Episode 4: The net zero divide: how do we ensure no community is left behind?
For this episode, our host James Banks is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Helena Rivers, AECOM’s net zero lead for the built environment to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero.
From the importance of retrofitting homes and buildings to enhance energy efficiency to the latest green technology improving heat networks, our speakers explore how we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment – and why a people-centric approach is key.
Central to the conversation is how we can meet our climate goals whilst addressing the disparities and inequalities between communities to ensure that no one is left behind.
As well as busting some common myths, our speakers tackle questions such as:
➡️ What does ‘net zero’ really mean and why is it vital for our future?
➡️ What role does technology play in making homes more energy-efficient and sustainable?
➡️ How can we effectively engage the public and bridge the knowledge gap?
➡️ How can global cooperation and policies accelerate the move towards net zero?
Plus, Emma shares the creative ways that Octopus is reshaping public perceptions towards green energy – including a touring wind turbine named Gusty Springfield.
Expert speakers:
👉 Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy
Emma Fletcher is currently the Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy, the UK’s most awarded energy supplier and innovator behind the first-of-its-kind Zero-Bills energy tariff providing zero bills for at least five years, guaranteed.
With an extensive 25-year career in property encompassing rural, planning and development sectors for landowners, developers and housing associations, she moved into the energy sector to encourage a faster, greener, fairer transition for all.
Emma is a fervent advocate for transformative and resilient practices within the built environment, and is specifically interested in the electrification of homes, community land trusts, and district heating systems.
👉 Helena Rivers, AECOM Net zero lead
As AECOM’s net zero lead, Helena Rivers supports both public and private sector clients on their journey to net zero, focusing on their existing real estate assets. She is also Director at Clear Futures, an outcome-driven partnership that helps public sector bodies deliver transformative projects and services at speed.
In 2019, Helena was named as one of the most influential women in engineering by the FT and in 2022, she won the WICE award for digital innovation. She is also a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
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About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!
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