Futurebuild, in partnership with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) has launched its Big Retrofit Challenge, a bold new competition aimed at unearthing game-changing solutions in home decarbonisation.

The Big Retrofit Challenge offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to showcase their innovations in front of key industry players and get their ideas to the market. The innovations that come through the competition should aim to either directly address central challenges to the sector or improve wider processes for the delivery of projects that help consumers live in healthier homes, tackling issues such as exposure to damp and mould and alleviating fuel poverty.

The judges are looking for innovations that go beyond just products, including new systems, approaches, solutions, and processes that contribute to creating healthier homes. Entries are open to UK-registered businesses that have an annual turnover of £15 million or less, with priority being given to less established organisations. The submitted solutions must be suitable for retrofitting or renovating existing homes or non-residential properties. While solutions designed for new builds are also welcome, they must demonstrate applicability to retrofit projects as well.

Six shortlisted winners will have the chance to pitch their solutions on stage at Futurebuild’s National Retrofit Conference, and attend a networking morning to showcase their innovation to NHDG members with each winner having allocated slots to network directly with its members. Winners will also be given the exciting opportunity to discuss with NHDG members the potential of piloting their technology on a live decarbonisation scheme, accelerating their path to market and turning ideas into reality. It offers shortlisted winners a unique opportunity to actively work with the private sector to deliver retrofit.

Martin Hurn, Event Director at Futurebuild, said: “The Big Retrofit Challenge is about turning bold ideas into impactful solutions. We are excited to partner with Innovate UK and the National Home Decarbonisation Group to create a powerful platform where innovators can showcase their game-changing technologies that will accelerate the decarbonisation of homes across the UK.”

Mat Colmer from Innovate UK, and Senior Innovation Lead for Construction and Net Zero Heat at UK Research and Innovation, also commented on the competition: “Innovation is key to solving the complex challenges we face in home decarbonisation. The Big Retrofit Challenge provides a crucial opportunity for cutting-edge solutions to be tested and scaled, ultimately helping the UK meet its net zero targets while improving the quality of housing for consumers.”

Paul Rogers, National Decarbonisation Manager at CLC Group, and member of the National Home Decarbonisation Group who are managing The Big Retrofit Challenge on behalf of the team, said: “By collaborating on the Big Retrofit Challenge, we are supporting the discovery and implementation of solutions that address the urgent need for greener, healthier homes. This competition will help unlock innovations that reduce fuel poverty, improve living conditions, and advance the UK’s decarbonisation agenda.”

The Big Retrofit Challenge is an inspiring step towards transforming the UK’s housing sector and achieving net zero goals. By fostering bold innovation and collaboration, the competition aims to deliver real-world solutions that will make an impact on the environment and communities across the country.

Enter now for your chance to make a real impact.

Further criteria and guidelines are found on the application form. The competition will close at 11am on Wednesday 28th November 2024.

ENDS
For further information, please contact David Ing at Fabrick on:

Telephone: 01622 754295
Email: david.ing@fabrick.agency

Notes To Editor

About Futurebuild: Taking place on 4th-6th March 2025, Futurebuild is an annual event at London’s ExCeL focused on showcasing the latest innovations and solutions making an impact in the built environment. Now in its 20th year, Futurebuild continues with championing its brand purpose which is centered around promoting sustainability, pushing boundaries, and fostering collaboration within the industry to inspire positive change and a more sustainable industry.

As the industry’s most impactful event, it provides the platform for inspiring ideas, innovative solutions and knowledge sharing aimed at advancing sustainable construction and achieving net zero. It brings together the entire supply chain to showcase, debate, and understand emerging technologies that will make net zero possible.

About Easyfairs: Easyfairs organises and hosts events, bringing communities together to visit the future.

We currently organise 110 market-leading event titles in 12 countries (Algeria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) and manage eight event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Malmö and Stockholm).

We are passionate about “easifying” the life of our customers and increasing the return on investment and return on time for professional communities through our all-in formulas, advanced technology and customer-centric approach. Our digital features and initiatives provide these communities with excellent opportunities to network effectively and do business throughout the year.

The Easyfairs Group employs 820 highly committed talents, deploys the best marketing and technology tools and develops brands with a strong appeal to our stakeholder communities.

For the sixth year running, Deloitte conferred “Best Managed Company” status on Easyfairs in 2024.
Easyfairs is ranked 9th of the world’s top exhibition organisers, according to the STAX annual ranking.
Visit the future with Easyfairs and find out more on www.easyfairs.com