Launch of the Whole House Retrofit (WHR) Innovation Competition

The government is calling for applications to a new competition to help accelerate a reduction in the cost of retrofitting domestic properties in the UK to the same standard as new builds. The Whole House Retrofit (WHR) Innovation Competition will support the government’s ambition of halving the cost of completing this work by 2030.

Approximately £9.4 million will be available for a limited number of projects which demonstrate a cost reduction trajectory for whole house retrofit. A maximum of £4.7 million will be available for each project.

Successful projects will focus on upgrading social housing properties, given the comparative uniformity of the dwellings, and the ability to procure at scale. However, credible alternative proposals may also be considered.

Eligible project expenditure may include:

personnel costs: researchers, technicians and other supporting staff;

instruments and equipment;

buildings and land;

contractual research, knowledge and patents; and

materials, supplies and similar products, incurred directly as a result of the project.

Bids are welcomed from any UK organisation or consortium which can meet the expected outputs; including SMEs, large enterprises, academic, financial, research, public and third sector organisations.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 5pm on 1 August 2019. Full bids should be submitted by 5pm on 15 August 2019.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.