Take an elderly multi high above the Clyde on an exposed hillside in Greenock. Strip it back and install layers of new, energy efficient, weatherproof cladding. Take full advantage of an existing heat network, in this case a biomass plant with capacity to heat 1,000 homes. Reduce tenants’ fuel bills by 80% and turn their multi flats into very desirable homes. 

That’s what River Clyde Homes has done for 91 tenants in Prospecthill Court. They now have massively reduced heating bills in the winter; and solar-controlled glazing keeps them cool in the summer. What’s more, their windows cut out almost all the exterior noise, including the sound of the biomass generator.

An alternative plan might have been to knock the multi down and build 91 new flats. But Duncan Smith at River Clyde Homes says that would be much more expensive, and difficult to do in a densely packed neighbourhood like Greenock and Port Glasgow. 

With 6,000 homes for social rent, this landlord has around 100 different house types dating back to before stock transfer. Working out how to retrofit all these archetypes is a challenge, but maybe fabric first to the highest standards is not the best way forward in every case. 

River Clyde Homes chief executive Richard Turnock wants to see 80% of his tenants connected to a heat network, because cheaper, renewable fuel keeps bills low without extremely expensive insulation works. Richard believes Greenock’s high density housing is an advantage when it comes to connecting everything up.

The presence of the mighty River Clyde is another plus point; along the river at Queen’s Quay is a large-scale water source heat network. Working together, shops, businesses, public services and of course River Clyde Homes tenants could create something similar and benefit from much cheaper heating. 

Around the country, there are people thinking wistfully about heat networks and retrofit, while they continue to fit gas boilers because they still seem the only realistic option.

Congratulations to River Clyde Homes who have pointed a way forward to zero carbon heating, and warm tenants.

The Scottish Housing News Podcast is co-hosted by Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black. All episodes are available here as well as on the following platforms:

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