Explore every episode of the podcast On Air with Daikin

In this episode of On Air with Daikin, Matteo Dall'Ombra is joined by Graeme Fox, Director of the F-Gas Register scheme at Quidos, for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, standards and technology shaping the cooling sector.

Graeme reflects on his route into refrigeration and air conditioning, from early family influences and life as a contractor to representing the industry nationally and internationally. Together, they explore the pace of regulatory and technological change, the importance of technical competence and robust certification, the industry's growing skills needs, and the opportunities created by smarter monitoring and evolving heat-pump technology.

It is an honest, experience-led discussion about raising standards, supporting the next generation and preparing the sector for what comes next.

In this episode of On Air with Daikin, Matteo Dall'Ombra speaks with Andrew Mawson, Founder and Managing Director of Advanced Workplace Associates, about the changing world of work and the role buildings play in helping people perform at their best.

The conversation explores how workplace strategy has moved beyond desks, buildings and utilisation, towards a more human view of work: how people think, collaborate, build trust, manage cognitive load and respond to their environment. Andrew explains why the brain is the fundamental unit of productivity in knowledge work, and why organisations need to design workplaces, systems and behaviours around human performance.

The episode also touches on hybrid working, intelligent buildings, environmental comfort, workplace choice, sleep, focus, open-plan offices, measurement, and the business case for investing in better workplace experiences.

In this episode I'm sitting down with Vince Arnold, CIBSE 2025/2026 President - topics discussed include:

• Vince’s journey to becoming CIBSE President
• The idea behind his “paying it forward” theme
• Why volunteering and mentoring matter in engineering
• Supporting apprentices and the next generation of talent
• How building services engineering shapes comfort, safety, and performance
• The impact of climate change on building design and resilience
• Why collaboration is essential across the built environment
• Whole-life building performance, retrofit, and carbon reduction
• The role of CPD, curiosity, and continuous learning
• Practical ways to get involved with CIBSE

This is a really good one!!

In this episode of Daikin On Air, we sit down with Chris Yates, Chief Executive of FETA (Federation of Environmental Trade Associations), to explore the role trade bodies play in shaping the future of the HVAC and building services industry.

We discuss how regulation, standards, and policy are evolving in the UK, what that means in practice for manufacturers, consultants, installers and end users, and where the biggest challenges – and opportunities – lie as the industry moves towards lower‑carbon buildings. Chris shares FETA’s perspective on collaboration, skills, compliance, and the importance of practical, evidence‑based policymaking, offering valuable insight for anyone working in or around the built environment.

We also discuss about Actuate UK, a new platform being developed by FETA for easier access to information and data.

Join us for an in-depth update on the launch of the new HPA UK (Heat Pump Association UK) and what it means for the industry, members, and the future of low-carbon heating.

In this episode, we explore how the new HPA UK was formed, who it represents, and why its members play a critical role in shaping the sector. We outline what has changed with the new structure, the Association’s core purpose, and the key priorities and objectives set for 2026.

You’ll also learn how organisations and individuals can get involved and contribute. We then provide a broader overview of UK heat pump policy — reflecting on major developments in 2025, examining what lies ahead in 2026 (including the Future Homes Standard and Warm Homes initiatives), and considering the longer-term outlook beyond 2026.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, installer, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of heating in the UK, this session offers valuable insights into the direction of the industry.

Learn More about the HPA UK

Overheating remains a major risk in UK buildings, despite improved modelling and regulation. We explore the gap between design intent, TM59 compliance, Part O, and real occupant experience — including why much of the existing building stock is still vulnerable.

How CIBSE future weather data are created, common misconceptions, and how engineers should actually use climate scenarios to avoid designing for outdated conditions.

Why shading is underused in the UK, why TM59 models both with and without shading, and how human behaviour, glare, and daylight expectations influence real-world performance.

Evidence-backed passive strategies that genuinely reduce overheating — including shading, night ventilation, glazing choices, and layout — versus box-ticking solutions.

Useful Links:

• Wellbeing and productivity in offices

In this episode I sit down with Henry Pelly - Principal Sustainability Consultant @ Max Fordham and my colleague Steve Molloy - Sustainability & Commercial Solution Manager - for all things rowing and sustainability!

Other topics covered

• Beyond Net Zero: https://cdn.maxfordham.com/uploads/documents/The-Max-Fordham-Beyond-Net-Zero-whitepaper-April-2025-Web-Version.pdf?v=1746105180
• Workplace Futures Group - assessment on the wellbeing of people in offices
• Looking at sustainability further away from the building itself
• UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard

Today we sit down with Jake Matthews, Operations Manager for A-Gas UK. We chat about Reclaim with Confidence, the unique service for refrigerant recovery available in partnerships between A-Gas and Daikin; but we also talk in depth about what it takes to properly recover and reclaim refrigerants, making sure they can be used and re-used, in order to promote the circularity of this very importance resource.

To learn more:

• Daikin Reclaim with Confidence
• A-Gas UK

In this episode I sit down with Dr Anastasia Mylona - CIBSE Technical Director

Topics covered:

• CIBSE Technical Symposium: Fit for 2050 – Redesigning Spaces for Wellbeing, Inclusivity, and Sustainable Performance
• The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard
• CIBSE’s TM65 guidance on Embodied Carbon in building services – a methodology helping the industry understand and reduce carbon impacts in MEP systems
• CIBSE Weather data

In this episode, we dive into the latest updates to BREEAM Version 7 with Tom Wilson, Head of BREEAM Development. We explore why the changes are happening now and what they mean in practice, from the new Outstanding Minimum Standard requirements to the introduction of NABERS UK as a calculation methodology for the UK and the growing role of digital twins.

We also cover material and environmental credits, including Life Cycle Assessments with a focus on EPDs (Mat 01) and refrigerant management and leak detection requirements under EN14624:2020 (Pol 01), which is now essential to achieve an Outstanding rating. Plus, we look at how BREEAM links to refurbishment standards, how it’s applied in real projects, and ways to get involved in shaping its future.

Host

• Matteo Dall'Ombra - National Specification Manager @ Daikin UK

Guests

• Tom Wilson - Head of BREEAM Development @ BRE

Useful Links

• BREEAM v7 New Construction
• BREEAM Academy

In this first episode we sit down with two of our initial D-Carbonise with Daikin Partners, to understand from them what the journey to decarbonisation truly looks like. On top of that, we chat about what practically had to change, the main challenges faced and everything that was learned along the way.

I'm also join by my colleague Steve Molloy to offer a view of what Daikin UK is also practically changing to join the road to Decarbonisation of the building industry.

Host

• Matteo Dall'Ombra - National Specification Manager @ Daikin UK

Guests

• Steve Molloy - Product & Sustainability Manager @ Daikin UK
• Joe Dunningham - Associate Director @ Accent Services Ltd
• Joel Brittain - Head of Business Development & Sustainability @ Ergro Group

Useful Links

• D-carbonise Partner with Daikin 

The start of our new podcast and a small teaser for what's coming next!