The NHDG teamed up with Futurebuild and Innovate UK to host the Big Retrofit Challenge, which saw 7 winners present their unique innovations on the Retrofit Conference stage.
From 76 applications to 7 winners the Big Retrofit Challenge saw innovators present their solutions to some of the biggest challenges in home decarbonisation.
The competition was designed to showcase innovation from smaller organisations and provide a platform to overcome barriers to market through engagement with Tier 1 contractors and the Futurebuild audience.
The idea for the challenge was developed through the NHDG’s Innovation Working Group, which was created to address barriers to innovation in the sector. With smaller organisations often struggling to secure finance and establish themselves within the market, the challenge provided a platform to amplify their voices – introducing their technologies to key industry players.
Our seven winning organisations had the opportunity to present their innovations at the Retrofit Conference stage:
Each company showcased their solutions to real-world problems such as fuel poverty, energy inefficiency, and poor indoor air quality. Their work will undoubtedly play a significant role in scaling up the decarbonisation effort in the UK, and it was a privilege to witness how these innovations are already having a tangible impact on the industry.
The winners also had the opportunity to take part in a speed networking event at the NHDG Pavilion at Futurebuild, which allowed for further collaboration between NHDG members and the seven winners. It was fantastic to see so many industry professionals in one place, forging new partnerships and finding ways to support these cutting-edge innovations. The event really reinforced the importance of working together across the sector to drive home decarbonisation at scale.
Looking Ahead
With net zero targets looming and the impact of the energy and cost of living crisis being felt across the UK, large-scale retrofit projects are more critical than ever.
The Big Retrofit Challenge provided a strong platform for our winners to demonstrate their solutions, but it is only the beginning of their journey to make an impact on the industry. The NHDG will continue to champion collaboration and innovation in the retrofit sector as we work towards building a low carbon future.
The NHDG is engaging with the winners of the Big Retrofit Challenge to offer bespoke advice and one-to-one engagement with our members, with the possibility that this leads to piloting and trialling of the innovations in real work scenarios. The NHDG are also reaching out to all applicants to gather their views on the barriers to innovation, helping to shape the conversation on what change is needed in the industry to continue to advance net zero.
