The Viking Chats: Heat Pumps, Retrofit, and the Future of Sustainable Housing with Simon Bones

In this episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan sits down with Simon Bones, founder of Genous, to unpack the realities of home retrofit, energy efficiency, and the challenges facing sustainable housing in the UK. Simon shares his journey from management consulting into climate-focused entrepreneurship, why retrofitting homes is still far more difficult than it should be, and where technology, policy, and practical delivery all collide. The conversation explores: • 🔋 Why most homeowners still don’t know where to start with retrofit • 🏡 The real barriers to heat pumps, insulation, and energy upgrades • 🌍 How housing efficiency connects directly to climate goals • ⚡ The confusion caused by changing government policy • 🛠️ Why trust and delivery are still major problems in the industry • 📈 Building a business that combines technology with real-world execution Simon also talks openly about moving from consulting into building something practical, the lessons learned from startups, and why solving climate problems requires more than good intentions. Watch the full conversation to hear how Genous is trying to simplify one of the most important transitions happening in housing and energy. #TheVikingChats #ClimateTech #Retrofit #EnergyEfficiency #HeatPumps #Sustainability #PropTech #Genous