An innovative energy project by Willmott Dixon has been nominated for an accolade at the SHIFT Awards.

The company's Energy Services' arm has been shortlisted for the Best Retrofit prize at the awards, which is the only sustainability awards in the housing sector.

The team has been working alongside Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and Building Research Establishment (BRE) to deliver an energy retrofit project at a 1920s arts and crafts property in Letchworth Garden City.

The scheme has involved refurbishing the property and installing a number of measures to improve insulation and thermal performance. Features include internal wall insulation, solar panels, improved ventilation and a waste water heat recovery system.

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Willmott Dixon Energy Services will monitor the impact of these changes over 12 months and use the research to develop a blueprint for older properties of this kind, making it easier for other home owners to improve the efficiency of their homes.

David Ames, Head of Heritage and Strategic Planning for the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation said: "This project is an excellent example of partnership working to identify and address the challenges of keeping heritage properties comfortable for occupants throughout the year. We hope that local authorities, housing associations and homeowners can use some of these technologies to improve thousands of homes across the country."

Willmott Dixon Energy Services' Rob Lambe added: "We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. The SHIFT Awards are the only sustainability awards for the housing sector that recognise outstanding sustainability projects and achievements. The demonstration project at Common View will hopefully become a blueprint to help people to keep warm and save energy in their homes, without compromising on the character of older buildings."

The SHIFT Awards will take place on Thursday, 24 November in London.

(LM/MH)