I accompanied Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, during his visit to Dundee yesterday afternoon to view two innovative housing projects in the City as part of his national focus on the need to invest in affordable housing in Scotland.Tavish visited Servite Housing in Kirkton and Dundee Sun City House in Whitfield.
He is pictured (right) viewing the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system at the Servite Housing Development.
The development, which takes in mainly Keswick Terrace and Ashmore Street, consists of a total of 34 units, ranging from flats which are designed for both general and wheelchair use to two-storey detached villas with garages.
The CHP system gives far superior use of fuel as it produces energy along with the normal production of heat. Any excess energy goes into the National Grid and accreditation is given. This means that tenants’ fuel bills are reduced because of the improved efficiency of the system and the savings on energy costs. The new development also incorporates the use of solar panels which further help to cut both costs and the environmental footprint.
Tavish also visited the highly impressive Dundee Sun City House, where he was interviewed by both STV and Radio Tay.
The CHP system gives far superior use of fuel as it produces energy along with the normal production of heat. Any excess energy goes into the National Grid and accreditation is given. This means that tenants’ fuel bills are reduced because of the improved efficiency of the system and the savings on energy costs. The new development also incorporates the use of solar panels which further help to cut both costs and the environmental footprint.
Tavish also visited the highly impressive Dundee Sun City House, where he was interviewed by both STV and Radio Tay.
The Sun City House provides a focus for demonstration, education, advice and information about domestic scale renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable construction to households and the general public in Dundee and throughout central and north east Scotland.
Unlike most “eco-house” type demonstration projects, the Sun City House is not new build, but a major refurbishment and remodelling of a poorly constructed and thermally inefficient janitor’s house built in the 1960s.
It aims to showcase technologies, materials and methods of construction that can be retrofitted to existing housing stock, where the major challenge lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the domestic sector in the UK. It acts as a shop window to offers ideas to everyone, on every income, to help them reduce their home’s impact on the environment, be it low energy lighting, a solar water heating system or a sun space extension.
Two tremendously interesting and informative visits and good to see Tavish back in Dundee so soon after his previous visit to Dundee last month.