £676 over two years. This significant step forward is tied to new regulations by Ofgem, the UK's energy regulator, which will mandate energy suppliers to provide "zero standing charge" tariffs, alongside their existing offerings. Starting in January, this shift promises substantial relief, particularly for households that use less energy. Here's what this ground-breaking initiative means for energy consumers - and just why it matters. The lowdown on standing charges Standing charges are fixed daily costs added to…
Read More
06 Dec 2024
By Carl Dodd

AI and its growing role in conservation

air pollution, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, forest bathing, lifestyle transformation, mindfulness, Nature, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, sustainability, sustainable living
Futuring the forests The rainforests of South America, despite their immense ecological importance, are increasingly under threat from illegal logging and other destructive activities. Monitoring these vast and remote areas poses a significant challenge. While satellite surveillance offers some capability, it has notable limitations, and on-the-ground patrols are inherently constrained by the sheer size and inaccessibility of the terrain. Enter the drones: equipped with advanced cameras and motion sensors, they provide a game-changing solution. These aerial devices silently navigate through the forest canopy, detecting even the faintest signs of illegal activities. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), data collected by drones…
Read More
22 Nov 2024
By Carl Dodd

Cracking the energy efficiency code

affordable warmth, carbon sequestration, Carl Dodd, circular economy, draught-proofing, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation
Why is retrofitting UK homes thought to be such a challenge? Have you read this BBC article: "An energy efficient home - why is it so difficult?" (Published: 12 November 2024). The article deals with some homeowners who are finding it quite a task to get retrofit help and advice. Around 29 million British homes require retrofitting by 2050, according to the UK Green Building Council, an industry body. Did you know that, under PAS 2035:2019 guidance, all domestic retrofit projects should use a Retrofit Coordinator? The drive to make UK homes more energy efficient is an essential part of combating…
Read More
25 Oct 2024
By Carl Dodd

Keeping your home cosy and energy efficient as the nights draw in

affordable warmth, air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, damp, draught-proofing, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, mould, Net Zero Carbon, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, weatherproof
How to prepare for an energy-efficient autumn/winter season As the cooler months set in across the UK, there's no better time to ensure your home is ready to combat the autumn and winter chill. Retrofitting an older home with energy-efficient upgrades not only helps to keep it warm, but also reduces heating costs and carbon emissions. The benefits of an energy-efficient home A well-prepared home is vital for enduring the colder months, and retrofitting can yield multiple advantages: Lower Energy Bills: efficient insulation and heating systems reduce reliance on constant heating, keeping bills manageable. Increased Comfort: insulation and draught-proofing retain…
Read More
27 Sep 2024
By Carl Dodd

Eco-friendly ways to make the most of autumn

bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, circular economy, draught-proofing, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, floor insulation, heat pumps, housing, KLB – Scottish NZC, lifestyle transformation, loft insulation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, Net Zero Carbon, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rainwater harvesting, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, ventilation, waste less food
Welcoming autumn into our homes and gardens As the vibrant colours of autumn unfold - and the inclement weather returns - many of us are reflecting on how to make our homes cosier and our gardens more inviting. This season is the perfect time to implement eco-friendly habits that benefit both the environment and our households. From energy savings to wildlife conservation, this blog provides practical tips to help you make this autumn your greenest yet. Preparing your home for cooler days As temperatures begin to drop, the temptation to turn up the heating can be strong. However, energy use…
Read More
13 Sep 2024
By Carl Dodd

August was the UK’s greenest ever month

Carl Dodd, ecosystem, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, Heatwave, hydroelectricity, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, solar array, solar panel, sustainability, sustainable living, wind power, wind turbine
August 2024: a record-breaking month The UK's electricity grid had its greenest ever month in August, when the amount of power generated by fossil fuels fell to a record low. Data shows that both wind and solar produced more electricity than gas throughout the month. The amount of power generated by fossil fuels dropped to 3.6 terawatt-hours (TWh). By comparison, even in lockdown, it never fell below 4TWh. The figures come as the UK's last coal-fired power plant at Ratcliffe-on-Soar prepares to close on September 30th, marking the end of coal-fired power in the UK. At its peak, coal provided more than…
Read More
14 Aug 2024
By Carl Dodd

A greener journey from Cambridge to London

air pollution, air quality, Carl Dodd, circular economy, ecosystem, electric vehicle, energy efficiency, energy sufficiency, EV, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Net Zero Carbon, one planet living, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., rechargeable, reduce carbon footprint, Retrofit PRL, sustainability, sustainable living
The UK's first electric coach service In a significant leap towards sustainable travel, FlixBus has launched the UK's first electric coach service, connecting Cambridge and London. This initiative, running a 124-mile round trip, is part of a six-week trial that could reshape the future of long-distance travel in the UK. With the world increasingly aware of the environmental impact of transportation, this electric service is not just about convenience; it's a step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving public health. Mitigating health risks Carbon emissions from traditional diesel-powered coaches contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen…
Read More
02 Aug 2024
By Carl Dodd

Doggy ‘backpacks’ filled with seeds help rewild a nature reserve

air pollution, bees, biodiversity, Carl Dodd, ecosystem, forest bathing, lifestyle transformation, low impact, low carbon living, mindfulness, Nature, one planet living, organic, PRL, Property Revolutions Ltd., reduce carbon footprint, rewilding, Shinrin-yoku, sustainability, sustainable living
'Man's best friend' helps out in a novel rewilding project Equipped with backpacks full of wildflower seeds, dogs in a scheme in England are mimicking an ecological role left vacant by wolves. They are being enlisted to "act like wolves" to help rewild an urban nature reserve in the East Sussex town of Lewes. Before wolves were persecuted to extinction in the UK circa 1760, they were known to roam large areas, typically covering 12 miles (20km) or more each night. In doing so, wolves would inadvertently pick up wildflower and grass seeds in their fur, dispersing them many miles away and…
Read More