New London heat network to serve 4.700 homes • Scottish city aspires to become net-zero leader • Retrofit project to equally reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty • Read more about the developments in sustainable heating and cooling in this month's news update from the UK
Veolia, in collaboration with Southwark Council, has unveiled plans for an ambitious district heating network in south London, aiming to provide low-carbon heat to 4,700 homes, schools, and public buildings across 11 social housing estates. The project will harness 75GWh of heat annually from Veolia’s South East London Combined Heat and Power (SELCHP) Energy Recovery Facility (Energy-from-Waste), which processes non-recyclable waste to generate electricity and heating.
The network, which will span 7 km, is expected to supply hot water at temperatures of up to 95°C, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels for heating. With renewable content comprising approximately 60% of the energy mix due to the biogenic component of waste, the project is projected to cut 14.000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, helping to achieve UK climate goals.
The new network builds on SELCHP’s existing infrastructure, which currently serves 2.700 households and has saved 95.000 tonnes of CO₂ over the past decade. Veolia and Southwark Council aim to further expand the system to meet the demands of 20.000 new homes over the next 15 years.
Read more in article from Let’s Recycle
Dundee City Council has taken a decisive step toward tackling the climate crisis by approving a pioneering Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). Developed by the Dundee Climate Leadership Group (DCLG), a collaboration between public and private stakeholders, the plan sets out a comprehensive framework for Dundee to achieve net zero emissions and establish itself as a hub for energy innovation.
Central to the LAEP is an ambitious retrofit programme targeting 50,000 homes by 2033 and an additional 20,000 by 2045, aiming to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower carbon emissions across the city’s buildings. Heat decarbonisation though heat pumps and heat networks also receive a strong emphasis in the plan. According to modelling, up to one-third of Dundee’s heating demand could eventually be met through these low-carbon technologies.
In addition to reducing emissions, the LAEP outlines strategies to enhance the resilience of Dundee’s electricity network. By implementing measures to better manage grid demand during peak hours, the city can reduce strain on the grid while promoting flexible energy use. The DCLG, supported by Dundee City Council, will now begin implementing the plan, engaging local stakeholders and exploring funding opportunities to drive initiatives forward.
Read more in article from Scottish Construction Now
As River Clyde Homes nears the completion of its Prospecthill Court Retrofit Project, the initiative serves as a representative case study in tackling the dual challenges of reducing carbon emissions and alleviating fuel poverty. Located in Greenock’s Broomhill area, the estate comprises 91 flats within a community that ranks among Scotland’s most deprived. Residents, many on low incomes, have faced disproportionate impacts from the cost-of-living crisis. In response, River Clyde Homes committed to deliver a retrofit solution that prioritises energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, while simultaneously reducing residents’ costs.
Key elements of the retrofit included installing an external cladding system with high-quality insulation and triple-glazed windows to boost thermal efficiency. Mechanical ventilation and air-tightness measures were also introduced to lower energy demand and improve indoor air quality. Smart meters and IoT sensors have also been installed to monitor energy use and gather data on how tenants interact with the new district heating systems.
The project received £1.65 million from the Scottish Government’s Social Housing Net Zero Fund, and by its completion, energy demand per flat is projected to drop by over 80%, from 16.750 kWh annually to just 2.680 kWh. This improvement will significantly reduce residents’ energy bills and carbon footprints alike. Over the next decade, the energy upgrades are expected to save 228 tonnes of CO₂.
The Prospecthill Court Retrofit Project demonstrates how thoughtful, community-driven retrofits can deliver transformative outcomes for residents and the climate, setting a benchmark for housing associations across Scotland, the UK, and beyond.
Read more in article from Scottish Construction Now
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