How Businesses Are Future-Proofing Buildings: Solar, Window Film and Sustainability | 1020 Podcast

In this episode of the 1020 Networking Podcast, Richard Martin (Blue Shield Cleaning) sits down with David Spencer (The Logical Group) and Johnnie Martin (Office Graphics & Window Film) to talk about practical upgrades that help businesses reduce energy costs, improve working environments, and protect the value of their buildings.

From Solar PV, EV charging and LED lighting, to specialist window films that reduce heat and glare, improve comfort, and even support data protection, this roundtable is a grounded look at how commercial buildings are changing and why more businesses are investing in the fabric of their premises.

You will hear how access and timing can make projects more cost-effective, why collaboration between trades matters, and why energy reduction is now tied to staff wellbeing, reputation, and long-term asset value.

Key themes covered:
• Cutting energy use without disrupting operations
• Why window film is now about more than just heat and glare
• How buildings impact mood, brand perception, and online reputation
• When solar isn’t possible and what alternatives exist
• Why audits and site surveys are the smartest place to start

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:03 – Intro and meet Richard (Blue Shield Cleaning), Dave (The Logical Group) and Johnnie (Office Graphics & Window Film)
0:12 – The Logical Group overview: electrical contractor focused on green tech
0:39 – Office Graphics overview: window film, office graphics, signage, door and desk refurbishments
1:25 – Blue Shield Cleaning overview: exterior building cleaning from homes to large sites
1:43 – Roof glazing film and UV varnish explained
2:26 – Access and scaffolding: how projects are planned around safe installation
2:57 – Why window film and varnish matters: reducing solar gain and air-con use
3:20 – ROI and lifespan: typical payback and durability
3:40 – How solar, window film and cleaning connect through shared access and timing
4:57 – Pigeon proofing and why you need to plan before scaffolding comes down
5:16 – Are businesses spending more to hit green targets and tender requirements?
5:36 – Reputation, staff expectations and legislation driving sustainability decisions
6:23 – Practical options beyond solar: LED lighting, batteries, and cutting energy use
7:07 – Creating better workplaces: comfort, ambience, and staff wellbeing
8:06 – Lux levels, audits, and designing lighting around people and tasks
8:38 – Better environments improve ROI through reduced staff absence
9:02 – Window film tech today: winter heat retention and summer cooling
9:24 – Specialist films: screen privacy, data protection, and signal defence
10:05 – Is it a hard sell? Why architects increasingly specify these products
11:01 – Businesses investing more in building fabric, inside and out
11:48 – Why cleaning gets left, and why the outside still matters
12:14 – Asset protection and improving building value
12:44 – Brand image, social media, and fast-moving reputation risk
13:20 – Drones, audits, and why privacy films are becoming more relevant
13:40 – Case example: retail refurb, wrapping, and overnight transformation
14:26 – Door wrapping durability and material innovation
15:02 – Biggest client question: cost, sustainability pressure, and where to start
15:16 – Start with an energy audit and real business needs
16:10 – When solar isn’t possible: lease limits and battery-only options
17:02 – Audit length, cost, and booking
17:44 – TheLogicalGroup.co.uk shared
17:50 – How to assess need for specialist window films
18:11 – Surveys, testing, and free site checks
18:44 – OfficeGraphics.uk and booking via 1020
18:49 – Wrap up and thanks

🔗 GUEST LINKS

David Spencer – The Logical Group
Sustainable energy systems for businesses, helping reduce operating costs while supporting environmental goals. Services include Solar PV, EV charging, LED lighting, energy measurement and electrical support.
Website: https://thelogicalgroup.co.uk

Johnnie Martin – Office Graphics & Window Film
Window film for UV, heat, glare, privacy and data protection, plus office graphics, signage and surface refurbishments including doors and reception desks.
Website: https://officegraphics.uk

Richard Martin – Blue Shield Cleaning
Exterior cleaning specialists helping businesses protect assets, improve appearance, and maintain commercial buildings of all sizes.

🤝 ABOUT 1020 NETWORKING

1020 is a curated networking group designed for business owners who value trust, results and long-term relationships.

It is not about handing out business cards. It is about putting the right people in the room, sharing real expertise and building networks that help businesses grow in a sustainable, accountable way.

Website: https://www.1020networking.com

LinkedIn:   / 1020networking  

📩 Want to connect or be featured on the podcast
Email: Ian@1020networking.com