Hundreds of families in Govan are now benefiting from a £3.3 million transformational and innovative energy efficiency venture, as a result of a successful partnership between leading energy company SSE, Glasgow City Council and the non-profit making Linthouse Housing Association (LHA). SSE provided over £500,000 of the funding for the project through its Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) scheme with LHA and Glasgow City Council investing £2.2m and £450,000 respectively. The project which began in October 2010 will save a massive 27,000 tonnes of carbon savings.
Over two hundred homes have been enhanced with the latest energy efficiency measures as well as undergoing a transformational external face lift which has significantly improved the appearance of the building facade. The wide range of energy saving measures which have been installed includes solid and cavity wall insulation, new gas heating systems, re-glazed windows, balconies, back and front entrance doors to the cottages and loft insulation.
Speaking at the official opening event in Langlands, Govan today, local MSP and Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Johann Lamont said: “I welcome this important initiative which will make a real difference to my constituents at a time when everyone is worrying about the cost of keeping their homes warm.”
SSE CESP Manager Douglas Harding said: “This project is a particularly good example of what can be achieved through whole community energy efficiency measures and how lifestyles can be improved dramatically on many levels. The Langlands residents in Greater Govan have told us this project has had a tremendous impact on their lives, reducing their financial burden by cutting energy bills through energy efficiency measures and improving their lifestyles through improved housing. Private homeowners have also been delighted with the reduced rates they were able to take advantage of.”
Councillor Sadie Docherty, Executive Member for Housing said “When the council initially made approaches to the utilities to use CESP funding in the city we recognised that the housing that Linthouse HA had acquired from Scottish Homes should be one of the priority areas in the city. We are delighted that they have been able to take advantage of the funding available through CESP to improve the housing for their residents, and would congratulate their staff and committee for the hard work they put in to making this scheme work.”
Executive Director of Linthouse Housing Association said: “This project has been great news for our tenants and owner occupiers who were able to participate in this ground breaking scheme. Our tenants will benefit from significantly reduced fuel costs they will also have a fully insulated, warm and attractive property to live in. This a great example of how a successful partnership working can greatly enhance the quality of peoples lives.
Langlands Resident Jodie Dick who has lived in the area for four years with her four year old daughter said: “Life is a lot better for both of us since our home has been improved, it is a much warmer, less noisy and draughty and this project has made a big difference to our lives.”
The Community Energy Saving Programme was introduced in 2009 and was designed for the electricity suppliers and generators to fund energy efficiency measures in areas of low income. The programme is unique from other supplier funded schemes as it incentivises a suite of measures to be installed with the aim of achieving a whole house approach. The homes at Langlands in Govan are an excellent example of what can be achieved. Over 25% of SSE’s CESP schemes are in Scotland.
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