Sustainability
Our work on sustainability and helping to deliver a just transition to a net zero-carbon economy
A key theme of our five year strategy
Scotland declared a climate emergency in 2019. Since then, the Scottish Government has introduced legislation and policy to ensure the social housing sector achieves long-term sustainability goals – as housing alone contributes up to 14% of the national greenhouse gas emissions.
For us, sustainability means improving the thermal efficiency of our homes, looking after greenspaces, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable travel options (amongst many other things) Our strategy aims to ensure we have quality, affordable, and environmentally low-impact homes for future generations.
We know we cannot achieve these ambitious goals without our tenants help and input, as you our customers are at the forefront of this pathway towards net zero. To help start this process, we would really like to find out more about your thoughts and feelings on this subject. If you could take just a couple of minutes to complete our quick questionnaire, that would be of great help to us.
Introducing Liam McGuckin, our Sustainability Co-ordinator
Introducing a ‘Green’ job into the organisation has brought a stronger focus into this vitally important area for us. We all have a role to play, from the little changes we can make in our daily lives to the bigger organisational changes. Smarter choices make for a better greener future.
We’re really proud to have Liam as our Sustainability Co-ordinator. Working together across all sectors we can create a workforce with the required skills and understanding of sustainability. The role can help guide us in the right direction and champion this great cause.
Find out more about Scotland’s green journey and the current campaign to get support across all sectors.
Scotland’s green journeyConnected Response Loadswitch customer trial
We are currently trialling a device with a few of our customers, that is installed with your storage heaters to make your heating more efficient and comfortable, using weather data to store the right amount of heat overnight.
If this trial is successful then we may roll it out across more of our tenants.
Your storage heater will work the same way as before, with the input and output dials. The Loadswitch runs automatically in the background. If you want to adjust any settings, you can call a freephone number for assistance.
If you are part of this trial you will receive a leaflet explaining how it works and we will be asking you for your individual heating requirements. This mean that for the first time, you can have a heating system specifically designed for your needs – all you need to do is tell us when you want to be warm.
Potentially. It optimises energy use and can reduce bills.
You will need a smart meter if your home has Radio Teleswitch (RTS) metering. Please see below for more information.
If you don’t have Radio Teleswitch you don’t have to have a smart meter but a smart meter can give you access to better tariffs (e.g., E10), potentially saving more money and providing you with more heat later in the day.
If your home has Radio Teleswitch (RTS) metering, you will need to contact your utility provider to upgrade to a smart meter before June 30, 2025, as the RTS service will end on this date.
You can stay with your existing supplier. Though, we recommend enquiring about the best tariffs.
An E10 tariff is a type of electricity tariff that offers cheaper rates at three different times during the day and night. These off-peak times are usually:
Early morning: 4.30 am – 7.30 am
Afternoon: 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Evening: 8.30 pm – 12.30 pm
With an E10 tariff and the Connected Response Loadswitch, your storage heaters can charge during these cheaper periods, helping you save money and have heat when you need it most.
The work will take approximately 1 hour and we will attempt to make appointments that suit.
It will be fitted on your electricity meter board.
No, the new Loadswitch will be installed on your electricity meter board. There will be a new hot water switch in your kitchen replacing the older timer and a temperature sensor in your living room.
As part of the project, we can arrange to replace any burned-out elements or damaged Input/Output knobs – just let the Maintenance team know.
It will enable us to check your home temperature to ensure you are getting the heat that you asked for.
No. We have secured funding from the South of Scotland Enterprise that will cover the cost of the hardware, its installation, and running costs.
The sensor will use your living room’s temperature and humidity levels to ensure optimal performance.
However, if we require energy usage information, we will ask for your permission.
We strongly recommend taking advantage of the Connected Response service. This opportunity is designed to optimise your electric storage heaters, making your heating more efficient and potentially saving you money on energy bills.
If your home has Radio Teleswitch metering, it is important to note that you will need to upgrade to a smart meter before June 2025, as the RTS service will end on this date. This upgrade is an essential step to ensuring your heating system continues to function properly.
We will provide a freephone number for Connected Response after the works are completed.
In addition, our Energy Advisor, will be able to assist with your heating, energy supplier / tariff, and smart meter queries.
Otherwise, please contact your Housing Officer or Maintenance Officer for more general queries.
If you live at Teviot Court or Frank Scott Court, our Care Service staff will be able to assist you where necessary.