About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, working across the innovation lifecycle.

More about us

Deciphering the Warm Homes Plan

In A sustainable future

22 Jan 2026 12:00 – 13:00

Online

With the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan expected to be published this week, join sector experts to unpack the key takeaways for industry and policy makers.

Following its delay in October, the publication will mark a pivotal moment on the UK’s journey to clean heating, energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty. This strategy is expected to outline the roadmap for upgrading millions of cold, leaky homes - a key policy lever for reducing energy demand, cutting carbon emissions - and improving public health.

However, the effectiveness of any national strategy hinges on the detail, the funding, and the feasibility of its delivery.

Join us online on Thursday 22 January, 12:00-13:00 GMT for an expert-led panel discussion to investigate: what is - and isn't - included in the new Warm Homes Plan; whether it can successfully achieve its aims for fuel poverty reduction and decarbonisation; and what the crucial implementation phase will look like on the ground.

This event will be of interest to anyone working in housing, energy, local government - and climate policy.

More speakers to be confirmed shortly.

Lily Downes

She/Her

Lily is the Policy Communications Lead (Net Zero) at Nesta and the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), leading policy focused communications and public affairs for the sustainable future mission. She previously served as Senior Account Director at a public affairs agency, where she advised renewable energy and decarbonisation clients on their political communications strategies.

Andrew Sissons

He/Him

Andrew is deputy director on Nesta's mission to create a sustainable future, which focuses on decarbonisation and economic recovery. His team focuses on setting up innovation projects and partnerships that reduce carbon emissions from homes, which is a key part of the UK reaching net zero. Andrew has a background in climate change, economic geography and productivity. Andrew joined Nesta from the Environment Agency, where he led the agency's work on funding and green finance, having previously been the agency's chief economist. He has worked in government (Cabinet Office, MHCLG) on cities and local growth policy, helping to create the new metro mayors in several cities in England. He has also previously worked at The Work Foundation and as an economic consultant.

Marcus Shepheard

He/Him

Marcus is the policy manager in Nesta's sustainable future mission. He is developing the breadth of our work on heat decarbonisation into evidence and advice to help inform Government policy. Marcus has a background in climate change governance and analysis. Marcus joined Nesta from the Climate Change Committee, where he was the lead analyst on residential decarbonisation. He has also worked for the Institute for Government and the Royal Society.

Leah Robson

She/Her

Leah is co-Founder and Managing Director of whole house renewables installation company Your Energy Your Way. She has a 12 year track record in the successful installation of renewable energy solutions including ground source and air source heat pumps, solar PV, solar thermal, EV chargers and batteries. Building on the foundation of this work, she has built a team that includes 4 apprentices from under-represented groups in the industry learning to install all things renewable at Your Energy Your Way. She hopes this will help move the construction industry towards better gender equality, enabling the move towards cleaner energy. Her career has included a wide range of experience in technical projects both in IT with Accenture and latterly in renewables and includes obtaining an MSc in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics from Birkbeck College, University of London

Deciphering the Warm Homes Plan

About Nesta

Deciphering the Warm Homes Plan

Deciphering the Warm Homes Plan - 22 Jan 2026 12:00 – 13:00