The region's biggest social housing provider is in the running for a record nine awards for its net zero efforts.

The Unlock Net Zero Awards is the UK’s premier awards for the housing sector and work done in pursuit of net zero goals. Flagship, part of Bromford Flagship, leads the way with six nominations while its subsidiary, heating and renewables provider Gasway, has three.

David Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer for Bromford Flagship, said: “Across Flagship we’ve really been investing a lot of time, effort and resources into not only setting out strategies, but taking measurable actions as well. We’re really proud that these efforts have been recognised, and they show our real commitment to our holistic approach towards a net zero future.”

Recognising initiatives including a wide-reaching biodiversity strategy, commitments to retrofit, and implementing extensive training across the housing provider, Flagship has been shortlisted in the Biodiversity and nature, Retrofit project (London and South), and Skills and training categories. The company is also a finalist for Engagement campaign of the year, Funding team of the year, and Landlord of the year.

Mark Allbrook, Cromer Green Spaces chairman, presents Flagship’s biodiversity and land manager Daniel Salliss with the plaque at Meadow Close in Cromer. Back row, from left, Joe McNeill and Nick Thorp from Flagship, Chris Wright and Caroline Ashworth from Cromer Green Spaces, and Callum Taylor and Charlotte Bane from Flagship (credit: Brenda Stibbons)

Flagship’s biodiversity and green credentials have also already been recognised in a number of prestigious awards. In 2024, the organisation received the inaugural ‘biodiversity recognition plaque’ from Cromer Green Spaces for the Meadow Close wildflower meadow in Cromer. Flagship was also a finalist for the second year running in the Environmental Fleet of the Year category, at the Fleet News Awards earlier this year.

Gasway’s recognition celebrates its pioneering work in industry partnerships, with two of the categories - Collaboration of the year – education and engagement, and the Skills and training award - acknowledging Gasway’s part in opening the region’s first comprehensive Net Zero and Renewables Centre in partnership with the Colchester Institute. They were also shortlisted in the Contractor of the year category.

Andy Merrill, head of group & electrical operations at Gasway, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised by the Unlock Net Zero Awards, and these are a testament to the dedication and innovation of our teams. We’re creating sustainable homes, empowering our people and communities, and truly embedding these values in the ways we work so we can build a better future."

The winners will be announced at the Unlock Net Zero Awards ceremony on 24 June 2025 in Manchester, which celebrates organisations and individuals leading the transition to net zero across the UK housing sector.

Colchester Institute’s board chair, Kevin Prince, cuts a ribbon to officially open the new Net Zero and Renewables Centre alongside representatives from the institute, Flagship, and Gasway (credit: Flagship)