A total of £2.6 million of funding was secured for Midlothian Council, Cairn Housing Association and Glen Housing Association during the latest round of applications to the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund (SHNZF). The fund, launched in August 2020, supports social landlords to install clean heating and energy efficiency measures in existing properties across Scotland.  

These projects will help nearly 200 households install energy efficiency measures such as external wall insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries:  

Midlothian Council was awarded £1,045,527 to install air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage to 98 properties in Rosewell.

Cairn Housing Association was awarded £801,000 to fund the installation of external wall insulation and triple glazing to 64 homes.

Fife-based Glen Housing Association was awarded £800,000 to deliver heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, external wall insulation and triple glazing to 30 properties.

With 61% of social housing tenants in the UK in fuel poverty, this work is key to reducing the financial and environmental burdens of a cold and draughty home.  

Changeworks has previously worked with all three organisations on projects including stock analysis, net zero pathway reports and installation of other measures. In addition to lowering household bills, these projects contribute to environmental targets and the futureproofing of Scotland’s homes.  

Anne Dickie, director of Glen Housing Association, said: “We’re thrilled that 30 of our homes are now to become warmer and more affordable to heat for the tenants. Our previous work with Changeworks has included analysing the energy efficiency of our homes and the creation of a net zero pathway report. Having this plan in place helped hugely when it came to writing and submitting our bid.    

“Working with Changeworks on this and previous projects has been rewarding for us. Their expertise of the sector and tailored approach to our needs will not only benefit tenants now, but also tenants in the future.”

Kenneth Fraser, programme manager at Changeworks, added: “It’s brilliant when our clients are awarded much deserved funding to help deliver their retrofit projects. Our team worked in close collaboration with Glen, Cairn and Midlothian to plan and deliver these bids which will now enable their tenants to live in warmer homes that are more affordable to heat.  

“The Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund is an important grant initiative which helps organisations speed up and scale their energy efficiency plans. Changeworks has decades worth of experience in supporting organisations to deliver their retrofit projects, including finding the appropriate funding to turns plans into reality.”

Organisations that were unsuccessful in their SHNZHF bids are still encouraged to contact Changeworks to find out more about how they can work together.

Changeworks has a track record of supporting organisations to successfully deliver retrofit projects alongside providing support that includes stock analysis, tenant engagement, project management and quality assurance.