AECB Greater Manchester - Communications and Marketing on Retrofit

Imogen from People Powered Retrofit and Graeme from the University of Salford will talk about communicating retrofit to householders.
About this Event

There are a range of pathways, support networks and potential funding opportunities available for retrofit. However, the challenge is how to reach householders who are keen to retrofit, and then how to support them throughout their retrofit journey and decision-making process. Our next two speakers will explore how we can better connect with householders and support them to take the first steps on their retrofit journey.
Graeme Sherriff from the University of Salford will be talking about his research on householder experiences of retrofit and how they make decisions about making energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Based on interviews with private home owners and social housing providers and their tenants, he reflects on how to effectively engage with householders on this issue and considers how we ‘sell’ the benefits retrofit.
Imogen Sykes from People Powered Retrofit will explore how the role of retrofit one stop shop services has evolved alongside changing household needs and expectations. Drawing on experience of engaging with householders at People Powered Retrofit, we will reflect on how the retrofit client has shifted over time — from early adopters and environmentally motivated households to a broader range of people with different priorities, concerns and barriers to action. We will consider how this changing landscape has influenced approaches to engagement, communications and marketing, and how services have adapted to better connect with householders and support them through the retrofit journey.
There will be drinks and nibbles to start and the opportunity to ask questions to both of our speakers. Followed by a trip to the pub for people who make it that far.
Join us on Wednesday 29th July 2026 at 17:30 at Manchester Technology Centre for an exciting evening filled with networking opportunities, informative presentations and discussion about sustainable building practices. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, this event is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the AECB Greater Manchester Group.

Agenda
17:30 - Drinks and nibbles

18:00 - Presentation from Graeme Sherriff - UOS

18:30 - Break

18:45 - Presentation from Imogen Sykes - PPR

19:15 – Q&A

19:30 - Close (pub optional)
So whether you're a designer, builder, developer or general eco-build enthusiast please join us for this exciting event and help to shape the AECB Greater Manchester.
Ticket prices

Our local group events are free to those with an AECB membership, if you would like to find out more about getting a membership use the following link.
Who are the AECB?

The AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) is a network of individuals and companies with a common aim of promoting sustainable building. Running since the 1980's the AECB are the largest and oldest network for sustainable building.

What do the AECB do?

The AECB bring together contractors, trades people, self builders, architects, designers, engineers, manufacturers, housing associations, local authorities and academics to help develop, share, train and promote sustainable building best practice. We promote excellence in design and construction.

What are the AECB goals?

The AECB want to help educate and help effect deep lasting change within the construction industry. We are part of the change to help better our lives (as well as others and the planet) & well being through comfort, health and sustainability in our homes. The AECB is run by its members and is an independent, not for profit organisation.
What is the GM Local Group
The AECB GM Local Group was initially formed from a collaboration between Progress in Practice, Manchester School of Architecture and MMU. The aim of the group is to bring together like minded construction industry professionals in the region within a supportive and progressive environment. There will be opportunities to learn, network and share ideas across a range of topics, all with the aim of furthering our knowledge and skills in environmentally conscious construction. If you'd like to get involved in managing the group and running events please contact the Local Group Leaders who can be found here.