Nesta

Last month the UK government’s consultation on reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) in England and Wales closed. The government is making changes because there have been longstanding issues of accuracy, reliability, trustworthiness and a growing sense that EPCs are no longer fit for purpose. An improved system can be an important enabler to decarbonise UK homes. And while the government's consultation includes a set of encouraging proposals, there are drawbacks to their approach. We think the government needs to ensure that adequate user testing informs the policy design: https://bit.ly/3F6YRns

We'll be back at Installer's InstallerSHOW this year - the UK's biggest event for heat, water, air and energy technology professionals, to talk about the work we're doing to decarbonise homes across the UK. Our sustainable future team will be there to share insights on our work engaging with the heating industry, government and consumers to accelerate the shift to cleaner, greener home heating. If you’re looking for expert speakers on home decarbonisation, then drop us a message - we'd love to chat 💬

Involving the food industry will be key for improving the health of the nation. Previous work by Nesta has explored how setting mandatory targets for the UK's largest retailers can make a positive difference to people's diets and health. So how should companies measure and set targets for the healthiness of their products? In a new blog, our healthy life team outlines the measures that should be adopted and why they could be key to improving health outcomes. https://bit.ly/3FqzwFn

🔧 We went on the job with heat pump installers - and learnt a lot. Our sustainable future mission is focused on decarbonising our home heating through low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps. While much of our work involves grappling with vast amounts of data, analysis, research and public policy, we know it's just as important to understand first-hand experiences. That's why Nesta colleagues have been spending time shadowing heat pump engineers to better understand how to encourage both householders and heating engineers to engage with heat pump technology. Here's what we've learnt so far ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3DT3dhv

Thinking about switching to a heat pump? After upgrading to a heat pump and loving the results, Nesta’s Louis Stupple-Harris joined our VisitAHeatPump.com scheme, inviting neighbours to see the benefits firsthand. In his video diary and latest article, he shares the full journey—from finding an installer to installation week and life with a heat pump. Want more information about heat pumps? Go to GetaHeatPump.org.uk to start your heat pump journey.

Are you excited about shaping the future of European cities through innovation? For years Nesta and BIT have partnered with cities to help them tackle the most pressing urban challenges. We continue this mission in 2025. We’re looking for skilled innovation leaders and policy and data experts across the UK to help tackle complex challenges in cities. If you have expertise in leading teams, innovation processes, data analytics, design, or stakeholder engagement, and want to work in pioneering city administrations, then we want to hear from you. Express your interest: https://bit.ly/4kwoVc7

It's time to think differently about early years policy. On 20 March we'll be joined by author and early years policy expert Dan Wuori to explore why we need a rewrite of the way we approach early years policy in the UK and across the globe. Drawing on his book The Daycare Myth, Dan will explore why the early years matter, what policies have got wrong before, and how education policymakers can make real change. Join us for this free online event during your lunch hour: https://bit.ly/4hy5kpm

Closing soon 📣 Could you be our new Venture Builder? Nesta Mission Studio is recruiting a Venture Builder to partner with founders and build scalable, high-impact businesses, from idea to validation and early stage growth. 🚀 The team are looking for someone with entrepreneurial experience, commercial acumen, and technical skills to transform ideas into thriving businesses. Could this be you? Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eqpT9bCf 💼 £63k-£76.5k, plus excellent benefits 📍 London/Hybrid 🗓️ Deadline: 19 Mar 2025

Applications for Challenge Works (Nesta)' Smart Data Challenge Prize close tomorrow 📣 The prize is offering £600,000 in funding to develop groundbreaking solutions that address real-world challenges like energy costs, SME growth, and net zero, funded by the Department for Business and Trade. Find out more and apply ↘️

Last year we published a blueprint for halving obesity in the UK, an online toolkit that makes plain the cost and impact of a wide range of different obesity policies. Its development involved drawing upon a huge evidence base and synthesising research to make accurate and useful policy recommendations. Nesta's Kate Tudor reflects on the challenges of balancing the rigorous methodology of academia with the need for creating real world impact that underpins policy research: https://bit.ly/4hbmnNv