Our Richmond Park Heat Network Project has been shortlisted for the 2025 Building Innovation Awards in the category of Best Retrofit Innovation or Project.
Delivered in partnership with our partners FairHeat, the project focused on transforming the communal heating system across 299 homes in Sheffield. Richmond Park includes a mix of houses, flats, and a community centre, all connected through ten separate heat networks.
The retrofit tackled long-standing inefficiencies in the system—such as poor insulation, high return temperatures, and limited controls—by implementing targeted upgrades that improved energy performance, safety, and resident comfort. Key achievements include:
The project was successfully delivered thanks to a tailored approach and strong collaboration between teams. Importantly, the retrofit avoided the need for wholesale system replacement, instead maximising the value of existing infrastructure. The project was also supported by funding from the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), covering a significant portion of the costs.
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 30 September 2025 at the National Conference Centre & Motorbike Museum in Birmingham.
