Platform Housing Group has been shortlisted in the Retrofit Project of the Year (Midlands and Wales) category at the 2026 Unlock Net Zero Awards, recognising the housing association’s programme to improve the energy efficiency of customers’ homes across the Midlands.
The awards celebrate organisations leading the way in sustainability, decarbonisation and innovation across the housing sector.
Platform manages more than 50,000 homes and has committed to ensuring all its homes achieve a minimum EPC C rating by 2030 as part of its wider journey towards net zero by 2050.
Since launching its first major retrofit programme in 2022, Platform has improved more than 1200 homes, with 2025 marking a major expansion in scale and delivery. During that year alone, the organisation upgraded 658 homes, installing 978 insulation measures, 329 air source heat pumps and 495 solar PV arrays.
The improvements increased the EPC rating of the upgraded homes from D or below to C, while reducing carbon emissions by up to 40 per cent and cutting customer energy bills by an average of £500 per year.
Platform has also secured significant government funding through the Warm Hones: Social Housing Fund to continue accelerating its retrofit programme over the coming years.
Lianne Taylor, Director of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said:
“We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for this award. Retrofit is one of the most important ways we can improve homes for our customers while supporting the transition to net zero.”
Martin Lee, Head of Home Sustainability at Platform Housing Group said:
“This recognition reflects the scale of work taking place across Platform and the commitment of colleagues, customers and contractor partners who have helped make the programme such a success.
“What matters most is the impact this work is having on people’s lives, warmer homes, lower energy bills and healthier, more comfortable living environments for our customers.”
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents reporting warmer homes, lower energy costs and improved comfort following the works.
The successful outcomes of Platform’s retrofit programmes are also helping to shape its wider capital investment programmes, with a strategic focus on thermal comfort, reduced cost of living, and improved ventilation, to prepare homes for the future, and improve customer wellbeing.
The winners of the Unlock Net Zero Awards will be announced later this year.