The UK's push toward net zero has dramatically improved building insulation and airtightness. But there's an unintended consequence that could prove dangerous: overheating. As climate change brings more extreme heat to Britain, these highly insulated homes risk becoming dangerously hot without adequate cooling strategies.

In this episode, co-founder Martin Wood explores climate resilience in residential design with Helen Hough and Pablo Gugel from our sustainability team. With Pablo's Spanish perspective on Mediterranean design principles, they examine how the UK can adapt its housing for a hotter future without resorting to energy-intensive air conditioning.

The conversation covers everything from cultural shifts in thermal comfort expectations to the massive challenge of retrofitting millions of existing homes. They explore whether government intervention is necessary given the scale of the problem, and question whether we're modeling future climate scenarios or simply ignoring the risks ahead.

A thought-provoking discussion about designing for the climate we're actually going to live in, not just the regulations we need to meet today.

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - The perfect storm facing UK housing 3:00 Mediterranean lessons: shading and cultural adaptation 8:00 Thermal comfort expectations vs climate reality 15:00 Retrofit priorities: walls, glazing, or energy supply? 25:00 The density problem: underoccupied housing 35:00 Government intervention vs individual responsibility

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To learn more about Bryden Wood's Design to Value philosophy, visit www.brydenwood.com. You can also follow Bryden Wood on LinkedIn.

Welcome to the Bryden Wood Podcast. In this episode, 'UK Industrial Strategy: Analysis, Gaps, and the Path to Growth', co-founder Martin Wood, Technical Director Adrian La Porta, and John Dyson examine the UK's recently published industrial strategy.

The discussion highlights the positive aspects of the strategy, such as establishing a 10-year framework for economic stability , identifying key high-growth sectors (advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital/technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional/business services) , and its systems-thinking approach to complex challenges.

They note the importance of a focus on pharmaceuticals, an area where the UK has historically excelled in innovation. The strategy's attention to reducing electricity prices for energy-intensive businesses and boosting R&D is also acknowledged as positive.

However, the conversation pivots to what the strategy lacks: a clear 'industrialization strategy' that details how economic growth will be achieved. The team points out the disconnect between university education and industry needs, particularly in areas like automation. They also discuss the UK's 'cultural gap' and 'structural problem' regarding investment confidence at critical stages for new ideas , and the tendency to silo efforts rather than fostering integration between regional clusters.

The podcast explores broader issues like the UK's productivity puzzle , the low uptake of AI and robotics in SMEs , and the need for a compelling national vision beyond mere policy documents. They argue for a stronger connection between educational institutions and industry, akin to the US model where universities actively foster startups.

Ultimately, the episode emphasises that while the industrial strategy is a good start, its success hinges on fostering deeper integration between commerce, education, and investment , and creating a cohesive, skilled workforce across all levels.

• Intro: 0:00
• John Dyson on UK Industrial Strategy: 0:27
• Adrian La Porta on Industrialization: 3:52
• Martin Wood on Stability and Environment: 5:21
• Integration and Investment Gaps: 7:23
• Clusters and Regional Issues: 10:55
• Education, Skills, and Industrialization: 15:16
• Cultural and Economic Reflections: 21:29
• Vision, Integration, and Conclusion: 25:34

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To learn more about Bryden Wood's Design to Value philosophy, visit www.brydenwood.com. You can also follow Bryden Wood on LinkedIn.

Join Bryden Wood's Martin Wood and Adrian La Porta as they explore the most difficult parts of the economy to decarbonise – the mission to make the toughest sectors of our economy carbon-neutral.

Inspired by the Climate Change Committee's recent findings, this episode unpacks why industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aviation pose unique challenges for achieving net zero.

They explore innovative pathways beyond simple electrification, the necessity of viewing technologies within an integrated network, and the critical role of governmental intervention (through both ‘carrot’ incentives and ‘stick’ mandates). Listen in to discover why focused action on these difficult areas is paramount for meeting global climate targets and what collective steps can be taken.

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To learn more about Bryden Wood's Design to Value philosophy, visit www.brydenwood.com. You can also follow Bryden Wood on LinkedIn.