The flats that will be located on Edinburgh’s waterfront are designed to use on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines in order reduce the need for power from nonrenewable resources such as coal or oil.
A Net Zero Energy Building is one that produces enough of its own clean electricity with renewables (wind farms, hydroelectric plants) so it doesn’t have to rely on fossil fuels for heating and cooling – reducing global warming pollution by up to 100%.
This project was proposed not long ago in Edinburgh in June of 2021 as part of plans to establish a Low Emissions Zone scheme to be implemented in Spring of 2022, with this development expected to begin construction around the same time; The Western Villages development is planned to be a group of one, two and three-bedroom flats. The Granton Waterfront Regeneration Programme says that it aims to build 3,500 homes of this type in the next ten years.
The homes will be developed in collaboration with energy and sustainability consultancy, Carbon Futures. (Carbon futures are going to make sure that the houses you purchase have been designed for maximum efficiency.)
The design of the project focuses on active travel, electric vehicle charging points and car club spaces. Through a series of sketches showing different types of transportation modes that can be used in this area as well as what these options look like when grouped together we hope to provide locals with more ways for them to get around town without needing their own personal vehicles.
The aim is not just make it easy but also enjoyable for those encouraging this positive change for the environment.
The flats themselves are said to be heated by a low carbon system, that is gas free. The replacement to this is a communal air source heat pump. In looking for an environmentally-conscious way to invest, solar PV was the best decision, it seems. Not only will it provide power but also produce passive income with no downside risk.
Councillor Mandy Matt, City of Edinburgh Council’s Vice Covener for the Housing, Homeless and Fair Work Committee, said:
“All of the steps we’re taking to make homes more sustainable will reduce the energy they use once occupied, thereby helping us to tackle climate change and become zero carbon by 2030. That’s why we’re please to have CCG working with us as they adopt a new ground-breaking housebuilding standard,
It’s great to see this development with a large proportion of social rent homes get planning approval. We have incredibly ambitious plans which form the bedrock of our housing strategy over the next ten years.This is a critical need for more affordable homes in Edinburgh and we are responding to that through commitment to build 20,000 social and affordable homes by 2027,
Western Villages forms part of the Wider Granted Waterfront Regeneration project which will create one of Europe’s largest coastal city parks, producing opportunities for residents and visitors to reconnect with the city’s waterfront by offering more areas for leisure and outdoor experience, civic spaces and sustainable housing.”