Imandeep Kaur for Civic Square & Neighbourhood Led Retrofit

Refurb and Retrofit - Transformation In Action

**Guest:** Imandeep Kaur, Co-founder of [Civic Square](https://civicsquare.cc)
**Host:** Matt Milloy
**Topic:** Community-led Retrofitting and the Role of Civic Engagement in Sustainable Housing
In this episode, Matt Milloy sits down with Imandeep Kaur, co-founder of Civic Square, to discuss the critical role that community-led approaches play in the successful retrofitting of neighborhoods. Civic Square’s innovative model bridges the gap between local councils, professional organizations, and grassroots communities to create sustainable, energy-efficient housing solutions. Imandeep shares valuable insights on how her organization addresses the knowledge gap around retrofitting, the emotional and social motivators that inspire community participation, and the long-term vision for scaling retrofit projects across the UK.
#### Key Discussion Points:
1. **Introduction to Civic Square**
Imandeep provides an overview of Civic Square’s mission and how the organization is driving change in Birmingham and beyond.
**More about Civic Square:** [Civic Square Website](https://civicsquare.cc)
2. **Neighborhood-Led Retrofit**
Imandeep explains the importance of community-driven initiatives in retrofit projects, and how Civic Square helps communities understand the process and benefits.
**Learn about UK Neighborhood Retrofit Models:** [UK Green Building Council](https://www.ukgbc.org/)
3. **Engaging Communities in Retrofit Projects**
Imandeep addresses the challenge of engaging communities and ensuring they feel empowered and knowledgeable enough to participate in retrofit schemes.
**More on community engagement in retrofit:** [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/)
4. **Emotional Connection and Retrofit**
Imandeep shares how Civic Square creates emotional connections between residents and their homes, making retrofit projects more approachable and relatable.
**Discover how to foster emotional connections in community projects:** [Home of 2030](https://www.homeof2030.com/)
5. **Overcoming Complex Terminology**
Discussion on breaking down the technical jargon associated with retrofitting to make the process understandable for everyday homeowners.
**More resources for demystifying retrofit:** [Retrofit Academy](https://www.retrofitacademy.org/)
6. **Funding Challenges in Retrofit Projects**
Imandeep speaks about navigating the complex funding structures for retrofit, making it easier for communities to access the resources they need.
**Funding information for UK retrofitting:** [Energy Saving Trust Grants](https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/)
7. **Tipping Point for Community Involvement**
Imandeep discusses the key motivators that encourage communities to take part in retrofit projects, including environmental benefits and the improvement of living conditions.
**Case Study: Civic Square’s Birmingham Project** [Birmingham Retrofit Project](https://civicsquare.cc/blog/2022/1/22/neighbourhood-retrofit)
8. **Generational Shifts in Thinking About Sustainability**
The conversation turns to the cultural and generational shifts necessary to drive retrofitting at scale across the UK.
**Learn more about the generational challenge of sustainability:** [Generations Working Together](https://generationsworkingtogether.org/)
9. **Representation in Retrofit**
Imandeep reflects on the importance of diversity and representation in retrofitting to ensure that all communities benefit from energy-efficient housing.
**Representation and Diversity in Sustainability:** [Women in Sustainability](https://www.womeninsustainability.co.uk/)
10. **The Future of Civic Square and Neighborhood-Led Retrofit**
Closing the discussion, Imandeep shares her vision for Civic Square over the next few years and how she hopes to scale neighborhood-led retrofit projects across the country.
**Follow Civic Square’s Latest Projects:** [Civic Square Blog](https://civicsquare.cc/blog)
#### Quotable Highlights:
- **"We can’t just retrofit houses; we need to retrofit the way we think about community, sustainability, and the future of our neighborhoods."**
- **"Our role at Civic Square is to bridge the gap between councils, professional organizations, and everyday people—because retrofit isn’t just a technical solution, it’s a community solution."**
- **"When people emotionally connect with their homes, explaining the benefits of retrofit becomes much more than technical jargon—it’s about creating a future they can believe in."**
- **"We need a generational shift, a whole new way of thinking about retrofit—this is not just about buildings, it’s about building a sustainable future together."**
#### Links to Featured Organizations:
- [Civic Square](https://civicsquare.cc) – Imandeep’s community-led initiative focused on sustainable urban futures.
- [UK Green Building Council](https://www.ukgbc.org/) – Driving sustainability in the built environment.
- [Centre for Sustainable Energy](https://www.cse.org.uk/) – Charity supporting community engagement in energy projects.
- [Retrofit Academy](https://www.retrofitacademy.org/) – Training and resources for retrofit professionals.
- [Energy Saving Trust](https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/grants-and-loans/) – Funding and advice for energy efficiency.
- [Home of 2030](https://www.homeof2030.com/) – Sustainable home and retrofit inspiration.
- [Women in Sustainability](https://www.womeninsustainability.co.uk/) – Supporting diversity and leadership in sustainability fields.
#### Connect with Us:
- **Podcast Website:** [Refurb and Retrofit](https://www.refurbandretrofit.com)
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