Glasgow ultra-low carbon housing developments help tackle fuel poverty

The West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and development partners hub West Scotland and CCG (Scotland) have celebrated the Passivhaus certification of their Springfield Cross housing development in the city's East End. 

To achieve Passivhaus certification, homes use thicker insulations and triple glazing amongst a range of innovative measures to improve airtightness, resulting in a lower demand for energy. 

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This in turn drastically reduces annual fuel bills and helps tackle fuel poverty.

The ultra-low emission homes also benefit residents through the use of a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system which recycles heat generated in everyday use of the property to provide constant, filtered air. 

Springfield Cross, located at the junction of London Road and Springfield Road, comprises 36 two and three-bedroom homes for social rent and provides sustainable living for tenants, the first of whom began moving in late 2022. 

As well as unveiling a plaque to celebrate the certification, the team behind Springfield Cross were further recognised last week at the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual Scotland Housing Awards being shortlisted for Excellence in Learning and Development. 

This recognised their achievement in supporting tenants as they entered their new, more energy-efficient homes by developing a learning and training programme to help them make the best use of the new mechanical ventilation heating system. 

Cllr Kenny McLean, convener for housing at Glasgow City Council, said: "There is a lot of important work going on in Glasgow to deliver homes that are affordable to heat and are energy-efficient, and this development at Springfield Cross is a fantastic example of that.

"These socially rented homes are significant in terms of what can be achieved in meeting the city’s aims to combat fuel poverty and reduce emissions, and we were delighted to work with our partners in the completion of this development.

"Further good news is that more such homes are being built in Glasgow."

WSHA are also now in the late stages of construction of a new Passivhaus-certified development in Dundashill. 

It comprises 90 one to three-bedroom homes, including the association's first homes available for mid-market rent.

It is the largest Passivhaus development under construction in Scotland.

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Brian Gannon, chief executive at WSHA, said: "All the Partners in this project can be proud of what we have achieved in delivering what was, at the time, Scotland’s biggest Passivhaus development.

"It is often easier to let others be the innovators and follow on after lessons have been learned, particularly when there are financial and reputational risks.

"So, we are delighted that the challenge of providing an innovative Passivhaus social housing development has proved so successful, not just for the partners involved, but more importantly for the significant impact it has had on the health, finances and general well-being of the residents living in these new energy efficient and affordable homes."

Iain Marley, chief executive at hub West Scotland, said: "The team and board at hub West are very proud to have been involved in this special low-carbon project.

"The delivery of this fully certified Passivhaus development represents a significant milestone for the affordable housing sector and it testifies to WSHA's ambition and innovation.

"The building has been carefully designed and built to enhance the thermal performance and quality of air and light within the individual flats.

"This results in lower energy usage which will mitigate escalating fuel costs and fuel poverty."