Local authorities across England are setting bold net-zero targets – reshaping how new homes are designed, built and powered.
In Bristol, the council plans to deliver 24,000 zero-carbon affordable homes by 2050, with all new buildings required to be climate-resilient and carbon-neutral under its One City Climate Strategy.
Hackney is also taking the lead with its Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2023. The plan outlines a clear path to becoming a net-zero borough by 2040, with commitments to decarbonise new council homes, cut energy use across estates, and reduce emissions from all council buildings.
Meanwhile, Camden is investing £20 million to retrofit 3,000 social homes with low-carbon technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels – an initiative projected to cut carbon emissions by nearly 943 tonnes annually.
This drive towards decarbonisation is part of Camden Council’s broader ambition to become a net-zero borough by 2030. The council is leading by example, embedding sustainability into every stage of housing delivery – from retrofits to large-scale new developments.
One such development is the award-winning Agar Grove estate regeneration. As one of the largest Passivhaus projects in the UK, it’s setting new standards for energy-efficient social housing. Phase 2a of the scheme, delivered by Hill Group, includes 94 homes built to rigorous Passivhaus standards – ensuring high thermal performance, reduced energy use, and improved indoor air quality for residents.
We’re proud to support this project by supplying Nilan Compact P units – smart, all-in-one systems that integrate MVHR ventilation, heat recovery, a reversible heat pump and domestic hot water generation. These units are ideally suited to Passivhaus and low-energy schemes, offering a compact, space-saving solution that meets the highest standards of performance and sustainability.
These ambitious council-led programmes call for compact, high-performance systems that suit space-limited and cost-conscious developments. The Nilan Compact P is a smart, future-ready solution. Suitable for all low-energy properties, its space-efficient design and renewable energy credentials align perfectly with net-zero goals.
By combining progressive policy with smart technology, local authorities can turn climate ambition into real, sustainable homes – creating healthier, more efficient places to live.
