Introduction

Join us for an exclusive study trip to the Octopus Energy Innovation & Training Centre in Slough, the UK’s first dedicated hub for research, development, and upskilling in low-carbon heating.

What you will experience

State-of-the-art facilities
Explore the country’s only centre combining hands-on R&D with large-scale training. The site even includes full-size replica houses designed to replicate real heating systems, providing a unique look at how sustainable technologies are tested and refined before they reach the market.

Engineer upskilling in action
See first-hand how up to 1,000 heating engineers are trained each year to install air-source heat pumps and other low-carbon solutions. This is where the future workforce is being built, aligning directly with the UK’s ambitious target of 600,000 heat pump installations annually by 2028.

Technology & sustainability insights
Get a close look at the latest innovations, including Octopus’s own UK-manufactured “Cosy 6” heat pump, alongside wider R&D efforts shaping retrofit strategies and smart-energy integration. These are the technologies that will transform how property is powered, regulated, and valued in the years ahead.

This study trip offers members the chance to go beyond headlines and experience the innovations, skills, and sustainable solutions that are reshaping the property sector whilst hearing from Emma Fletcher who will be leading discussions about Octo-Verse including a fantastic Q & A session.

What we will cover

11am – Arrival, meet and greet, tea/coffee

11:15 – 12:00 – Discussions about Octo-verse including Q&A session lead by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Housing Director

12:00 – 13:00 – Tour of centres (innovation / training centre and distribution centre)

13:00 – 14:000 – Networking lunch

About our speaker

Emma is the Low Carbon Housing Director at Octopus Energy. Her career has centred on leading high impact, high innovation projects in real estate, with a particular focus on housing, energy performance and green energy production. Her practical experience includes starting her career in rural surveying and estate management moving into award-winning housing and regeneration developments.

Emma is a passionate advocate for change, community resilience and sustainability solutions for all. She established and led the UK’s first fossil fuel-free district heating scheme in her village, Swaffham Prior. Her work regularly features in trade, national and international press & media.

Who should attend

Any opportunity to be part of the Octo-Verse is too good to miss. This will be an exciting trip out for anyone working within a leadership role within asset management, sustainability and repairs and maintenance. It will give great insights into homes of the future and the skills needed to maintain them.

Important Note: Please ensure you read the joining instructions when they come out as they will detail information regarding travel, parking and site information.