PROJECTS & INNOVATION

We need to learn from doing. Read about practical developments and innovation that is moving the decarbonisation of homes and buildings forward.

London boroughs call for £194m funding to retrofit 20,000 homes

London boroughs have called for a £194m boost from government to retrofit 20,000 homes.

Kent new town to run on solar-powered ‘smart grid’

An 8,500-home development near Folkestone, Kent will run on a solar-powered “smart grid”, helping to make it one of the UK’s first all-electric new towns

Expert panel to review substandard retrofits installed under government schemes

Ministers have set up an expert panel to review substandard insulation retrofits that were installed under government-backed schemes.

Built Environment Climate change Education/Training/Knowledge Research Energy/Environment Finance and funding Government/Agency/Public body Housing Association/RP Local authority/Combined authority Net Zero Policy & Regulation Power Generation Product/service supplier Property services/Facilities/Asset management Skills

Manufacturers welcome end to heat pump planning delays

Manufacturers including Aira have welcomed the government’s move to cut “outdated” heat pump planning delays, a change which will take effect on 29 May

Climate change Energy/Environment London Net Zero Policy & Regulation Power Generation Product/service supplier Wales West Midlands

Mira launch the UK's first electric shower compatable with waste water heat recovery systems

Mira say this will help reduce energy consumption and energy bills through intelligent monitoring which instantly automatically adjusts power based on incoming conditions

Built Environment Energy/Environment Net Zero Product/service supplier

E.ON switches to FLS field force scheduling solution for UK operations

The scheduling solution will help create more efficient routes for E.ON staff to cut driving time and mileage resulting in the reduction of carbon footprints

Energy/Environment Net Zero Product/service supplier Transport

Modulous launches new residential development software platform

The new platform called TESSA can produce feasibility studies for multi-family homes in minutes including financial costings

Built Environment Product/service supplier

AeroBarrier - sealing a home to whatever level of air tightness is required

Through patented technology AeroBarrier uses a modified blower door test to pressurise a building, before spraying a non-toxic mist coat that seals any leeks

Built Environment Product/service supplier

UK technology start-up Gigamine to deliver a step-change in the efficiency and quality of lithium-ion battery recycling

Gigamine, a UK start-up, is developing technology and solutions to provide lithium-ion battery recycling that will deliver a step change in efficiency and sustainability.

Net Zero Product/service supplier

ENGAGE IN THE DEBATE

Webinar recordings

Unlock Net Zero hosts monthly webinars focused on connecting our audience in the practical transition to net zero.

Unlock Net Zero Live

Unlock Net Zero Live brings the UK housing and built environment sectors together to push forward bold conversations and practical solutions to decarbonise our homes and places at both pace and scale

Housing 2025

Housing, Europe’s largest housing festival, will take place on 25 - 27 June 2024 at Manchester Central

The dignity of tenants is paramount and that requires frameworks delivering warm, safe homes at speed

Procurement frameworks are often seen as back-office tools, but when designed with resident wellbeing in mind they become vital levers for delivering safer and warmer homes, says Rory Evans, regional director at LHC

Contractors sought for major public buildings framework

Applications for the latest public buildings framework from LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG) – worth a total of £1.5bn – are open until 9 December 2025.

New Chair leads future expansion strategy for public sector procurement body

Public sector procurement specialist LHC Procurement Group has appointed Dame Maria Miller DBE as its new chair from 14 October 2025.

LHC Procurement Group launches £285m roofing systems framework

A total of 54 contractors have been appointed to the latest Roofing Systems and Associated Works (RS5) framework from LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG).

CHIC: Keeping residents safe and well

Being a housing provider is not easy in 2025. There are many issues that can keep you awake at night. As a regulated sector there is even more pressure and scrutiny (quite rightly) to provide consistently good service outcomes for residents, creating safe and healthy living environments for all.