DYKEHEAD ROAD, AIRDRIE

North Lanarkshire Council’s first net zero homes are being delivered in Airdrie.

CCG (Scotland) has worked with the Council as a strategic affordable housebuilding partner since 2018 where collaborative procurement has helped transform communities across the local authority region with the delivery of over 300 affordable homes.

The Council, like many others, is planning for Scotland’s net zero future with the Scottish Government setting ambitious targets to become net zero by 2045 as well the introduction of the New Homes Heating Standard from April 2024.

In response, North Lanarkshire have teamed with CCG to pilot 19 net zero homes using the CCG Net Zero Home build standard with the homes forming part of a larger-scale, 150-home development known as the Holehills Regeneration.

Works began at Dykehead Road in 2021; the masterplan was once home to a series of mid to high-rise flatted blocks and now, in response to local housing demand, a range of 2,3, and 4-bedroom, low-rise homes are provided alongside a wealth of private and communal amenity space.

The majority of the homes are designed to 2017 Scottish building regs Silver Aspect standard of accreditation achieved through the use of CCG’s enhanced ‘iQ’ Timber System which in itself delivers a 34% betterment on the current baseline accredited build standard in Scotland as well as the use of solar PV panels which are installed on the roof of each dwelling.

This same detailing is used for the net zero homes, however, the integration of low U-Value components and a zero-emissions energy system is utilised to achieve the desired net zero carbon target.

This includes:

• An ASHP (Air-Source Heat Pump) is installed to service each dwelling;
• CCG-manufactured uPVC triple-glazed windows and enhanced composite door sets
• cMEV (centralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation) to support clean air-flow
• An increased number of solar PV panel systems and the addition of battery storage

As a result of improved airtightness and a reduction in thermal bridging from iQ, heat loss is minimised within the home whilst the use of ventilation will ensure that the internal environment remains comfortable and continuous air-flow is seen throughout.

The introduction of battery storage is key in delivering dramatically lower energy costs for the occupier; rather than energy, captured from the panels, being lost, it is captured and stored for later use. This enables occupiers to benefit from variable tariffs and crucially, help to drastically lower fuel costs associated with regulated energy which could be as much as 50% when compared to the current [baseline] standard of build in Scotland.

Dykehead Road is set for completion in 2023.

Client:
North Lanarkshire