About calm-funds
Helping British homeowners make informed decisions about energy efficiency since 2015.
Our Story
calm-funds began when three building professionals sat in a cold Victorian terrace, frustrated by the contradictory advice their friend had received about improving their home's efficiency. One contractor pushed for expensive external wall insulation. Another insisted new windows were the priority. A third recommended a complete heating overhaul. Nobody had actually assessed what the house needed.
That conversation led to the founding principle of our company: proper diagnosis before prescription. We started by offering independent energy assessments, using thermal imaging and testing equipment to show homeowners where their money was actually escaping. The evidence often surprised everyone involved.
Over the past decade, we've assessed nearly three thousand properties across England, Scotland, and Wales. We've seen every type of British housing stock, from medieval cottages to modern flats. Each property tells a different story about how it uses and loses energy.
What started as assessment services has evolved into comprehensive support throughout the improvement process. We recognized that homeowners needed more than a report - they needed someone to help interpret results, prioritize actions, navigate grant schemes, and ensure contractors delivered quality work. That's the role we've grown to fill.
Our Values
Evidence-Based
We measure, test, and analyze before recommending. Every suggestion is backed by data from your specific property, not general assumptions or sales targets.
Transparent
We explain costs, savings, payback periods, and limitations clearly. You deserve complete information to make informed decisions about your home.
Practical
Perfect is the enemy of good. We focus on improvements that are achievable within your constraints and deliver meaningful results.
Independent
We don't sell insulation, boilers, or solar panels. Our recommendations aren't influenced by supplier relationships or installation margins.
Meet the Team
Our assessors and consultants combine building science expertise with practical construction experience. All hold relevant certifications including Level 4 Domestic Energy Assessment qualifications, thermographic inspection credentials, and professional memberships with institutions like the Association for Environment Conscious Building.
Sarah Mitchell
Founder & Lead Consultant
Former building surveyor who identified the gap between engineering theory and practical homeowner needs. Sarah holds a master's degree in sustainable architecture and has assessed over 1,200 properties personally.
James Thornton
Senior Energy Assessor
Twenty years as a heating engineer before specializing in energy efficiency. James brings invaluable perspective on why systems fail and how to design installations that actually work as intended.
Priya Sharma
Retrofit Coordinator
Specialist in period properties and heritage constraints. Priya works with conservation officers and listed building regulations to find solutions that respect historical significance while achieving meaningful efficiency gains.
David Chen
Renewable Systems Consultant
Electrical engineer focused on solar PV, battery storage, and heat pump integration. David evaluates whether renewable technologies make practical and financial sense for each property.
Why We're Different
We Don't Sell Products
Most energy efficiency companies make money by installing specific solutions. That creates an obvious conflict - they're incentivized to recommend what they sell, not what you need. As independent consultants, we're paid for expertise and advice, not installation margins. This allows us to recommend the most cost-effective solutions, even when they're simple and inexpensive.
We Understand Real Homes
British housing stock is complex. Solid walls, suspended floors, lath and plaster, single-skin construction, unusual layouts - these are daily challenges in our work. We've developed expertise in the specific issues that affect UK properties, particularly older homes that require sensitive treatment.
We Prioritize Impact
Budget constraints are reality for most homeowners. We identify which improvements deliver the best return on investment and which can wait. Sometimes that means recommending £200 of draught-proofing before £8,000 of solar panels. We optimize for your benefit, not our revenue.
We Provide Continuity
Energy efficiency isn't a single transaction - it's often a multi-year journey with improvements happening as budget allows. We remain a consistent resource as you implement changes over time, adjusting plans as circumstances evolve.
Our Approach to Assessment
A comprehensive calm-funds assessment takes approximately three hours on-site and involves multiple testing methods. We use calibrated thermal imaging cameras to visualize heat loss and identify issues invisible to the naked eye. Blower door testing measures air leakage and helps locate draughts. We examine insulation, heating systems, ventilation, glazing, and building construction throughout the property.
The resulting report includes thermal images, test results, detailed findings, and a prioritized action plan. Each recommendation includes estimated costs and projected annual savings. We explain the reasoning behind every suggestion so you understand not just what to do, but why.
Assessments are not designed to be prescriptive. They're educational tools that empower informed decision-making. We present options and trade-offs, but you choose which path makes sense for your situation.
Milestones
Company Founded
Sarah Mitchell established calm-funds with a commitment to independent, evidence-based energy efficiency consulting.
Expanded Team
Grew from solo consultant to a team of four specialists covering different aspects of building performance and renewable technology.
1,000th Assessment
Reached milestone of one thousand properties assessed, representing every major housing type across Great Britain.
Period Property Specialism
Developed specialized expertise in heritage and conservation-area properties, partnering with preservation societies.
Grant Navigation Service
Launched dedicated support helping homeowners access government and local authority energy efficiency grants.
Over £3M Annual Savings
Our clients' implemented improvements now generate more than £3.2 million in combined annual energy cost savings.
Looking Forward
The UK has committed to significant carbon reduction targets over the coming decades. Much of that reduction must come from residential heating and energy use. This creates both urgency and opportunity for homeowners.
We expect increasing regulation around minimum energy efficiency standards, continued volatility in energy pricing, and evolution of available technologies and incentive programs. Our role is helping homeowners navigate this changing landscape with clarity and confidence.
Whether you're motivated by reducing bills, improving comfort, environmental responsibility, or preparing for future regulations, we're here to provide honest, expert guidance rooted in building science and practical experience.