Green Heat Project of the Year: Mythbusting Heat Pumps

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

In a remarkable achievement for sustainable living, a pioneering heat pump initiative has been honoured as the Green Heat Project of the Year at the prestigious 2025 UK Green Business Awards. This award-winning project has brought low-carbon, affordable heating solutions to one of London’s oldest social housing estates, Sutton Dwellings, further reinforcing the vital role of innovation in the journey towards net zero.

Sutton Dwellings, a historic Edwardian-era social housing estate nestled in Kensington, has undergone a transformative journey thanks to Kensa’s cutting-edge networked heat pump installation. This project not only decarbonised the heating for 81 flats but also played a pivotal role in the broader regeneration efforts led by the housing provider, Clarion Housing Group.

The judges of the UK Green Business Awards lauded the initiative as a “stunning example” of how to tackle heat decarbonisation in a technically challenging residential setting. They highlighted its potential as a replicable model for implementing low-carbon heating solutions within urban and heritage buildings, setting a benchmark for future projects of its kind.

This accolade marks the second major recognition for the Sutton Dwellings project in 2025, following its earlier success at the Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards in February, where it was named Regional Large-Scale Project of the Year.

Each flat within the estate has undergone a significant transformation, benefitting from extensive energy efficiency upgrades alongside the installation of a modern networked heat pump system. This initiative serves as a compelling demonstration that even older, ‘complex to decarbonise’ buildings can successfully transition to low-carbon heating, offering a blueprint for large-scale retrofitting in social housing.

Central to this transformation is the innovative networked heat pump system, which features Kensa’s Shoebox ground source heat pumps discreetly installed in each flat. These pumps are connected to a network of 27 boreholes meticulously drilled across the dense urban estate. This sophisticated system has provided residents with a long-term renewable heat source, ensuring low-cost heating and hot water while preserving the estate’s historic character.

Energy costs remain a pressing concern for many social housing tenants, but the new system at Sutton Dwellings is set to substantially alleviate this burden. For instance, heating bills for a one-bedroom flat are expected to plummet to as little as £300 per year. This dramatic reduction illustrates the significant cost-saving potential that arises from installing ground source heat pumps and enhancing energy efficiency.

The challenge posed by the UK’s ageing housing stock is significant in the quest to achieve net zero emissions. However, the successful installation at Sutton Dwellings serves as a robust proof of concept that effective solutions exist—ones that maintain low energy costs and respect the historical features of properties.

This recent award is part of a series of successes for Kensa, which also received accolades at the 2024 UK Green Business Awards for its installation project with Thurrock Council. This initiative involved deploying the same networked heat pump system across 273 flats in three 1960s tower blocks, thereby providing efficient and affordable heating solutions to residents.

Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director for Social Housing at Kensa, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:

“Winning a second award for this project is a fantastic endorsement of the innovation, teamwork, and vision that went into making it a success. Clarion has shown how to lead by example, delivering high-quality, low-carbon homes for residents, even in the most challenging retrofit conditions.”

He continued, “Sutton Dwellings demonstrates that no home needs to be left behind in the journey to decarbonise heat. With the right approach, we can bring cleaner, more affordable heating to even the oldest buildings in our cities, ensuring residents benefit from warm, comfortable homes that are future-proofed against rising energy costs.”

Kate Williams, Head of Regeneration at Clarion Housing Group, echoed this sentiment, stating:

“We are delighted that Sutton Dwellings has been named Green Heat Project of the Year. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with Kensa and our shared commitment to delivering real, lasting benefits for residents. By working together, we have shown how even the most complex and historic estates can be part of the journey to net zero. The project cuts carbon emissions, preserves heritage, and most importantly, provides residents with warmer and more affordable homes.”

This inspiring project exemplifies the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change while ensuring the comfort and well-being of those living in social housing. As we strive towards a net zero future, the success of initiatives like the one at Sutton Dwellings serves as a beacon of hope and a model for future undertakings across the UK.

With the ongoing advancements in technology and a growing commitment from housing providers, the dream of a sustainable and affordable living environment for all is within reach. As we celebrate the achievements of Sutton Dwellings and Kensa, let us continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the fight against climate change, ensuring that no community is left behind in our transition to a greener future.

Thank you for being part of this vital conversation, and for your continued dedication to building a sustainable world for generations to come.

Until next time, let’s keep championing the cause of net zero!