Prize for Sustainability

The William Sutton Prize for Sustainability supports projects that contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural world, benefiting residents and communities.

Unlock the power of Regenerative Places: Enriching nature, homes and the built environment

The William Sutton Prize for Sustainability is a catalyst for innovative projects that restore and protect our natural world.

We're on the lookout for bold, creative ideas that improve energy efficiency and reduce waste in our new builds and existing homes.

Every idea matters, no matter how big or small. What's essential is that ideas have the potential to make a significant impact and inspire others across the sector.

Winners will receive up to £50,000 in funding, along with tailored project support to help bring their vision to life.

Apply today

What we are looking for

We are especially keen on submissions that focus on one or more of these related areas:

Regenerative and Climate-Resilient Design: Proposals that enhance community health and wellbeing while improving building longevity. Examples include innovative green construction methods that restore nature and exceed net-zero targets, as well as solutions to make homes resilient to extreme weather, such as nature-based approaches that protect ecosystems and vulnerable communities.
Retrofitting and Renewable Energy: Proposals that enhance living conditions, lower resident bills, and boost financial and environmental sustainability. Examples include scalable retrofit solutions to upgrade existing homes and innovative financial models to make large-scale retrofitting affordable and cost-efficient.
Resource Efficiency and Carbon Reduction: Proposals that cut utility bills, conserve resources, reduce waste and carbon emissions, and align with climate goals. Examples include water-efficient homes and infrastructure, as well as circular solutions like bio-based materials and recycling and reuse programmes to minimise construction and household waste.
Biodiversity and Nature Recovery: Proposals to boost biodiversity, support pollinators, and create recreational green spaces to enhance resident wellbeing and connection to nature. Examples include diverse landscaping with native plants, wildlife corridors for ecological connectivity, and habitat restoration in construction and upgrade projects.
Wellbeing and Placemaking: Proposals that drive climate friendly choices and community initiatives to improve wellbeing through ideas driven by sustainability. Examples include sustainable travel options like electric vehicles and cycling, and resident engagement tools for property management, energy efficiency, and ongoing feedback through digital platforms.

Apply now and turn your great idea into reality

The application window is now open for innovators who want to make a real difference. Don't miss the deadline – applications close on 8 April 2025 at midday.

We welcome submissions from individuals, not-for-profit organisations, and commercial entities. Individuals must be over 18 and live in the UK. Organisations must be registered to operate in England. Successful projects should take place within England.

For details on eligibility, timelines, and application guidelines, see our digital toolkit and FAQs. For further questions or support, please get in touch.

Together, we can drive real change and make a lasting impact in the sector.

FAQs

You can find answers to frequently asked questions below. For more information, please contact us.

Who can apply for the sustainability prize?

The William Sutton Prize welcomes disruptors, innovators, researchers, and creators of all kinds with ideas that have the potential to transform the sector’s impact on the environment. We’re particularly interested in hearing from architects, designers, social and tech entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, academics, construction contractors, and social enterprises or Community Interest Companies.

Previous experience in the social housing sector isn’t essential. What matters most is that your idea can make a tangible impact on the restoration and preservation of the natural world, with the potential to drive lasting change on a national scale.

What types of ideas are eligible?

Eligible ideas should demonstrate potential for impact and scalability in areas such as regenerative design, community connection, social inclusion, retrofitting, renewable energy, biodiversity, and intergenerational interactions.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants under the prize for sustainability can receive up to £50,000, along with expert support from Clarion Housing Group.

Can I watch a recording of the applicant webinar that took place on 19 February?

On 19 February, we organised an applicant webinar to provide valuable insights into the application process and what the Prize offers, address frequently asked questions, and allow attendees to ask their own questions.

Watch the webinar

Read the transcript

I’ve been selected as a finalist, what happens next?

Finalists will be invited to a Judges’ Panel Day on 10 July 2025 to pitch their idea to the panel. You’ll have around 5–10 minutes to pitch your idea to the judges followed by 15–20 minutes of Q&A.

Full details will be sent directly to shortlisted applicants with the relevant requirements before the panel day.

What will happen if I cannot attend the Judges’ Panel Day?

The Judges’ Panel Day will be taking place on 10 July 2025 in London. We would encourage all applicants to hold this date once confirmed as finalists.

If you are unable to attend in person, please let us know so we can discuss options.

If you are unable to attend either in person or virtually, we will unfortunately not be able to take your submission forward.

Meet the judges

The esteemed panel of judges are a diverse group of experts and industry leaders dedicated to identifying and supporting groundbreaking ideas that drive meaningful change.

Chair: Jock Lennox, Chair of the Clarion Housing Group Board
Bukky Bird, Group Sustainability Director of Barratt Developments
Greg Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Vistry Group
Tara Gbolade, Co-Founding Director of Gbolade Design Studio
Peter Murray, Co-Founder of New London Architecture
Miles Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Clarion Housing Group
Nick Wood, Regional Managing Director (South) at Clarion Housing Group

More William Sutton Prize categories to consider

The William Sutton Prize for Connected Communities

Supporting impact-led ideas that enhance social housing residents’ physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

The William Sutton Prize Scholarships

Supporting the next generation of innovators in architecture and sustainability.