The Friends of Energy House 2.0 celebrates three years

The Friends of Energy House 2.0 programme enhances this mission by raising awareness, funding impactful projects and encouraging sustainable talent. Its core initiatives include the Impact Fund, which finances community projects and scholarships, ensuring every gift makes a tangible impact on sustainability efforts in the community. The Impact Fund is a collective source of funding with an ambition to drive activity and extend the reach of the Energy House 2.0 facility.

Earlier this month, an ‘Energy’ House Party celebrated the achievements of the Friends. Stakeholders, students, artists and community members gathered to reflect on the campaign's impact.

The evening began with young people from Marple Education and University of Salford students exploring the Energy House 2.0 facility. Speeches from Professor Richard Fitton and Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer Julie Charge, highlighted the impact projects and campaigns accomplishments.

The event then transitioned into a vibrant celebration of the Artists in Residence, featuring works by Mishka Henner, Emily Speed, and  McCoy Wynne. Guests enjoyed networking and art displays in a unique ‘house party’ setting.

Industry partners supporting the Friends of Energy House 2.0 campaign in 2024 include Barratt Redrow, Bellway Homes, D+H UK, and Elmhurst Energy.

Oliver Novakovic, Head of Technical & Innovation at Barratt Redrow, said: “The Friends of Energy House social impact fund is a hugely important project that is funding vital research into the impact that extreme climates will have on the homes that we all build in the future. It is also helping to increase awareness of the need for communities to live more sustainably.

Barratt established its partnership with the University of Salford through the ground-breaking Zed House - the first zero carbon home built by a major housebuilder - and now, Energy House 2.0.

We’re committed to continuing to work with the University and the wider housebuilding industry to have a significant impact on the fight against climate change. This is, after all, the biggest challenge of our lifetimes.”

Paul Lawler, Group Head of Communications at Bellway Homes, said: “Through The Friends of Energy House 2.0, we are able to build on the work we are doing with the University beyond our ‘Future Home’ research project, which is helping us deliver the low-carbon homes of the future. So, as well as leading the future of homebuilding though the project, we are also able to help local organisations and fund scholarships through the University to help educate and develop the skills required to deliver these homes.”

“Elmhurst Energy is a proud supporter of Energy House 2.0, working together to advance vital research into energy efficiency and the future of housing. Our collaboration with this groundbreaking facility has given us the opportunity to share our expertise in energy assessment, playing a key role in driving innovation and shaping a more sustainable built environment. We’re excited to see how this research continues to influence the industry and create a greener future for all.” - Amo Sihra. Commercial Director, Elmhurst Energy.

PhD Studentships

The Friends of Energy House 2, also support two PhD students. Mahdi Ahmadvand, who’s funded directly by Barratt Redrow, and started his research in September 2024 and Xinyi Zhang, who started her research in May 2023.

Barrat Redrow PhD student, Mahdi Ahmadvand, ‘OneApp, Development of Energy-Systems Control App’

Mahdi’s research focuses on developing an application to minimize energy consumption and costs, while contributing to a sustainable environment in alignment with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) goals.

Xinyi Zang, PhD Studentship - ‘Future building energy performance of net zero energy houses under the influence of temporal factor’

Xinyi works alongside Professor Will Swan and Professor Richard Fitton, the research examines how long-term factors such as climate and electricity mix changes impact the building energy performance of net zero energy houses over their lifespan. As part of this transition, it is crucial to understand how net zero energy homes will perform in the future, considering long-term factors such as climate and energy mix changes.

2024 Funded Impact Projects

This year, the Friends awarded funding to three innovative projects focused on sustainability education and energy efficiency:

Greener Houses of the Future

Led by the University of Salford’s Silvia Tedesco, this initiative engages year 5 students from deprived Salford areas in learning about sustainable development, green building practices, and renewable retrofitting. Students will design eco-friendly houses using bio-based materials and basic sensors, inspiring them to become future environmental stewards.

Net Zero Terrace Houses – Salford

Rossendale Valley Energy aims to make Salford’s terrace homes more energy-efficient using a modular and standardised process. Research findings will be shared with the community through workshops and webinars, fostering collaboration and awareness of sustainable housing solutions.

Food Discovery at St Joseph’s

The Country Trust’s programme introduces students at St Joseph the Worker RC Primary School to the link between personal health, wellbeing, and planetary health. By exploring sustainable food practices, the project equips children with the knowledge and skills to become eco-literate citizens.