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In partnership with our long-standing client Rykneld Homes, we are proud to have been successful in winning the Refurbishment Project of the Year at the Building Communities Awards 2025. The award was recently presented by procurement consortium Efficiency East Midlands (EEM) during a fantastic evening attended by members of our team.

This recognition was awarded for our ambitious £21 million retrofit decarbonisation project, which has delivered energy efficiency improvements to over 640 homes in North East Derbyshire. The project has played a vital role in tackling fuel poverty, cutting carbon emissions, and improving living conditions for hundreds of residents – acting as an example of how to successfully deliver the many benefits of retrofit decarbonisation at scale.

The award is a testament to the strength and impact of our long-standing partnership with Rykneld Homes. Together, we’ve worked to create meaningful change within communities, combining technical expertise with a shared vision for healthier, more energy-efficient and cheaper to heat homes. It’s with great pride that the positive outcomes of this collaboration have been recognised at such a high-profile industry event.

Our owner and chair, Derek Horrocks, said: “It’s incredibly satisfying to see this project recognised with such a prestigious award. The win is a direct result of the dedication of our team, the strength of our partnership with Rykneld Homes, and the life-changing impact that quality-led retrofit can bring to residents. Putting people first is central to everything we do, whether that’s our team members, our clients, or the communities we serve.

“As investment in retrofit continues to increase, we’re driven by proving the positive outcomes and making a real difference in communities. This project is evidence that large scale retrofit delivery is possible, and should be a priority moving forward, so that investment goes further.”

The Building Communities Awards are a highlight of the industry calendar, celebrating excellence in housing and construction. This year’s event saw a record number of entries, making the recognition even more meaningful.

In addition to our win, we were also pleased to be named runner-up in the Contractor of the Year category, further acknowledgement of the hard work and commitment that defines our approach.

We look forward to building on this success as we continue to lead the way in sustainable retrofit delivery across the UK.

Learn more about the project with Rykneld Homes here: www.sustainablebuildinguk.com/portfolio/shdf-wave-2-retrofit-decarbonisation-project-rykneld-homes

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