Hometree is redefining what climate tech leadership looks like in the UK home heating sector. By tackling one of the hardest-to-abate areas of emissions—residential heating—they’re not just offering services, they’re reshaping how consumers understand and adopt sustainable solutions.
At AENU, we’re proud to support Hometree on this journey. Through our Impact-as-a-Service (IaaS) offering, we’ve helped them scale their climate impact, sharpen their impact strategy, and communicate their progress with clarity and credibility.
How Hometree is Redefining Sustainability
From the beginning, sustainability has been embedded in Hometree’s DNA. Founder Simon set a clear climate-focused vision, and under Nicola’s leadership as Director of Sustainability, that vision has been translated into concrete action.
A major milestone was the publication of Hometree’s first-ever impact report, which:
- Highlighted Hometree’s environmental and social contributions,
- Demonstrated their GHG emission savings potential over time, and
- Earned them a nomination for edie’s Net Zero Strategy of the Year – SME Award.
This report has become a powerful engagement tool—helping consumers, investors, and stakeholders understand how Hometree is accelerating the decarbonization of homes.
AENU’s Impact-as-a-Service Support
Through our IaaS model, AENU worked closely with Hometree to deepen their impact measurement, communication, and strategy.
1. Measuring and Communicating Impact
Together with 2150, we supported Hometree in calculating their unit impact and projecting their GHG emission savings potential. These metrics now underpin:
- Transparent, data-backed reporting in their impact report,
- Stronger consumer trust, by clearly showing the benefits of switching to Hometree’s solutions, and
- Evidence-based impact communication for investors and stakeholders.
2. Access to Sustainability Expertise
To help Hometree go further, we connected their team to the Leaders for Climate Action (LFCA) sustainability roadmapping course. This gave them:
- A structured roadmap to deepen their sustainability strategy,
- Practical tools for Net Zero planning and navigating regulatory and market shifts, and
- Guidance on embedding sustainability into culture and operations.
3. Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Hometree also joined AENU’s Sustainability Leaders Group, our community of impact and ESG leaders across the portfolio. Through this forum, they gained:
- Peer insights from companies facing similar climate and growth challenges,
- Access to expert perspectives on regulation, reporting, and inclusive culture-building, and
- A space to share learnings and co-develop best practices.
A Case Study in Impact Communication
Hometree’s first impact report is a strong example of how startups can use impact communication as a growth lever, not just a compliance exercise. The report helps them:
- Build consumer confidence in their climate-positive solutions,
- Strengthen credibility with partners and industry peers, and
- Differentiate in a crowded market by leading with transparency and measurable outcomes.
Their nomination for edie’s Net Zero Strategy of the Year – SME Award underscores how a clear, data-driven impact strategy can translate into external recognition.
Key Takeaways for Other Startups
Hometree’s journey offers practical lessons for founders and operators:
- Measure Impact Early
Start quantifying your environmental and social outcomes as soon as possible. Robust metrics make it easier to communicate value to customers, investors, and regulators.
- Invest in Impact Communication
A well-structured impact narrative—grounded in data—builds trust, accelerates adoption, and supports fundraising.
- Leverage Community and Expertise
Tapping into peer networks and expert programs (like LFCA and sustainability leader groups) can significantly speed up learning and execution.
Looking Ahead
Hometree’s progress shows what’s possible when sustainability, strategy, and communication are aligned. At AENU, we’re excited to continue supporting Hometree and other climate tech pioneers through our Impact-as-a-Service platform—helping them:
- Quantify and maximize their impact,
- Navigate the complexities of Net Zero and ESG, and
- Tell their story in a way that moves markets and mindsets.
Hometree is proving that decarbonizing home heating can be both climate-critical and commercially compelling—and we’re proud to be part of that story.
