Swedish Timber Homes in Caol Get Eco Upgrade

The Highland Council is embarking on a groundbreaking retrofit project in Caol, focusing on Swedish Timber properties to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs. The initiative aligns with the council’s 2045 net zero targets and the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.

This project is designed to benefit residents by making homes warmer, reducing energy bills, and tackling fuel poverty. It targets properties with low energy efficiency ratings that are in critical need of upgrades to meet Scotland’s energy standards. The project covers both privately owned and council properties, making it a mixed-tenure initiative.

Councillor Sarah Fanet, chair of the Climate Change Committee, commented, “It is fantastic to see the council implementing a mixed tenure project that offers substantial advantages to Highland residents, while supporting Net Zero targets and housing standards. This project sets a benchmark for future mixed-tenure retrofit schemes, attracting external funding sources and helping to combat fuel poverty in the region.”

Anticipated benefits of the project include lower energy bills, improved home comfort, and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Some properties may even see a boost in their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating from E to B, making homes more energy-efficient and easier to maintain in the long run.

The council is collaborating with Union Technical Services Limited, the approved contractor for the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS). A video outlining the project can be viewed here.

Michael Sweeney, director of Union Technical Services, stated, “We are thrilled to be involved in the Caol scheme. Not only will this enhance the area visually, but it will also lower fuel bills, improve residents’ quality of life, and provide warmer homes.”

By securing various funding sources such as Scottish Government EES:ABS, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding, SSE Renewable grants, and Council Housing Capital budget, the council aims to have a broader impact and achieve economies of scale.

Lindsay Dougan, senior manager at SSE Renewables, added, “The Highland Energy Efficiency Programme demonstrates effective collaboration to address the needs of Highlands residents. SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund has contributed £1.8 million to the program, ensuring households in extreme fuel poverty receive the warmth and energy-efficient homes they require.”

This project builds on the success of the council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme, which has been shortlisted as a finalist for The Scottish Green Energy Awards in the Outstanding Project Award and Carbon Reduction Award categories.

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