District heating network to be installed at Edinburgh housing development
Arc-Tech (Scotland) Ltd has embarked on its first major district heating contract for a new residential development located in Craigmillar, Edinburgh.
Greendykes, located just south of Niddrie Mains Road, is being delivered on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and will consist of 75 mixed-tenure homes upon its completion in early-2019. The project is an important part of the ongoing regeneration of the wider Craigmillar area and represents over £9 million of investment by the council, with support from the Scottish Government.
The new district heating network will serve the development from its very own local Energy Centre which will house a gas-fired CHP unit and energy efficiency gas-fired boilers.
Designed by Hawthorne Boyle, the network naturally functions at a lower temperature than standard systems which reduces heat wastage and minimises heat loss.
The installation of the district heating will contribute to the council’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 42% by 2020 and to the new carbon and energy targets set by Scottish Government. The use of more efficient heat will provide a range of benefits ensuring long term energy savings for future occupants. Open protocol smart meters will be installed to every property to monitor heating and electrical usage.
John Gallacher, Arc-Tech managing director, said: “Arc-Tech is a fledgling company but our team has extensive experience in the installation of district heating networks. Whilst this is the company’s first full contract, it is assured that the district heating network at Greendykes will be delivered to the highest quality standard.
“Ultimately, the goal is to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and the carbon footprint of the development, a key focus of Arc-Tech’s, so we are delighted to be involved.”
Arc-Tech will work closely with the main contractor and the client in the delivery of the network with a 52 week programme following from a site start last month.