National Home Decarbonisation Group: Big Retrofit Challenge

In an exciting new initiative aimed at tackling the pressing challenges of home decarbonisation, Innovate UK, in partnership with the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and Futurebuild, has launched the Big Retrofit Challenge. This competition presents a unique opportunity for innovators across the UK to showcase their cutting-edge solutions and bring their concepts to the forefront of the industry.

A Bold Vision for a Greener Future

The Big Retrofit Challenge invites entrepreneurs, companies, and organisations to propose breakthrough innovations that will help drive the decarbonisation of homes. With the UK working towards its net zero targets, the competition focuses on solutions that improve home energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote healthier living environments. The aim is to discover not only new products but also innovative systems, processes, and approaches that transform how homes are retrofitted and renovated for a greener future.

Innovations should address key challenges such as:

• Reducing exposure to damp and mould
• Alleviating fuel poverty through energy efficiency
• Improving health and wellbeing in homes
• Engagement on behavioural change

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to UK-registered businesses with an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with a focus on fostering innovation in smaller, less established organisations. Eligible innovations must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes, though solutions applicable to new builds will also be considered, provided they have relevance to retrofitting.

Key areas of focus include:

• Solutions for existing homes and non-residential properties
• Health-focused technologies that enhance indoor environments
• Innovations that enable behavioural changes in building operation

The Road to Futurebuild 2025

As part of the competition, six finalists will be selected to present their solutions at Futurebuild 2025, one of the UK’s leading events for sustainable innovation in construction and design. These finalists will have the opportunity to:

• Pitch their innovations live at the National Retrofit Conference (held as part of Futurebuild 2025)
• Network with members of the National Home Decarbonisation Group
• Discuss potential pilot projects with industry leaders, offering a direct pathway to market adoption and the chance to see their solutions in action on a live decarbonisation scheme

This high-profile platform is designed to accelerate the adoption of new ideas, giving innovators access to a network of private sector partners and decision-makers who can help turn bold ideas into reality.

Why This Matters

As the UK works to meet its 2050 net zero targets, retrofitting existing homes is essential to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, decarbonisation efforts must also prioritise improving the overall quality of life for residents, ensuring healthier, more comfortable homes. The Big Retrofit Challenge is designed to support innovations that can meet these dual goals.

By focusing on real-world impact, the competition aims to deliver practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. Whether through reducing household energy bills, improving indoor air quality, or lowering carbon footprints, the ideas unearthed through this challenge have the potential to transform the housing sector.

How to Apply

Entries are now open, and the competition will close at 11am on Thursday, 28th November 2024. Applications are encouraged from innovators of all backgrounds, and the organisers are committed to ensuring that the application process is accessible to everyone. Anyone needing help with their application, please contact: mat.colmer@iuk.ukri.org

For more information on entry criteria and to submit your application, visit the Big Retrofit Challenge application page at the link below.

Don’t miss your chance to make a lasting impact on the future of home decarbonisation.

If you’re passionate about creating a more sustainable future and have an innovation that could help decarbonise homes across the UK, this is your opportunity to shine.

Enter the Big Retrofit Challenge today and be part of the solution!