Retrofit project of the year – London and South

This retrofit programme has delivered exceptional results through a resident-first, community-driven approach. Focused on trust-building and empowerment, the project has transformed neighbourhoods into supportive, energy-saving communities. Residents have engaged in friendly competition over how much they saved, shared energy-saving tips, and reported significant boosts in comfort and well-being.

Using a fabric-first strategy, the scheme delivered year-round benefits – warmer homes in winter, cooler ones in summer – and took properties from Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) D or C ratings to an impressive average of EPC B. Energy bills were slashed, with some residents seeing savings of almost 50%. As one resident noted in their feedback: “I can relax knowing I can afford to heat my home in winter.”

Success was underpinned by rigorous post-upgrade evaluation, strong community engagement, and a streamlined and efficient delivery model. The project drew down 100% of available funding and ensured long-term sustainability by training workers and building in-house capacity, helping to close the green skills gap. With its blend of environmental performance, financial impact and social inclusion, this scheme offers a model for addressing fuel poverty, climate change and social inequality at scale.

The judges said:

“This large-scale project has successfully improved the energy efficiency of over 150 homes, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resident comfort, and setting a new benchmark for sustainable housing improvements”