Homes for Net Zero Phase 3 (HfNZ P3)

DESNZ is seeking to procure a contractor/s to deliver Phase 3 of the Homes for Net Zero research programme (HfNZ P3). This is a continuation of our multiyear, largescale research and demonstration trial, building on the existing cohort of approximately 1,250 owner-occupied homes. Among other tasks the appointed contractor(s) will be responsible for trial management and coordination, longitudinal monitoring, data collection and processing, and participant engagement – including physical measurements in homes and social research with occupants.

It will include research on practical, scalable pathways to decarbonising owner-occupied homes, particularly complex-to-decarbonise and space constrained properties, with a focus on low carbon heating. This includes evaluating the real-world performance, costs, and user experience of heat pumps (including reversible air-to-air systems), alternative electric heating and domestic hot water solutions. Consumer engagement approaches, and measures to improve resilience to a future climate, such as overheating mitigation, are also key elements of HfNZ P3.

The programme will require delivery through competitively procured work packages (lots);

Contractors will need to work collaboratively across the work packages as well as with DESNZ and possibly with linked programmes, notably Built Environment Adaptation and Resilience (BEAR) and Heat Pump Ready Programme (info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heat-pump-ready-programme/information-about-the-heat-pump-ready-programme#latest-opportunity-from-2026).

Outputs are likely to include regular, publicly accessible research publications; including two annual reports with research findings, an annual trial delivery summary, and publication of datasets (subject to GDPR). The programme will also deliver thematic research briefs and a final report at project completion, with outputs designed to directly inform DESNZ policy development and analysis on clean heat, energy efficiency, and climate resilience.

DESNZ is holding a supplier event on MS Teams on Wednesday 29th April 2026 from 1400 - 1600, consisting of presentations by DESNZ and interactive feedback sessions.