Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) has partnered with property developer Lovell to lead the charge in decarbonising the UK’s housing.

The research project is aiming to investigate and optimise energy systems within housing to align with the UK’s net zero emissions target.

Two homes featuring a diverse range of energy technologies have been built at Lovell’s ‘Tomorrow Home’ development at Cornish Park, Spennymoor.

The research project will incorporate various sustainability-focused elements into the build, which will aim to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of different energy systems. Among the technologies being utilised in the homes are air source heat pumps, infrared heating systems, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, photo-voltaic panels and waste-water heat recovery systems.

The NZIIC will monitor and evaluate the performance of the project’s energy systems. Parameters such as energy consumption, heat efficiency and air quality will be closely monitored to generate data.

The UK’s move to legislate net zero emissions by 2050 necessitates significant changes in the heating and powering of buildings, which currently accounts for 40% of the nation’s energy usage.

Professor Nashwan Dawood, NZIIC Research Director, said: “Collaborating with Lovell on this pioneering sustainable housing project is a significant step towards achieving our net-zero goals. Through cutting-edge technologies and rigorous research, we strive to shape a greener and more resilient future for the UK’s housing sector.

Iain Gillies, Lovell’s Divisional Design and Innovation Manager, said: “The construction industry has been tasked by government to progress toward zero carbon and Lovell is delighted to be trailing products and technologies that will help us get there. We are excited to be working with Teesside University and the NZIIC for the energy monitoring project to use their expertise to give validation to the trials. The results of this will not only shape our response, but also that of the whole housebuilding industry by sharing this information to develop a more sustainable future for everyone.”