Giving householders the opportunity to ask questions of experts in a group setting.
The Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) programme trialled innovative approaches for delivering retrofit advice to hard-to-reach groups and hard-to-treat homes. This resource provides a summary of insights into one of the methods trialled by the South West Net Zero Hub within one or several of its six projects.
Expert Q&A: How the method works
Small group Q&A events offer householders tailored retrofit advice without the upfront cost of a full assessment. Held in person or online, these sessions allow participants to ask experts specific questions, often recorded for wider access. Many people find generic advice unsuitable for their unique homes, especially traditional buildings. These events help bridge the gap between free general guidance and costly expert consultations. By combining expertise – such as retrofit and heritage conservation – they provide holistic, practical insights. This format is especially valuable for those unsure about retrofit or hesitant to invest in advice they’re not confident will meet their needs.
Consult the full LEAD method summary on expert Q&A – linked above and below – for information on why the method works and what you’ll need, as well as accompanying case studies and top tips should you wish to use this method. To finish off, there is also a list of additional resources, such as webinars, online courses, and any other tools or guidance relevant to this method.