HOMES in Glasgow are to benefit from a £1.5 million energy-saving retrofit carried out by a major housing association. 

A total of 36 Canadian timber homes in Drumchapel will be reconstructed in the net-zero project carried out by Glasow Housing Association (GHA). 

Built in a non-traditional post-war style, the semi-detached properties currently have an external timber frame panel system, low levels of insulation and electric heating.

It means the buildings are expensive to heat and, in turn, costing tenants more money on their fuel bills. 

Glasgow Times:

The refit will see the frames replaced with new, energy-efficient external wall insulations while triple-glazed windows and insulated external doors will also be installed.  

Electric heating will be replaced with high-efficiency air source heat pumps, solar panels and a heat recovery system - allowing energy used at the property to be partially self-generated.

Stephen Devine, Wheatley’s Director of Assets and Sustainability, said: “These homes have very low energy performance ratings, and our retrofit work will transform them into some of the most energy-efficient homes we have.

“It’s just one of the steps we’re taking to bring net-zero into the heart of our communities as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability.”

Glasgow Times:

It’s estimated there will be a reduction of annual carbon emissions of almost seven tonnes per home.

GHA is consulting with residents in the homes – 22 tenants and 14 owners – with a view to starting the work next summer.

Stephen added: “We want to help our customers reduce the cost of running a home.

“We will use the feedback and learning from this project to inform future investment work on other non-traditional build homes so we can offer unique solutions to all of our customers.”