Highland Council Secures £9.2 Million in Funding for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Strategic Insights -

The Highland Council, in collaboration with Union Technical, has secured a £9.2 million Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding proposal to deliver a transformative programme of energy efficiency upgrades across Council housing in the Highlands. The programme aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve thermal comfort, and lower energy bills for tenants by installing insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic systems in over 1,000 properties. This initiative is a crucial step towards decarbonising Highland Council housing and supports the Council's efforts to meet statutory targets such as the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Highland Council has secured £9.2 million in funding to deliver energy efficiency upgrades across Council housing in the Highlands.
  • The programme will install insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar photovoltaic systems in over 1,000 properties to reduce carbon emissions and improve thermal comfort.
  • The energy efficiency measures are expected to significantly improve the Energy Performance Certificate ratings of properties, supporting the Council in meeting statutory targets.
  • The programme will benefit tenants by lowering their energy costs and improving living conditions.
  • The Highland Council continues to deliver the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by the Scottish Government, which provides support for owner occupiers and private rented tenants.
  • The Council is exploring various external funding streams to support the ongoing delivery of energy efficiency measures across Council housing.

Statistics:

  • £9.2 million in funding secured for energy efficiency upgrades
  • Approximately 1,000 individual energy efficiency measures to be delivered
  • Programmes expected to reduce carbon emissions and improve thermal comfort
  • Energy efficiency measures expected to significantly improve Energy Performance Certificate ratings
  • Air source heat pumps capable of being up to 300% efficient
  • Solar photovoltaic systems expected to allow tenants to benefit from on-site generation and lower their energy costs

Sources:

  • The Highland Council
  • Union Technical
  • The Highland Council website
  • Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
  • Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS)