Clint Walker, our Head of Partnerships has been a judge at the National Energy Efficiency Awards for many years. Each year, he helps recognise outstanding industry achievements, innovation and highlights the individuals and projects that have excelled.
We spoke to Clint ahead of this year’s event to find out what it’s really like being a judge at the National Energy Efficiency Awards.
From reviewing case studies and technical achievements to meeting teams driving real change, Clint describes judging as both an honour and a learning experience that keeps him at the forefront of energy efficiency trends and best practice.
Judging Experience
What was the judging process like this year, and why were the categories difficult to assess?
Every year it gets harder. The standard keeps rising, but more importantly, the scope of retrofit is widening. You’re not just comparing insulation jobs to insulation jobs anymore, you’ve got whole house projects, innovation-led schemes, community programmes, fabric-first pipelines, renewables, you name it, it probably exists and it definitely comes through in the nominations.
You’re weighing passion, impact, compliance, and quality all at once. It’s not easy to pick winners when half the entries deserve a trophy.
What qualities or achievements impressed you most among the nominees?
The ones who clearly care. You can tell when a company is just ticking boxes versus when they’ve genuinely tried to deliver something special for residents. Strong quality assurance, solid resident engagement, installers who fix problems instead of hiding them, and teams who go the extra mile, those are the ones that stand out for me.
Did you notice any new trends in projects, technologies, or approaches to retrofit and energy efficiency?
Absolutely. More whole house thinking. More focus on monitoring and performance, not just installs. Better data use. And installers taking resident education seriously. Also, a shift towards integrating multiple measures, heat pumps, solar, insulation, rather than doing them in isolation. It’s becoming about outcomes, not just measures.
Industry Reflection
How do events like this influence standards, collaboration, or innovation across the retrofit sector?
They quietly raise the bar. When companies see what “good” looks like, it pushes everyone to step up. It also forces organisations to think bigger: partnerships, smarter delivery models, better training, better quality. And the networking alone can spark collaborations you’d never get sitting in an office.
We have to start encouraging companies to start thinking collaboration, rather than competition. Lets work together and collectively pool our experience and expertise.
What do the shortlisted entrants or winners this year reveal about where the industry is heading?
It’s heading towards more integration, more quality, and more accountability. The winners are normally the ones embracing monitoring, compliance, social value, and resident-first delivery. It’s a sign that the sector is maturing, not just chasing grants but delivering long term solutions.
How do government schemes such as ECO4 or GBIS tie into the achievements being recognised?
Schemes like ECO4 and GBIS are often the backbone of these projects. Without them, half the innovation wouldn’t get off the ground. And the achievements you see at the Awards show just how much good these schemes can do when they’re used properly. They’re proof that policy, when aligned with strong delivery partners, genuinely changes lives.
A continuation of Net Zero schemes however they are packaged is pivotal to improving homes for residents, who after all. this is all for.
Personal Insight and Engagement
What are you personally most excited about seeing or learning at this year’s ceremony in Birmingham?
Honestly? The stories behind the projects, the smiling faces and team celebration. The human side. Numbers and compliance matter, but the real motivation comes from hearing how a team solved a problem or changed a home for the better. That always hits different.
Who are you most looking forward to connecting or networking with?
A mix really, suppliers pushing new tech, councils who want to think bigger, and installers who are doing the work on the ground. I like speaking to the people who are real about the challenges, not just the gloss.
What message would you give to new companies entering the awards for the first time?
Be honest. Don’t try to dress up your entry, tell the real story. What went well, what you learned, how you handled the problems. Judges can spot authenticity a mile off. And if you’ve done something you’re genuinely proud of, enter. Don’t wait until you think you’re “big enough.” Not all winners are the larger companies; there are often some smaller companies doing something worthwhile celebrating.
Closing and Call to Action
How can others get involved or nominate projects for next year’s awards?
Keep an eye on the National Energy Efficiency Awards website, nominations usually open early in the year. And don’t overthink it. If you’ve delivered something positive, get it written up and send it in. The process is simpler than people expect.
Will you be sharing updates, photos, or key takeaways after the event?
Absolutely. I’ll be sharing highlights, key takeaways, and probably a few photos from the night. It’s a big moment for the industry and it deserves the attention. Thanks to Gary Braybrooke and Kenneth Campbell at the Energy Efficiency Awards for putting them on.
Remember too, that another side of the business the Energy Efficiency Association is an important part of ensuring the industry has a voice. Gary is always keen to make sure he remains impartial and his passion to raise the bar is undeniable.
