Episode 4 – Sustainable Real Estate 101 | Accelerating to a Better Future with James Dearsley

Meet James Dearsley, CEO of the award-winning Verv Energy, a company revolutionizing energy efficiency with its patented technology designed to eliminate the 4% of energy wasted by heating and cooling systems. From contributing to the sustainability vision of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics to staying ahead of emerging trends, James’ journey with Verv provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the built environment.

In this episode of Accelerating to a Better Future, James shares his inspiring story, from his passion for travel and innovation strategy to driving change at an organizational level. He delves into his experiences with Imperial’s Better Futures Retrofit Accelerator, where his work at Verv aligned his mission to advance sustainability in the real estate industry with groundbreaking technology.

Verv's innovative approach brings building management systems online, enabling instant reporting and optimization of energy use. This synergy of technology and sustainability showcases James’ commitment to reshaping the built environment for a better future.

As part of the first cohort of the Better Futures Retrofit Accelerator, James shares invaluable advice for the retrofit industry: It’s not about the technology alone, but the strength of the team behind it. He emphasizes the enduring importance of collaboration, envisioning innovators 500 years from now still focusing on bringing the right people together to create impactful solutions.

In this conversation, James also explores if governments and local authorities are willing to bridge the accountability gap in retrofitting buildings to meet the demands of a more sustainable future in London. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation, sustainability, and the transformative power of teamwork in shaping the built environment.

Listen to the fourth episode of Accelerating to a Better Future on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

The podcast team

Directed and produced by Panji Kaonga and Shamita Harsh | Hosted by Lydia Chen

Produced in collaboration with Undaunted & Fabulr Studios

Get in touch

Get in touch with James via LinkendIn | Learn more about Verv here.

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The Better Futures Retrofit Accelerator is supported by the Greater London Authority’s Better Futures programme, co-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.