Orbit has been recognised for its pioneering approach to sustainable retrofit, winning the ‘Best Retrofit Innovation or Project’ at the Housing Innovation Awards.
The accolade celebrates Orbit’s pilot trialling air-to‑air heat pumps as an innovative, future focused alternative to traditional storage heating upgrades.
Working with partners Daikin and Robert Heath, the pilot introduced low load, air‑load, air to‑to‑air heat pumps to customer homes as an alternative to upgrading outdated storage heaters which would have required a £250,000 grid upgrade by the District Network Operator (DNO).
The successful pilot addressed multiple sector-wide challenges including:
- A cost-effective‑effective solution to DNO restrictions: The new system avoided the need for significant grid reinforcement and provided a scalable model for areas with limited capacity.
- Improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon: The technology operates at far higher efficiency than traditional electric heating, supporting fuel poverty reduction and Orbit’s net zero objectives.
- Enhanced customer comfort: Residents benefit from rapid heating response, better control, and, for the first time, cooling during hot weather, supporting climate resilience.
- Better usability: The system operates more like a traditional on/off boiler while offering modern features such as remote app-based‑based control and integrated filtration for improved indoor air quality.
- Lower installation cost: Installations were on average 20% cheaper than hydraulic heat pumps, supporting scalable, budget friendly‑friendly retrofit.
The results have informed Orbit’s wider retrofit and sustainability strategy and are helping shape sector thinking around cooling, electrification and future Decent Homes Standard compliance.
Gemma Brookes, Head of Asset Optimisation at Orbit, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award, which recognises the impact of our pilot with Daikin and Robert Heath. This project shows how innovative thinking can overcome technical constraints, enhance customer comfort and help ensure our homes are ready for the challenges of a changing climate.”
Orbit, along with partners Daikin and Robert Heath, continues to share learnings across the housing sector, supporting others to adopt emerging technologies that deliver better value, sustainability and resident wellbeing.
Ian Mather Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Robert Heath Heating said: “We are thrilled that Orbit received this award, it is testament to their forward-thinking resident centred approach to energy efficiency and decarbonisation. Air to air is a fantastic solution providing year-round comfort for residents addressing many requirements from one system. This technology provides residents with multiple tangible benefits including, heating, cooling, air filtration, simple fast acting control and efficiency. We value our partnership with Orbit and look forward to delivering many more successful projects together.”