Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
The retrofit of Scotland's National Retrofit Centre has been crowned Public Sector Project of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Energy Saving Awards.
The accolade, presented in December 2025, recognises the facility's role as a benchmark for sustainability and decarbonisation within the built environment.
Led by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST) and supported by the Scottish Government's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund, the project was a collaborative effort. Design and technical expertise were provided by John Gilbert Architects (JGA), Brown + Wallace, Luths Services, and Narro Associates, with the works delivered by main contractor Clark Contracts.
A standout feature of the centre is the UK's first integrated zero-carbon heating system of its type. The solution, developed by NIBE Energy Systems Limited and PREAH, combines air, ground, and solar energy into a single, cohesive network. This installation represents the first phase of a wider programme to decarbonise the BE-ST Innovation Campus, with the ultimate goal of meeting International EnerPHit standards and Scottish Net Zero Public Sector Building targets.
The project prioritised a "fabric first" approach, significantly enhancing thermal efficiency through:
• Increased insulation and improved airtightness within heated zones.
• Transitioning from fossil fuel gas boilers to a zero-direct-emissions system.
• Integrating hybrid heat pumps with solar PV and thermal arrays.
• Installing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) alongside energy-efficient lighting.
Gerry Cummins, Director at Clark Contracts, commented on the industry recognition: "This project's recognition reflects the importance of retrofit work in advancing sustainability across the construction sector. It's encouraging to see the impact of this initiative acknowledged by industry peers."
The Energy Saving Awards are organised by Plumbing, Heating & Air Movement News (PHAM News) and Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI) to celebrate excellence in the HVAC and energy management sectors.
