According to the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the UK will not meet its zero carbon goals without almost entirely eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from Britain’s 29 million homes. Schneider Electric has created the Net Zero Home Programme in partnership with Sustainable Ventures to boost innovation and help accelerate time to market for sustainable smart home and ‘plant to plug’ solutions.

From 11th May 2020, startups and SMEs in the sustainable home and net zero sector can apply to undertake trials and Proof of Concepts (PoCs) using their innovations with Schneider Electric. Sustainable Ventures will host the competition call and shortlist entries.  

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in a Net Zero Home workshop before pitching to Schneider’s Innovation Team and Mike Hughes, President of UK&I. They will each receive a £5,000 cash Net Zero Home Grant, along with access to Sustainable Ventures’ flagship site (Bankside, London) complete with co-working space, event space and testing facilities. 

From the 3rd August 2020, the top three companies will work with the Sustainable Ventures team for three months to fully explore the potential impact of their technology in developing net zero homes and plant to plug solutions, with design and cost trials, before presenting a business case for funding to Schneider Electric.

The successful startup will work closely with Schneider Electric to develop and scale their solution and achieve mass-market deployment, with access to Schneider’s extensive channel and partner network.

“As net zero targets draw closer, electrification will continue to grow. By 2050, electricity use in homes is set to more than double, outstripping industry, as well as commercial and transport use combined. This growth will see bills increase, pilling pressure on consumers as well as national infrastructure,” said Katie Mills, Head of Innovation at Schneider Electric.

“To meet this challenge, the net zero home is needed today. Homes must become smarter, more connected and more efficient. Consumers, businesses and governments need to be able to optimise household energy use, from heating and lighting to energy generation, consumption and storage. We’re developing our business to meet these challenges and ensure that we’re best placed to create the net zero home - we want to work with cutting edge innovators to make this vision a reality.” 

Arsha Branson, Head of Innovation Services at Sustainable Ventures commented: “The Net Zero Home Programme represents an unmatched opportunity for cleantech startups and SMEs to achieve mass-market deployment of their innovation. Access to our deep venture development expertise as well as Schneider Electric’s global reach of 250 million homes and 205,000 trained electricians, is unparalleled. We believe that this programme could have a lasting impact on the industry and inspire the next generation of sustainable solutions.” 

To apply for the Net Zero Home Programme, click here.

Applicant enquiries can be directed to: netzerohome@sustainableventures.co.uk