Demolition vs. retrofit in the age of Net Zero

A high-stakes question As we enter the second quarter of 2026, the construction industry stands at a critical crossroads. The push towards a Net Zero future has transformed the question of "demolish or retrofit" from a simple financial decision into a complex, high-stakes assessment of environmental, social, and economic impact. Following the seminal March 2026 research report (Demolition and Redevelopment or Retrofit, Quantitative research report, March 2026) this Blog explores the latest quantitative data, the regulatory landscape, and the crucial choices facing developers today. The 2026 landscape: why we are still demolishing Despite intense scrutiny, demolition remains a dominant, often…
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Celebrating PRL’s 18 years of green innovation and sustainability

The PRL Pioneers This autumn, PRL marks a significant milestone: 18 years of pioneering in both the public and private sectors. Since its inception, PRL has been an innovator, creating retrofit solutions that address the evolving needs of buildings, large and small. Its mission: to provide solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainability goals. PRL and the Public Sector: Innovation for the greater good The ambition was always to work within the public sector for the greater good. The projects are always challenging, and are designed to help society as a whole have options that are more…
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The rise of van life

500,000 - and rising... Did you know that over half a million people in the UK live in either vans or campervans? And, it's a rising trend: there are over 16,000 motorhomes registered each year. To understand why they have chosen such a nomadic lifestyle, we thought we'd take a deep dive into what life is like when the holiday never ends. The promise of an easier, trouble-free life? Is it perhaps the allure of a 'freer' life, the call of spontaneous adventure, or the embrace of a minimalist lifestyle that has propelled van life into a prominent cultural phenomenon? Whatever…
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The solar tipping point: new-build homes to get mandatory solar panels by 2027

A landmark policy shift The sun is finally rising on a more sustainable housing future in England. The UK government has announced that by 2027, virtually all new homes in England will be legally required to have solar panels installed during construction. This isn't just a nod to greener ambitions - it's a practical, cost-saving, and long-overdue change that could redefine our national relationship with energy. For decades, the conversation around decarbonising the housing stock has been weighted heavily toward retrofitting old buildings. But this policy, which mandates solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for new builds, shifts the focus to future-proofing…
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The many benefits of choosing to live in a tiny home

The draw of tiny home living In an era characterised by environmental concerns, economic realities, and a growing desire for minimalism, the concept of tiny home living has gained remarkable popularity. Tiny homes are compact, efficient living spaces that prioritise functionality, sustainability and a simplified lifestyle. For those considering a shift towards this unique way of living, the benefits extend far beyond the reduced square footage. Embracing sustainable living through tiny homes Sustainability is at the forefront of global consciousness, and tiny homes provide an ideal platform for putting eco-friendly principles into action. Tiny homes inherently have a smaller carbon footprint due…
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