Video: Barrhead tenants feel benefit of green energy drive

An extensive range of groundbreaking initiatives and projects is targeting both new and existing homes.

A study - commissioned jointly with three other housing associations - culminated in a comprehensive, costed plan to decarbonise homes. This has already led to a “clean”, low-carbon heating system being included in Barrhead Housing’s new-build site at Cross Arthurlie Street.

Smart environmental sensors have also been installed in over 100 homes, as well as the association’s sheltered housing complex on Main Street, while new boilers have been installed in 170 homes over the past three years, and 300 receiving new windows.

Chief executive Lorna Wilson said: “Our goal is simple: affordable warmth. We want to help our tenants live in warm, comfortable homes by improving energy efficiency, cutting running costs and supporting people to use energy in ways that save money and protect their wellbeing, especially those at risk of fuel poverty.

“We will continue to work closely with our tenants, listening to their views and involving them as we roll out new improvements across our homes.”

Tenants struggling to pay their energy bills in 128 households have received £23,000 in fuel vouchers. From June, tenants will receive energy advice and support as part of Barrhead Housing’s collaboration with the Federation of Local Housing Associations in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire (FLAIR). The Energywise initiative will run for two years thanks to funding from the Energy Redress Fund.

Barrhead Housing, which owns and manages more than 1000 homes across East Renfrewshire, underlined its green credentials in the planning application for its new-build site at Blackburn Square. The design was influenced by a “community learning project” involving everyone from health and social care professionals to local primary school pupils, focusing on everything from accessibility to energy efficiency.

Other strategic green aims include:

• ensuring all new housing developments are energy efficient, within 20-minute access to amenities and transport, and with - where feasible - electric charge points;
• exploring opportunities to develop brownfield sites that support town-centre regeneration and meet local needs (the Cross Arthurlie Street development is underway and two other town-centre sites are under active consideration);
• and working with suppliers and contractors to promote “Fair Work” and minimise waste, as well as supporting local businesses tender for contracts through initiatives, such as a “dynamic” purchasing system for reactive repairs and “meet the buyer” events.

Barrhead Housing has also adopted an ethical investment policy, which is highlighted by its finance agreement with Triodos Bank.