Judith Leary-Joyce – Retrofit Influencer and Author

Judith Leary-Joyce is a powerful voice in the UK’s sustainability movement and a retrofit influencer who proves that climate action begins at home. During Covid, she and her family undertook a full eco renovation of their Victorian property. The results were striking: a 75% reduction in energy usage, a warmer home and significantly lower running costs.

That moment reshaped her retirement years. Judith saw clearly that retrofit is a game changer for homeowners and for the planet. There is no sacrifice involved. Instead, there is comfort, financial sense and meaningful carbon reduction. Through her talks, writing and online presence, she shares this message with clarity and conviction.

Judith has been an eco worrier and eco warrior, since the early 1970s. For decades, she has searched for the next step in climate action. She has embraced plant-based eating, ethical banking, sustainable travel, preloved shopping and minimal plastic consumption. Retrofit became the next natural chapter in that journey – and quickly the most transformative.

From Eco Worrier to Retrofit Mission

What began as a personal project has grown into a mission. Judith is determined to inspire and enable others to improve their homes, for their own comfort and finances, and for the sake of the generations to come. She speaks passionately about the responsibility we carry for “all the grandkids to come” and believes homeowners hold far more power than they realise.

Her work has earned national recognition. Judith is included in the Top 100 most influential UK voices shaping conversations and driving change across the built environment. She has been named Home Sustainability Advocate of the Year by the UK’s Build Magazine Award for three consecutive years and was Highly Commended by BBC Three Counties Radio at the Making a Difference Awards.

These accolades reflect her credibility, persistence and ability to translate technical retrofit concepts into language homeowners understand and trust.

Author of Practical Eco Renovation Guides

During her own retrofit, Judith longed for a clear, honest guide written for beginners. When she couldn’t find it, she wrote it.

Her first book, Beginner’s Guide to Eco Renovation, is written in her natural, accessible style. It covers the essentials homeowners need to know to achieve the best outcomes, without overwhelm or jargon. The book empowers readers to ask better questions, make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

At the end of 2025, she published What the Builder Won’t Tell You, a practical and candid guide that covers everything from choosing the right builder to handling waste responsibly and avoiding landfill. The book reflects her commitment to transparency and to helping homeowners feel confident throughout the renovation process.

Together, her books position Judith Leary-Joyce as both a relatable homeowner and a trusted guide in the retrofit space.

Engaging, Conversational Speaking Style

Judith Leary-Joyce is known for her conversational speaking style. She connects quickly with audiences because she speaks directly to the challenges they face. She shares stories from her own experience, including the mistakes, the frustrations and the lessons learned along the way.

Her talks are practical, motivating and grounded in real-life results. Audiences leave with clarity about what retrofit involves, belief that it is achievable and enthusiasm to begin their own journey.

She speaks to:

• Homeowners considering renovation

• Sustainability-focused organisations

• Built environment professionals

• Community groups and climate networks

• Businesses seeking practical climate action stories

A Strong Digital Voice for Green Living

Judith’s influence extends far beyond the stage. With 170,000 followers on Instagram, where her family affectionately call her “InstaGran”, she shares insights on green living, retrofit and natural building materials.

Her content combines education with personality, making sustainable living feel achievable rather than overwhelming. She also writes a regular blog, is building her presence on YouTube and continues to give talks that support others in developing their own green journey.

Her platform demonstrates that sustainability is not a trend for her. It is a lifelong commitment.

Book Judith Leary-Joyce for Your Event

Book Judith Leary-Joyce for your event if you want an authentic, credible and energising speaker on retrofit, eco renovation and practical climate action. She brings lived experience, award-winning advocacy and a clear message: energy-efficient homes are warmer, cheaper to run and better for the planet.

Judith leaves audiences informed, encouraged and ready to act.