Gemma Brookes

Gemma serves as Head of Asset Optimisation at Orbit, where she plays a key role in developing and implementing the organisation’s data-driven retrofit and decarbonisation strategy. She holds professional qualifications as a Domestic Energy Assessor, Retrofit Assessor and Retrofit Coordinator, giving her a comprehensive understanding of energy performance and whole-home retrofit.

A recent graduate of Loughborough University with a degree in Low Energy Building Services Engineering, Gemma’s dissertation focused on climate adaptation and used dynamic thermal simulation to assess future impacts on social housing and vulnerable populations.

Alongside her role at Orbit, Gemma is also a Board Member of the Sustainable Housing Action Partnership, where she contributes to sector-wide work on sustainability, retrofit and net-zero delivery.

As a judge for the People in Housing Awards, Gemma brings deep technical expertise, strong sector insight, and a clear commitment to improving homes, resilience and outcomes for residents.