We’ve all seen the impact of climate change caused by human activity and greenhouse gases released into the environment, and in June 2019, the council declared a climate emergency, setting a net zero target for 2030. We’re taking steps towards net zero now by aligning our housebuilding strategy with construction methods and technology to ensure that we can meet these ambitious emissions targets as well as sustaining housing demand.

Our new council homes are built to high standards with sustainability features to help reduce running costs for tenants while protecting the environment. We’re piloting the latest technology to help our homes store energy, reduce emissions and consumption while minimising fuel poverty.

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, visited one of our new build developments to see first-hand the technology in place. He said: “To help reduce our carbon footprint we need to take action now and that’s what we’re doing. We’re building new, modern, eco-friendly homes with the latest technology and features to achieve climate change goals.

“As technology develops, we’ll continue to research the best features for our new council homes that benefit the environment, our tenants, residents and communities, and encourage people to live more sustainably.”

Some examples of how we’re building greener include:

• Providing an electric vehicle (EV) charging pillar at every new build parking court and charging points at homes with private driveways. We’re also ensuring ducting and adequate space are available on sites for fitting additional pillars in the future.
• Building our first ‘Net Zero’ properties within our development of 150 new homes at Dykehead Road, Airdrie. These 19 ‘Net Zero’ homes are the first of their kind in Scotland; advanced construction methods and gas-free energy solutions combine to reduce carbon emissions arising from lighting, heating, pumps and fans to a rate less than or equal to zero. 
• Minimising heat loss by using mineral wool insulation and windows and doors exceeding requirements set out in the Building Standards. 
• Energy efficiency measures which see over 99% of our new build homes achieve a ‘B’ Energy Efficiency Rating and over 90% achieve a ‘B’ EPC CO2 Rating.
• On Site Renewable Energy. Photovoltaic provision has been increased recently and homes currently being built will have an in-roof photovoltaic array which will reduce CO2 emissions, assist with running costs for the home, and reduce demand on the national grid. 
• 19 homes in our Dykehead Road development being fitted with 13.5kW batteries to store unused energy generated by photovoltaic panels. These batteries can also take advantage of variable energy tariffs, topping up during cheaper off-peak periods. This equipment – part funded by the Scottish Government’s LCITP fund - will be monitored using remote technology to assess energy used, cost benefit to the tenant, and the value for the council.
• Alternatives to gas heating being researched. Air Source Heat Pumps are also being fitted at homes in our Dykehead Road development. These pumps consist of an external heat pump unit and an internal hot water storage cylinder. This equipment – part funded by the Scottish Government’s LCITP fund - will be monitored (as above).

“We have just produced our draft climate plan, currently out for consultation, which sets out our aims to move to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030,” added Councillor Logue. "By working with partners, private sector and communities we’re driving forward measures to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development.

“Our ambitious new council house building programme, which aims to deliver 5,000 new homes by 2035, is an excellent example of the immediate action we’re taking to build sustainable homes that will last for generations to come.”