An energy switching project completed in Ipswich by Hanover Housing Association and Kensa Heat Pumps has been named Most Innovation Retrofit Scheme at the Housing Innovation Awards.

Led by Peter Philips, Tal Mehta and Beverley Head, Hanover’s property and housing and support management teams replaced electric storage heaters at 22 flats in the town with more efficient Kensa ground source heat pumps.

The design ensured eligibility for Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding under a partnership between Kensa and EDF Energy, along with 20 years of income through the Non Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).

It has also provided complete heating independence to the tenants, who are free to switch energy providers. Each resident also received a new hot water cylinder and radiators in place of the old night storage units.

The Housing Innovation Awards were presented at a ceremony held at Covent Garden in London.

Awards judge John O’Brien, director of BRE Innovation Park, said: “The heat pump solution tackled a number of issues with retrofit, namely for properties off the gas network or what we call hard-to-treat, but also trying to make sure its affordable as well, and the payback periods are good.

“Fuel poverty is a huge issue and if we are going to be able to make sure we have the right retrofit solutions, especially around heating, then this is an opportunity to show that we’ve addressed a very difficult area of the problem.”

Winston Williams, property director at Hanover Housing Association, said: “We are delighted to have won this prestigious award which is all thanks to a fantastic partnership working between Hanover and Kensa.

“Residents of Ashfield Court now have an affordable heating system that should be low maintenance for at least 20 years. Along with that, over the lifecycle of the systems? installation, there will be an income benefit to Hanover.”

Simon Lomax, managing director at Kensa Heat Pumps, added: “We are delighted that the success of Hanover’s Ashfield Court project with Kensa has been recognised with this award.

“Increasingly, social landlords are discovering that ground source heat pumps not only provide plentiful, reliable and low cost heating for their tenants but also generate an attractive financial return via the Government?s Renewable Heat Incentive.

“We have developed working methods which are very considerate of the tenants and their surroundings - reflected in the 100% satisfaction rating at Hanover.”