A low carbon housing development is taking shape in Glasgow’s East End in a bid to tackle fuel poverty. 

Springfield Cross, in Dalmarnock, comprises 36 one and two-bedroom flats for social rent built to reduce carbon emissions and heat loss, resulting in cheaper bills for tenants.

The advanced construction methods, known as Passivhaus, involve high levels of airtightness, thicker insulation and triple-glazing. 

Developers say the project is seen as a “hugely important” step forward in understanding how fuel poverty can be tackled across the country, as well as in moving towards net zero by 2045.

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CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “Springfield Cross is being constructed using CCG’s specially-designed ‘iQ’ Timber System which is also integrated with our enhanced window and door sets; products that are each manufactured just 2.5 miles from the development.

“We utilise an ‘off-site manufacturing’ process to combine these products together with components such as internal wall linings and insulation to complete entire wall zones before being transported to site. 

“Through this process, which is extremely low-waste, uses responsibly-sourced timber and requires fewer vehicle movements, we are helping to lower carbon emissions at each stage of build. This is known as embodied carbon and when combined with the significant reduction in operational carbon emissions attributed to Passivhaus, we are ultimately reducing the carbon footprint of the development for the entirety of its lifespan.”

Glasgow Times:

Project architect and Senior Partner of Robert Potter & Partners', Jonathan Potter, said: “Designing to meet Certified Passivhaus standard provides easy-to-heat, comfortable houses for residents as there are no draughts or cold bridges. Each flat only needs a heated towel rail and a small radiator as the heat gains from residents, fridge, TV are all captured and recycled.

“Passivhaus also means efficient ventilation, good indoor air quality, even temperatures, and triple glazing for quieter homes. The independent Certification supports high-quality workmanship, and ensures the building performance meets the design predictions. Springfield Cross also meets The Glasgow Standard of space and flexibility for residents.”

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Andrew Kubski, Director of Development and Asset Management, WSHA, said:

“We are delighted to be making progress to deliver Glasgow’s largest Passivhaus development. These new Passivhaus homes will be created to achieve one of the highest standards of energy efficiency which will lead to lower fuel bill for tenants and help to address fuel poverty. 

Glasgow Times:

“With the eyes of the world on Scotland as it hosts COP26, it is the perfect time to reflect on how the housing sector can play a part in tackling climate change and creating greener communities. Our Passivhaus developments are a key part of our Green Strategy which highlights how we will achieve a greener and more sustainable future in the coming years.”

Hub West Scotland CEO, Iain Marley, added: “Springfield Cross will offer very energy efficient and high quality accommodation to tenants in the East End of Glasgow. This leading edge development provides 36 one and two bedroom flats that are built to Passivhaus specifications – as such it will make a significant contribution to addressing fuel poverty and meeting net zero emissions targets.”

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The development is being delivered by Construction and Manufacturing Group (CCG) Scotland, in partnership with hub West Scotland on behalf of West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA).

Springfield Cross is due for completion in summer-2022 and is funded by a £4.3 million grant from Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and WSHA’s private finance.