Navigating Scotland's Shift to Sustainable Home Heating

You've likely noticed the growing discussion around adopting eco-friendly heating solutions to combat carbon emissions, fuel poverty, and enhance energy efficiency. Recent initiatives, such as the Scottish Government's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045 and ESPC's advocacy for homeowner support, underscore the urgency of this transition.

In January, Edinburgh City Council, alongside neighbouring councils in East and West Lothian and Midlothian, unveiled their Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and Delivery Plans. These blueprints outline a spectrum of approaches, from retrofitting individual heat pumps to integrating with district heating networks, aimed at decarbonising heating systems and boosting energy efficiency in buildings. Stay informed about your local council's proposals to create more energy-efficient homes for the future.

Edinburgh's Roadmap to Decarbonising Home Heating

In its Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), Edinburgh City Council addresses the challenges of upgrading the city's heating systems. With 91% of homes fueled by gas and a significant portion situated in mixed-tenure buildings and conservation areas, innovative solutions are imperative.

The strategy outlines plans for 17 heat network zones covering key areas.  These include New Town, Leith Walk, Old Town & Southside, Gorgie & Dalry, Craigleith, Granton, Leith, Portobello & Seafield, Morningside, South East Edinburgh, Colinton Mains, South West Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt, Sighthill & Gyle, Ingliston, South Queensferry, and Second New Town. These zones leverage various heat sources, including waste heat from breweries and water-source heat pumps, to transition towards eco-friendly district heating systems.

Additionally, ten priority areas, including Lochend Butterfly Way and Fountainbridge, have been identified for air-source heat pumps, catering primarily to mid-rise or high-rise blocks. Other priority areas include Waterfront Park, Robertson Avenue, Oxgangs Avenue, West Pilton Grove, Craigour Place, Elgin Street, Morrison Crescent, and Craighouse Gardens.

Pioneering Eco-Initiatives in West Lothian

West Lothian's LHEES targets retrofitting heat pumps in 61% of homes. Just over 50,000 properties were assessed as ‘highly suited’, while around 15,000 were deemed to be appropriately suited following ‘moderate’ upgrades.

The West Lothian locations with the highest number of properties suitable for heat pump installation are Winchburgh, Bridgend & Philpstoun, Blackridge, Westfield & Torphichen and Linlithgow South.

The strategy encompasses 14 potential heat network zones including the areas around the following locations: Polkemmet Mine Water Treatment Works; Bathgate’s Regal Theatre; the Pyramids business park; Glen Turner Distillery; Livingston Centre; Brucefield Industrial Park; West Calder High School; Dickson Court and Stewart Court in West Calder; Inveralmond High School; Houston Industrial Estate; Broxburn Library; Broxburn Xcite; and East Mains Industrial Estate.

By tapping into diverse heat sources, including distilleries and industrial estates, West Lothian aims to accelerate its transition towards sustainable heating solutions. Notably, the council's focus extends beyond residential areas, with plans to incorporate commercial and industrial sites, such as the Pyramids business park and Glen Turner distillery, into its heat network zones.

East Lothian's Innovative Approach to Energy Efficiency

East Lothian’s LHEES was deemed among the most impressive strategies submitted; it won a Holyrood Climate Action award for its innovative approach to the issues at hand.

East Lothian already has 26 heating networks that could potentially be decarbonised. Alongside this, a nearby heat network in Midlothian, designed to support Shawfair Town, could also be exported to East Lothian. The LHEES estimates that heat network zones could support 80% of homes and 97% of gas-fuelled properties. The proposed coastal heat network, centred at the former Cockenzie Power Station, and the waste heat network utilising resources from Viridor's waste incinerator near Dunbar, exemplify the council's commitment to leveraging local resources for environmental benefit.

In terms of heat pump zones, East Lothian’s more rural areas present more of a challenge. Where residents rely on oil or LPG (liquid petroleum gas), the more likely solution offered by East Lothian’s LHEES is electric-powered heat pumps over the connection to heat networks, although the strategy does suggest that heat networks on a smaller scale may be introduced, using communal heat pumps. Heat pump zone villages include Drem, East Saltoun, Garvald, Gifford, Humbie, Innerwick, Oldhamstocks, Spott, Tyninghame, Stenton, West Saltoun, and Whitekirk.