Case studies offer guidance for social housing decarbonisation
Changeworks’ research team was recently commissioned by ClimateXChange to compile a series of social housing decarbonisation case studies from projects across Scotland.
Changeworks’ research team was recently commissioned by ClimateXChange to compile a series of social housing decarbonisation case studies from projects across Scotland.
The team’s evaluation of these studies offers valuable insights for other social landlords looking to meet their own climate targets and other legal requirements. An outline of the research and key recommendations can be found below.
Decarbonisation of social housing
Changeworks’ summary report on Social Decarbonisation Case Studies looks at eight decarbonisation projects commissioned between 2021 and 2023. The analysis identifies both common successes and challenges in social housing retrofits.
What case studies were included?
The Changeworks researchers chose eight case studies from a range of social housing projects across Scotland:
- Angus Housing Association – Kirkbank Renewable Heat Project
- Grampian Housing Association – Mackenzie Gardens’ Zero Emission Heating Project
- Hebridean Housing Partnership – Hebridean Heat Pumps Project
- Maryhill Housing Association – North-west Glasgow Replacement Heating Project
- North Lanarkshire Council – Lorne Gardens Air Source Heat Pumps Project
- Osprey Housing – Moray and Aberdeenshire Heat Pumps 2021 Project
- Queens Cross Housing Association – Regeneration of Cedar Multistorey Flats in Woodside Project
- Rural Stirling Housing Association – Old Kirk Loan and Craigmore View Heat Replacement Programme
The majority of these projects replaced old and inefficient storage heaters with air source heat pumps alongside energy efficiency upgrades. Several also included solar panel and battery storage, and one achieved a deep energy retrofit.
One project installed three commercial-sized heat pumps, forming a heat network for 20 households, whilst another upgraded a tower block to electric wet central heating.
The average investment per home ranged from £10,000 to £50,000.
What were the findings?
The research team identified four key areas, showcasing both best practice and recurring challenges.
Tenant engagement
The report recommends a mixed method approach to tenant engagement. Examples from across the case studies included face-to-face events, in-person demonstration of new heating systems, and employing tenant liaison officers.
Impact evaluation
Impact evaluation should be planned at the very start of the project, because a robust impact evaluation process ensures proper assessment of project outcomes and supports refinement of future projects.
Pilot projects
With decarbonisation projects involving multiple buildings, beginning with a smaller pilot project can be beneficial. Pilot projects help identify and address challenges, avoiding replication at a larger scale. They also reduce disruption and help focus tenant support.
Project management and costs
Involving a project manager from the start of the project means they can help with procurement. There may be a cost for this service, and this should be taken into account. Other unexpected costs included meter changes, changes required for planning permission, and contributions to improve electricity network infrastructure.
Find out more and download the full report here.