I made it onto the Built List

There are awards and then there are awards. This one took me completely by surprise and, to be honest, I think it’s only just sinking in.

The Built List has been put together by LMC, a PR agency specifically for the Built environment:

‘The Built List 2026 spotlights 100 of these influential individuals. They are the change makers, innovators, thought leaders, campaigners and advocates who are passionate about addressing the industry’s current challenges and priorities.’

How on earth did I get on that list?

So here’s me – a retired leadership coach, maker of a great focaccia and proud granny who also happens to be passionate about the planet, wanting all our grandkids (and you) to have a safe world to live in.

I was just minding my own business when I discovered retrofit and get totally hooked. I love the idea of natural insulation, mysterious heat pumps, solar panels that pay out more than I use. I know – it was a surprise to me too!

So I start talking. Always have been one to share a good idea when I come across it – why not? But chatting wasn’t enough. So a book followed – Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation – then a second book – What the Builder Won’t Tell You. Blogs, website, talks, and of course social media. Soon I am Insta-Gran with over 175K followers.

New friends, fascinating people, adventures visiting the makers of clay bricks  - it’s soon no surprise that my daughter labeled me a ‘building bore.’ She’s right, so I embrace it. And thank heaven I do – soon I was invited to meet Ed Miliband at No 10 and now he comes to say hello when he sees me. I’m ‘the insulation lady’!

I am so thrilled

Being included on this list means a lot to me. I wasn’t invited, wasn’t asked for money, nothing for anyone to gain. I was just added.

It tells me that what I’m doing is having an effect. At this stage of my life (really old!) I can afford to just do what I want to without having to please or make money. I just want as many people as possible to know about this amazing piece of climate action:

You can reduce your carbon emissions and help save the planet just by being more comfy, saving a shed load of money and having a home that is worth more. Nothing to lose, no sacrifice. It’s all to go for.

I’m in great company

I really admire the people in the sustainability part of the list. My favourites: James Stewart who I follow on Instagram - love all the new solutions he talks about. Aadil Qureshi, CEO of one of my all time favourites, Heat Geek. Jon Bootland CEO of the Passive House Trust and Ciara Doyle & Ben Brown, co-founders of Going Green Media who I meet at influencer gatherings at No 10.

To just sit alongside them and all the other amazing people on the list is a bit mind blowing, if I’m honest.

So I’m keeping on going

People sometimes ask me when I’m going to retire. Actually I did, then another life found me. So who am I to say no? Especially when The Built List just appears in my inbox to tell me I’m being useful.

I’m writing this on the day that David Attenborough turns 100. With a hero and role model like that, I’ve got another 33 years to go. Who knows what will happen next!

If this makes you think, ‘I need to know more about retrofit before I make mistakes I’ll regret’ take a look at: What the Builder Won’t Tell You. I wrote it for you in plain English so you can have the conversations you need with the builder.