This Plant Could Help Save The Planet. Find Out How, Why and What's Stopping It Being Used - Unyte Group

02/02/24 • 31 min

Refurb and Retrofit - Transformation In Action

Jamie Bartley is a leading authority on industrial hemp and the CEO of Unyte Group. With a background rooted in waste recovery solutions and land remediation, Jamie embarked on a mission to harness the power of industrial hemp for environmental sustainability and economic growth. His tenacious research into phyto-remediation and carbon sequestration has positioned him as a prominent figure in the field. Under his guidance, Unyte Group has taken an innovative approach to cultivating hemp, focusing on its potential to make substantial contributions towards decarbonization on a large scale and to revolutionize the construction industry with hemp-based materials.

Industrial hemp has vast potential in decarbonizing the construction sector, which accounts for 40% of UK carbon emissions.
Unyte Group's detailed research into various hemp cultivars has laid the groundwork for optimized cultivation and high yield in the UK.
Hemp's high tensile strength and quick growth rate make it an ideal material for construction, offering environmental benefits over traditional materials.
A significant barrier to expansion is acquiring the necessary £60 million capital investment for the first of five planned infrastructure facilities.
Unyte Group has an assured market for its products among existing retrofit schemes and is ready to supply as soon as the infrastructure is established.

What Jamie Says:

"We formed the group of companies around the potential for industrial hemp to decarbonize at scale." - Jamie Bartley
"It's a cost efficiency scale calculation that means that, unfortunately, to be able to make cost efficient products, we need to have that infrastructure in place." - Jamie Bartley
"If you build exactly the same passive house out of Hempcrete and hemp insulation, it achieves net zero carbon by 2035." - Jamie Bartley
"All of our revenue generated comes through the waste business at the moment, but the majority of it is actually the retrofit works we're doing." - Jamie Bartley
"The biggest barrier is unlocking the investment piece at the scale that's needed." - Jamie Bartley

Industrial hemp has vast potential in decarbonizing the construction sector, which accounts for 40% of UK carbon emissions.
Unyte Group's detailed research into various hemp cultivars has laid the groundwork for optimized cultivation and high yield in the UK.
Hemp's high tensile strength and quick growth rate make it an ideal material for construction, offering environmental benefits over traditional materials.
A significant barrier to expansion is acquiring the necessary £60 million capital investment for the first of five planned infrastructure facilities.
Unyte Group has an assured market for its products among existing retrofit schemes and is ready to supply as soon as the infrastructure is established.

What Jamie Says:

"We formed the group of companies around the potential for industrial hemp to decarbonize at scale." - Jamie Bartley
"It's a cost efficiency scale calculation that means that, unfortunately, to be able to make cost efficient products, we need to have that infrastructure in place." - Jamie Bartley
"If you build exactly the same passive house out of Hempcrete and hemp insulation, it achieves net zero carbon by 2035." - Jamie Bartley
"All of our revenue generated comes through the waste business at the moment, but the majority of it is actually the retrofit works we're doing." - Jamie Bartley
"The biggest barrier is unlocking the investment piece at the scale that's needed." - Jamie Bartley

Next Episode

A Woman And Heat Pumps

Leah Robson is an influential figure in the renewable energy industry, helming a burgeoning heat pump business that also provides solar panels, EV chargers, and batteries. Her venture, operating in the Southeast of England, is not just a business; it signifies a movement towards whole-house renewables aimed at significantly reducing homeowners' carbon footprints. With nearly six years at the company's forefront, Leah and her team of 14, comprising both installers and back office staff, embolden the transition to greener energy solutions.

Heat pumps, coupled with other renewables like solar panels, provide a holistic solution for homeowners aiming to lower carbon emissions.
Customer education and engagement are crucial in the renewable installation business, especially given misconceptions and gender dynamics in decision-making.
Greater inclusion of women in technical and sales roles could enhance communication and facilitate the adoption of heat pumps.
Combatting misinformation and increasing real-life testimonials may help shift public perception positively towards heat pumps.
There's a pressing need for better apprenticeship pathways and support for small businesses to grow a skilled and diverse workforce in the heat pump industry.

What Leah Says:

"You want to be having all those conversations up front." - Leah on the importance of customer understanding of technology.
"But there's also a slight wariness about whether their wife is going to agree to it or not." - Leah on the gender dynamics within the purchasing decision for heat pumps.
"We're really passionate about climate change, their concern for their kids and their grandchildren, and they want to be warm and comfortable." - Leah on the demographics and motivations of customers.
"The majority of the people I deal with as customers are men." - Leah discussing the prevalent customer profile.
"It's a big challenge to train enough people up." - Leah Robson on the challenges of workforce development in the industry.

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