Colin Genge on the Evolution of Building Science

Colin Genge on the Evolution of Building Science

Watch the full episode of The FlowLab podcast, where we talked
about the evolution of Building science with Colin Genge!

It was fantastic to catch up with Colin Genge, one of Retrotec's original founders, on The Flow Lab Podcast. During the episode, we explored the origins of blower door technology and its role in the early energy conservation initiatives that began in the 1980s.

Colin shared incredible insights into developing the first blower doors, which originated from plans at Princeton University. He discussed how early experiments focused not just on the blower door itself but on energy analysis programs that aimed to identify retrofit opportunities for homes and make them more energy-efficient. He also reflected on Retrotec's pioneering days, recounting the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped the industry.

One of the standout moments of the episode was Colin's reflection on the evolution of energy conservation programs and how they intersect with the ongoing development of high-performance buildings. He touched on key innovations, like the R2000 program in Canada, which laid the groundwork for what would become Passive House standards today.

Throughout the episode, Colin emphasized how technology and energy efficiency have advanced but also pointed out the critical role that politics and public perception continue to play in slowing widespread adoption.

The discussion brought a historical perspective to modern energy conservation, blending Colin's hands-on experience with the evolution of Retrotec and the wider industry. It was a fascinating journey through time, showing how far energy conservation has come and how Retrotec has contributed to that progress.

Be sure to check out the full podcast episode to hear Colin’s full story and insights into the future of energy conservation and blower door testing.

The Flow Lab Podcast by Retrotec

Retrotec has launched The Flow Lab podcast to connect you with the leading minds within the building science industry.  We interview everyone from long-time experts to the newest innovators, exploring the latest technology advancements and industry news.  Subscribe on the Retrotec YouTube channel and wherever you listen to podcasts.  Like and subscribe to become part of the Flow Lab community!