Hounslow Council is pioneering a Net Zero Neighbourhood (NZN) approach to help achieve the UK’s Net Zero targets.

This innovative model aims to deliver warmer homes, lower bills, and tackle climate change by attracting public and private investment for large-scale retrofitting and local decarbonisation. Retrofitting involves enhancing energy efficiency in existing homes through insulation, heat pumps, and upgraded heating systems, which is crucial since buildings account for 23 per cent of UK emissions. Most homes that will exist in 2050 are already built, making retrofitting essential to reduce emissions and energy costs.

The estimated national cost of retrofitting is £250 billion, which cannot be covered by public funding alone. The NZN model addresses this by grouping retrofit projects at a neighbourhood scale, leveraging both public and private finance to achieve carbon reduction, warmer homes, and community benefits. Hounslow’s Investment Memorandum, developed with Connected Places Catapult and 3Ci, demonstrates how coordinated interventions like insulation upgrades, heat pumps, solar panels, and shared heat networks can attract institutional investors through economies of scale.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, cabinet member for climate, environment and transport at Hounslow Council, said; “This approach is a landmark moment for Hounslow. We know that achieving Net Zero is not just about cutting emissions; it’s about improving lives.” The NZN model aims to deliver warmer, healthier homes, reduce energy bills, and create local jobs. By collaborating with investors and the government, Hounslow is leading the way in addressing the climate emergency while supporting communities, turning ambition into action, and creating a blueprint for others to follow.

Zoe Jennings, head of investment, funding and procurement at Connected Places Catapult, praised Hounslow as an early adopter of the NZN model, highlighting its role in demonstrating scalable, investable solutions for the UK.

The NZN approach positions Hounslow as a testbed for scalable solutions that support the UK’s Net Zero target and create a blueprint for councils nationwide.

 

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