Kensa’s networked heat pump installation at Sutton Dwellings was named Green Heat Project of the Year at the 2025 UK Green Business Awards.
Sutton Dwellings is a historic Edwardian-era social housing estate in Kensington. According to a statement, Kensa’s decarbonised heating for 81 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.
The statement said 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.
Kensa’s Shoebox ground source heat pumps were fitted inside every flat and connected to a network of 27 boreholes drilled across the urban estate.
At Sutton Dwellings, the statement said the new system is expected to reduce heating bills to around £300 per year for a one-bedroom flat.
Kensa also won at the 2024 UK Green Business Awards for Kensa, where its installation for Thurrock Council was named Renewable Energy Project of the Year. The project saw the same networked heat pump system installed for 273 flats across three 1960s tower blocks.
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, added: “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.”