DIN Study Trip

How do you design, fund, build and operate homes with genuinely zero energy bills—and what does that mean in practice for residents, providers and long-term asset performance?

This DIN study tour offers an inside look at Carpenters Yard, a pioneering 113-home (35 of which are affordable), net-carbon-positive development in Thornwood, Essex, delivered by gs8 and funded by Octopus Capital. Using Octopus Energy’s zero bills tariff, the scheme combines solar PV, heat pumps and a community battery, guaranteeing no household energy bills for residents for at least 5–10 years. We have the opportunity to explore how innovative energy and finance models can be applied in delivery of affordable housing.

This visit goes beyond the headline of “zero bills” to look in more detail at how the fabric design and energy systems work together, how the scheme was funded and structured, and what this means for resident experience and long-term performance.

You’ll tour completed homes and hear directly from the project partners about how the development came together, what they’ve learned, and what’s transferable to other programmes.

What you will learn from attending this study visitThe team will talk about technical and place-based innovation, such as:

• Net carbon-positive development approach
• Airtightness, thermal efficiency and fabric-first design
• Community, car club, DIY re-use initiatives and nature pond
• On-site construction and delivery approach

They will share their commercial, financial and operational insight, including:

• The zero bills concept explained by Octopus Energy experts
• Project history, finance, partnership models and growth approaches from Octopus Capital’s Affordable Housing Fund team
• Discussion of sustainable finance products and registered provider partnerships
• Impact measurement

Our Speakers:

Georgia Kirby-Watt, Operations Director (Affordable Housing) at Octopus Capital
Georgia joined Octopus in 2024 to lead on regulatory compliance and portfolio operations for the Octopus Affordable Housing Fund. Georgia is an RICS Chartered Surveyor and has a BSc in Real Estate from the University of Reading. Before joining Octopus, she spent eight years leading the For-Profit Registered Provider subsidiary of Build to Rent investor, Grainger plc. Prior to that, she was a Rural Estate Manager specialising in income diversification and sustainability.

James Whittaker, Investment Manager at Octopus Capital Affordable Housing

James is an Investment Manager in Octopus Capital’s Affordable Housing team, focussed on uniting finance and delivery to build homes that strengthen communities and support the transition to low‑carbon living. Before joining Octopus, James spent over a decade in the not‑for‑profit and public sectors, first in housing finance at Epping Forest District Council, then at the housing association Thrive Homes supporting regeneration.

Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Housing Director at Octopus Energy

Emma is the Low Carbon Housing Director at Octopus Energy. Her career has centred on leading high impact, high innovation projects in real estate, with a particular focus on housing, energy performance and green energy production. Her practical experience includes starting her career in rural surveying and estate management moving into award-winning housing and regeneration developments. Emma is a passionate advocate for change, community resilience and sustainability solutions for all. She established and led the UK’s first fossil fuel-free district heating scheme in her village, Swaffham Prior. Her work regularly features in trade, national and international press & media.

Who should attend

• Development and Asset Directors
• Heads of Property, Sustainability and Asset Strategy
• Senior housing, regeneration and sustainability professionals interested in zero-bills, net-zero and affordability at scale

Programme:

• 10am Arrival and networking
• 10.30am – 11am Introduction, context and technologies
• 11 - 11.30am Site tour of completed home and site
• 11.30 - 12.30pm Commercial, financial and operational insight

Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 20 attendees and are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Please note there will be limited seating, and attendees should be comfortable standing and walking during the tour.

Attendance is free as part of your DIN membership subscription however due to an increasing number of no-shows without apologies there will be a charge of £199+vat for anyone booking who does not show up for this event.