University of Salford

Energy House 2.0 - helping on the road to Net Zero

Energy House 2.0 is a one-of-a-kind, world-leading research facility that is forging the way in making our buildings carbon neutral.

The built environment accounts for 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint and to achieve net zero will require a step change in the design of new buildings but also, more importantly, it will require a comprehensive upgrade and retrofit programme to the existing housing stock; the UK Green Building Council estimates that 80% of the 2050 building stock has already been built.

Through commercial and grant funded research, Energy House 2.0 helps businesses understand how effective their products and services are in lowering consumers’ carbon footprint and reducing energy bills.

What the Judges Thought

This was a very strong application with a clear mission. The Energy House 2.0 research project has strong significance to the sector in terms of climate change resilience and adaptation. There are also wider societal benefits and graduate benefits and involvement. The project has a lot of potential. 

What it Means to Win

"Energy House 2.0 is truly world leading and a great example of the type of research and innovation that Salford is all about. The facility will have a huge impact on the journey to net zero homes. It is fantastic that the project has been recognised with this award."

Professor Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor 

Top 3 Learnings

1. Early results indicate that the Future Homes Standard can be delivered at scale by 2025.
2. The potential of private sector, competitor partnerships to deliver sustainable solutions at pace and scale.
3. Thinking outside of the traditional disciplines to support effective and broader sustainability communication.