Shropshire Council Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency Team wins national award for insulation and fabric excellence
The Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency (AWEE) Team has won a national award.
Shropshire Council’s Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency (AWEE) Team has won a national award at the Energy Efficiency Awards 2025 for National Insulation & Fabric Project of the Year.
The award was in recognition of outstanding delivery of complex, high‑quality energy efficiency improvements that reduce fuel poverty, cut carbon emissions and protect historic homes.
The award‑winning work was demonstrated through a detailed case study at a Historic Home in Bishop’s Castle, delivered as part of the Government-funded Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) scheme under the council’s Sustainable Warmth Shropshire programme.
The AWEE Team worked with retrofit partners CT ECO Plus and the specialist insulation manufacturer, SWIP LTD. The project showcased best practice in applying a fabric‑first retrofit approach to a solid‑wall, oil‑heated property located within a conservation area, requiring bespoke design, careful sequencing and specialist workmanship.
The property presented significant technical challenges, including historic construction, existing damp and ventilation issues, and the need to protect the building’s character while delivering meaningful energy performance improvements.
Prior to installation, a full retrofit assessment was undertaken, with remedial works completed to address moisture, mould and ventilation risks before insulation measures were applied.
Energy efficiency measures installed as part of the project included internal wall insulation to solid masonry walls, 300mm loft insulation, double glazing, and energy‑efficient external doors, alongside a comprehensive PAS 2035‑compliant ventilation strategy.
These measures significantly reduced the property’s heat demand, allowing a low carbon air-source heat pump system to be installed throughout, lowering costs and improving thermal comfort. Mechanical and background ventilation improvements were introduced to ensure good indoor air quality and long‑term building performance, supported by resident advice and follow‑up checks.
The project was delivered through close collaboration between Shropshire Council, retrofit designers, installers and independent technical monitoring, with full design sign‑off and compliance with PAS 2030/2035 standards. Design deviations were carefully managed and approved through formal risk assessment, U‑value calculations and condensation analysis to ensure regulatory compliance and long‑term durability.
Post‑installation testing and customer feedback demonstrated strong outcomes, with the resident reporting that the home was “much quieter and warmer” and confirming continued satisfaction six months after completion, with no issues reported.
The National Insulation & Fabric Project of the Year award recognises excellence in delivering insulation and building fabric improvements that combine technical quality, customer care and measurable impact. The judges’ recognition reflects the AWEE team’s ability to deliver bespoke, high‑quality retrofit solutions, even in complex and sensitive settings, while maintaining a strong focus on resident wellbeing.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure, said:
“This national award is a real testament to the skill, commitment and professionalism of our Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency team and the partners they work alongside. The project showcased at Bishop’s Castle demonstrates how Shropshire Council is able to deliver high‑quality, fabric‑first improvements even in complex and sensitive properties, while keeping residents’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
“By tackling fuel poverty, improving energy efficiency and protecting the character of our historic homes, this work is helping residents to live in warmer, healthier and more affordable homes, while also supporting our wider ambitions around carbon reduction and sustainability.”
As part of the post-install process, CT Eco Plus customer service team takes time to contact the customers to discuss their feedback and understand how they have found the overall experience. The homeowner reported “The house is much quieter and warmer since the work was carried out. The installers were polite, friendly and worked well. I would recommend CT Eco Plus, and I already have.” They remained happy at the 6-month post install call stating “I am still very happy with the work that has been carried out, and there have been zero issues!”
This national award reinforces Shropshire Council’s ongoing commitment to tackling fuel poverty, improving the energy efficiency of homes across the county, and supporting residents to live in warmer, healthier and more affordable homes through the Sustainable Warmth Shropshire programme.
You can find our more including information on the latest grants and support available by visiting www.shropshire.gov.uk/awee
