BUILDING services specialist Arc-Tech (Scotland) has provided details of its role in supporting the construction of 75 new net zero homes in Granton, Edinburgh.
The firm offers turnkey M&E solutions and will work alongside CCG on the delivery of ‘Granton D1’ on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, the first pilot project of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) initiative, which is testing a new model for designing, procuring and delivering new homes in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.
Granton D1 also forms part of the local authority’s £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront regeneration project, which will result in 3,500 net zero homes.
In order to achieve net zero carbon, all of the homes, which will be available for affordable housing, have been designed with an ‘enhanced’ building fabric and triple-glazed windows to improve airtightness, lower heat loss, and reduce demand for energy. Solar panels will be installed to the roof of each flatted block alongside an electric, zero-emissions heating system delivered by an on-site energy centre.
Operating similarly to a conventional district heating system, the centre will contain a series of air source and water source heat pumps that combine to heat water up to 65C before being distributed via an insulated pipe network that connects to a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) in each plot that feeds all radiators and instantaneous sources of hot water. Arc-Tech will additionally install sprinkler systems which will be integrated as part of current fire safety regulations in new build flatted developments.
Post-occupancy evaluation will be undertaken by Edinburgh Napier University to validate performance and inform strategy for future EHD projects.
John Gallacher, Arc-Tech (Scotland) MD, said, “Building services are integral to achieving net zero carbon in new housebuilding. Over the last three years, we have undertaken a great deal of applied research and development into new technologies and how they can be utilised to support developments of any scale and form at best value.
“The district heating network at Granton D1 is a great example of where our expertise has helped the Council transition from gas to electric via an entirely tailored, cost-effective solution that we believe can not only be delivered across more development but also transferred to the commercial/industrial sectors too, It’s an incredibly exciting time for our Arc-Tech and our industry and we are delighted to be playing our part in Scotland’s net zero future.”
The Granton D1 project feeds into the 20-minute neighbourhood approach, which promotes active travel, public transport, and local amenities. Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points will be provided.
John Gallacher added, “Lowering fossil fuel consumption is of great importance and with increasing demand for electric vehicles, we have taken great care to position ourselves as a leading provider for domestic and commercial charging solutions. Complementary to our specialist capabilities in renewables and sprinkler system installations, Arc-Tech will continue to be at the forefront of new, innovative technologies to support our client’s needs.”
Construction is set for completion in late 2023.
