The sustainability vision aims to establish the UK’s largest eco-neighbourhood, with planning permission granted in March 2024. Currently under construction, the project includes the deep retrofit of 493 homes and sustainable heating for 826 homes and Kensington Leisure Centre, using air and water-source heat pumps. A Goodbye Gas initiative supports residents in eliminating gas from their homes. Over 200 local residents contributed to the design process through surveys and co-design events.

 

Who is on the project? 

 

Arup

Tonkin Liu Architects

Sustainability Co.

 

Describe the context of this initiative or project, its neighbourhood and the community it serves.

 

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Lancaster West Estate is undergoing a major refurbishment, including a deep energy retrofit and establishment of a heat network. The Council declared a Climate Emergency with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, including all housing by 2030. Specifically, for Lancaster West, the Council and central government have committed to creating a model social housing estate for the 21st century where residents can live in affordable comfort. The Estate’s Sustainability Vision aims to create the UK’s largest eco-neighbourhood. Currently, 80% of homes are connected to two outdated, inefficient and unreliable gas-powered heat networks, with the remaining 20% using gas combi-boilers. Between April 2022 and 2023, 66% of residents connected to the network reported issues with heating and hot water. The estate’s community is diverse, with an average age of 44, 15% of residents under 18, and 87% of residents from ethnic backgrounds other than White British. The majority of residents do not have English as their main language. To address these challenges, Notting Dale Heat Ltd., was established by RBKC, to develop a heat network, funded by the UK Heat Network Investment Project, the GLA, and RBKC. With Arup’s assistance, it was granted planning permission in March 2024 and is currently under construction. Planning permission was also granted for the deep retrofit of 493 homes on the estate. Developed through extensive co-design, the heat network has been creatively designed as a visually unique local landmark that represents the neighbourhood’s renewable future and cultural richness.

 

Describe the intervention you’ve made, including its purpose and motivation. How will it contribute to climate resilience?

 

The heat network will provide sustainable heating and hot water to 826 homes and Kensington Leisure Centre, using air and water source heat pumps, whilst all homes will undergo fabric-first retrofit. A “Goodbye Gas” programme will also help residents remove gas from their homes. This initiative contributes to climate resilience by reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and eliminating fossil fuel reliance. It addresses fuel poverty by shielding residents from price increases - enhancing thermal comfort, reducing damp, mould and condensation, and enhancing personal and community health, well-being and resilience. The first phase of the heat network has been fully co-designed with residents. Over 200 local residents participated in the design process through surveys, co-design events, and feedback sessions. This engagement has resulted in a 54%-94% participation rate across different blocks. The Board of the council-owned energy company, Notting Dale Heat, has six non-Executive Directors, including two Resident Directors, who are potential customers - a UK first for a Council-owned energy company. Residents also joined Evaluation Panels for procurements. Notting Dale Heat has been featured as a best practice case study in the UK ‘Guidance Note for Green Heat Network Fund Applications’. The co-design process has resulted in architectural outcomes which enhance sense of place both visually and practically. The uniquely designed thermal store, by Tonkin Liu Architects, will act as a local landmark symbolising sustainable futures and cultural diversity. The existing utilitarian boiler room building is to be reinvented as a visually striking place-making feature and incorporates a community roof garden.

 

Explain the environmental and social impact of the project.

 

The Notting Dale Heat Network is expected to save 355 tonnes of carbon emissions in its first year of operation, increasing to 631 tonnes by the fortieth year. This equates to an average annual saving of 590 tonnes of carbon over the first 40 years. The network will be implemented alongside a comprehensive retrofit of homes, including external wall insulation, triple-glazed windows, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. These upgrades will improve homes; resilience to climate change and enhance the efficiency of the heat network by reducing residents’ energy demand by at least 25%, allowing the system to operate at lower temperatures. The project will have a significant social impact. Residents and leisure centre users will benefit from warmer, more comfortable homes and buildings with efficient heating and hot water systems, reducing fuel poverty. A price promise has been established to ensure fairness: residents will not pay more than the current gas price per kWh until 2030, and a fair standing charge based on property size will be introduced. In addition to positive social impacts of the operational heat network, the co-design process has also brought positive social outcomes, reflecting residents; needs and preferences in key decisions. This has fostered community engagement, empowering residents to take control of their energy use and address climate change issues. The ongoing involvement in co-design and initiatives like the Green Skills Academy demonstrates the high level of community commitment to sustainability.