In partnership with
In partnership with
Unlock Net Zero Climate Champions’ Power List 2025
To meet the UK’s net zero and climate change targets we need collective, urgent action across all sectors and communities.
There are many individuals who are playing their part in making our homes and the planet a better place. So, we are delighted to launch the 2025 Unlock Net Zero Climate Champions’ Power List a yearly publication recognising and celebrating positive individual contributions to climate action across the UK housing and built environment sectors.
Why is this important to do?
The net zero transition is a large and complex undertaking. It takes leadership. That does not mean just by people at the top of organisations. In this transition, we all can become leaders. So, this Power List focuses on people making a positive climate difference, not through their words but through their actions.
And there are many among us, so we need your help. We need your help to identify who these individuals are and give them the chance to be the advocates for the climate action that we need. We need to learn from them. We need to work in partnership to deliver a successful outcome against this collective challenge.
You know who these people are. You might work with them. You might be a supplier to them. You might be a customer of them. It might also be you.
This Power List is all about the sector itself recognising who is going above and beyond to make a difference. It is not a list chosen by experts. Rather individuals are nominated by the sector and then our judges will assess the nominations submitted to compile the final list.
It is important to stress that there is no hierarchy to this list. It is not decided by job title, rather it is judged and compiled solely based on individual contribution.
The list provides us with real positive examples of what can be achieved. We can all be guilty of focusing on the difficulties we face in the transition. It is not to simply dismiss them, but it is so uplifting to recognise how people are getting on with it and making a real difference in the path to net zero.
And we can learn from these people. So, our ask is a simple one. Tell us who they are.
We have a very simple nomination process. It is one form, one question – WHY should they be on the 2025 Power List?
There are several categories you can nominate people across:
Architecture, design, and engineering
Charity, social enterprises, and voluntary groups
Community champion
Construction and development
Consultants and advisors
Energy
Finance and funding
Housing provider
Product supplier
Research
Technology
Training and skills
We are also once again this year recognising special contributions in two categories. Firstly, a rising star, someone at the start of their career but making a real difference already. Secondly, we are looking for a lifetime commitment. This is someone who has made a real impact in this area over several years and has a real legacy of making things happen.
Entries for 2025 are now closed.
The Power List will be announced at the Unlock Net Zero Awards ceremony on Tuesday 24 June 2025 in Manchester.
Previous Climate Champions'
Joshua Arthur
Gravesham Borough Council
Sarah Daly
Sustainability strategist
Diana Davidson
Vertemis Ltd
Graham Ellis
Southern Housing
Tara Gbolade
Gbolade Design Studio
Derek Horrocks
Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd
Rachael Hunnisett
Green Finance Institute
Mohammed Khalid
MECC Trust
Georgina Patel
Independent Sustainability Consultant
David Pierpoint
The Retrofit Academy
Chris Ricketts
Elmhurst Energy
James Williams
Sero
Alex Hughes
MCS
Special contribution: rising star
Libby Kerman
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
Special contribution: rising star
Ness Scott
Greencore Homes
Special contribution: lifetime commitment
Testimonials
“Ocean Media really know how to revive the sector. You guys do a fantastic job celebrating our sector, keep up the good work”
Effie Cohen, senior external engagement and communications lead, Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
“A great event, Unlock Net Zero filled with many networking opportunities and knowledge sharing and wonderful to be alongside so many peers doing the doing and collaborating for systems change.”
Jo Shields, head of sustainability & ESG, whg
"It gave me so much hope and inspiration for the housing sector in achieving sustainability for our homes, communities and resident’s lives!"
Jon Daley, head of sustainability, G2M Group
"It was a coming together of so many people whose day job is purpose and mission-led, who are passionate about transforming the lives of those most affected by the #housingcrisis, #costoflivingcrisis and through wider #economic and #socialinequality.
It was a time to celebrate the incredible achievements and to reflect on how we can build capacity at pace to build on the successes of this vibrant and vital sector."
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Sarah Daly, associate director, sustainability, Turner & Townsend
“What a fantastic evening celebrating all the positive, innovative and inspiring work being done by a huge range of organisations and individuals in this sector; and it was an honour to be part of a winning team collecting an award on the main stage. Laura Tobin was a brilliant host and the food was delicious!”
Georgina Patel, sustainability consultant
"This is an incredible event and a real showcase for those of us that are #strivingforexcellence - there is no Plan B!"
Nicola Clayton, head of business development, Etopia
"The platform they provide not only celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and organizations in the field of sustainability but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration."
Sylwester Raczynski, founder, CEO, iHelios
"Thanks for leading the way on keeping the decarbonisation agenda on the map. It's only going to get bigger & we need to support all the collaboration we can across the industry (and other industries!)."
Jamie Abbott, director and housing sector sustainability lead – consulting, Turner & Townsend
"I thought the event was a resounding success. I’m so glad to have been involved. It’s great to see so many people together trying to make a difference and doing great things."
Fayann Simpson OBE, chair, L&Q Resident Services Board
“Social was pleased to be a supporter of the Unlock Net Zero awards – a fantastic showcase of sector best practice and progress in that space. Huge congrats to all those shortlisted and the winners – and to Andrew Cameron-Smith and the team there.”
Luke Cross, director (London), Social
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