Mythbusting heat pump project named Green Heat Project of the Year
- Social Housing
- 3 min read
A mythbusting heat pump project that brought low-carbon, low-cost heating to one of London’s oldest social housing estates was named Green Heat Project of the Year at the 2025 UK Green Business Awards.
Sutton Dwellings, a historic Edwardian-era social housing estate in Kensington, received the award for Kensa’s networked heat pump installation, which decarbonised heating for 
Central London retrofitCase Study81 flats and formed part of a major regeneration by housing provider Clarion Housing Group.
Judges described the project as a “stunning example” of tackling heat decarbonisation in a technically challenging residential space, offering a replicable model for delivering low-carbon heating in urban and heritage buildings.
This is the project's second major award win in 2025, following its recognition as Regional Large-Scale Project of the Year at the Greater London Energy Efficiency Awards in February.
Each of the estate’s flats involved in this project underwent a significant transformation, receiving extensive energy efficiency upgrades and a modern networked heat pump system. The project proves that even ageing, ‘complex to decarbonise’ buildings can successfully transition to low-carbon heating, providing a blueprint for social housing retrofit at scale.
At the heart of the transformation is the networked heat pump system, which saw Kensa’s Shoebox ground source heat pumps discreetly fitted inside every flat and connected to a network of 27 boreholes drilled across the dense, urban estate. This system has provided each home with a long-term renewable heat source, delivering low-cost heating and hot water while preserving the estate's historic appearance.
Energy costs are an ongoing concern for many social housing tenants. At Sutton Dwellings, the new system is expected to reduce heating bills to as little as £300 per year for a one-bedroom flat, demonstrating the huge cost-saving potential that comes with fitting ground source heat pumps and improving energy efficiency.
The UK’s ageing housing stock presents a major challenge to achieving net zero, but the installation at Sutton Dwellings is proof that there are solutions that work, can keep energy costs low, and won’t impact a property’s historic features.
This award follows success at the 2024 UK Green Business Awards for Kensa, where their installation for Thurrock Council was named Renewable Energy Project of the Year. The project saw the same networked heat pump system installed for 
Chadwell St Mary's, Thurrock CouncilCase Study273 flats across three 1960s tower blocks, delivering efficient, affordable heating for residents.
Stuart Gadsden, Commercial Director for Social Housing at Kensa, said:
Winning a second award for this project is a fantastic endorsement of the innovation, teamwork and vision that went into making it a success. Clarion has shown how to lead by example, delivering high-quality, low-carbon homes for residents, even in the most challenging retrofit conditions.
Sutton Dwellings demonstrates that no home needs to be left behind in the journey to decarbonise heat. With the right approach, we can bring cleaner, more affordable heating to even the oldest buildings in our cities, ensuring residents benefit from warm, comfortable homes that are future-proofed against rising energy costs.
Kate Williams, Head of Regeneration at Clarion Housing Group, said:
We are delighted that Sutton Dwellings has been named Green Heat Project of the Year. This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with Kensa and our shared commitment to delivering real, lasting benefits for residents. By working together, we have shown how even the most complex and historic estates can be part of the journey to net zero. The project cuts carbon emissions, preserves heritage, and most importantly, provides residents with warmer and more affordable homes.
