Changeworks has been named Environmental Social Enterprise 2026 at the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards.
The award recognises Changeworks’ work to decarbonise homes and ensuring a just transition to net zero, helping households across Scotland to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, manage their energy costs and move towards warmer, lower-carbon homes.
As a social enterprise and charity, Changeworks reinvests surplus income into its charitable activities, helping it extend and develop its support.
With 13% of Scotland’s gas emissions coming from homes, and 34% of people living in fuel poverty, retrofitting homes is both an environmental and a social imperative. Over its last strategic plan 2022-2025, Changeworks supported more than 40,000 households to install energy-efficiency measures and renewables, and advised 164,000 householders. Almost 12,000 households received in-depth fuel poverty support during the same period.
Together with its joint venture Warmworks, it reports savings of 1.2 million tonnes of carbon over those three years.
The quality of that support was also highlighted in Changeworks’ award submission. Its energy advice services hold the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers accreditation, while 95% of households surveyed after receiving support from its Affordable Warmth Services team reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service.
This includes householders like Christine, who needed support after her smart meter failed to communicate with her supplier, leaving her unable to use prepayment and resulting in charges building up in her account. After support and sustained intervention from Changeworks, the issue was resolved.
Christine said: “The build-up of charges was really worrying. Having someone to support me and keep things moving made a real difference. I’m relieved it’s now resolved and I can manage my energy in the way that works for me.”
Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive at Changeworks, said: “As a social enterprise and charity, our mission to make homes low-carbon, healthy and affordably warm sits at the heart of what we do. We’re very proud to see the impact of our work, and the people who deliver it, recognised by this award.”
Kim Wallace, Deputy CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland said: “On behalf of everyone at Social Enterprise Scotland, I would like to extend our congratulations to Changeworks on this well-deserved achievement. Social enterprises working in the environmental sector are at the forefront of building a more sustainable future.
“We are delighted to recognise Changeworks’ contribution and celebrate the positive impact they are making in communities across Scotland.”