A PROJECT overseeing home improvements in three Edinburgh estates has been praised by Scotland's Housing Minister for its “energy efficiency”.
The City of Edinburgh Council says its three-year Mixed Tenure Improve Plan is seeing warmer homes, reduced fuel bills and significantly lower carbon emissions across the Murrayburn, Hailesland and Dumbryden estates in Wester Hailes.
One local resident said “the neighbourhood feels refreshed and brighter, and homes feel warmer”.
Another said they had saved 80% off their heating bills as they did not need to turn on the heating during the winter months.
The project, which has had £30 million invested so far, has improved homes with new insulation technologies, as well as installing new roofs, common windows, main doors and door entry systems.
Since work started two years ago, 900 homes have been upgraded, benefitting 670 council tenants and 230 private residents.
The project is due to be completed by the end of 2024.
Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP said: “The City of Edinburgh Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Service programme is making homes more energy efficient so that people are able to live in good quality, warm homes.
“The Scottish Government has provided £36.9 million of funding to the City of Edinburgh Council to fund initiatives like this one in Wester Hailes.
“This is part of a £1.8 billion investment during this parliamentary term to transform the heat and energy efficiency of homes throughout Scotland and help people with their energy bills.
“I am delighted to see the benefits these home improvements will have for residents in Edinburgh.”
Edinburgh Councillor Jane Meagher, who is the local authority's housing, homelessness and fair work convener, said: “It has been fantastic to see the effect this ground-breaking initiative is having.
“The work we've put in is clearly welcomed by local residents, including many of our own tenants, and will have a lasting impact on the community.
“Edinburgh is quite unique in the amount of shared housing we have, with many blocks and estates benefitting from a mix of privately owned homes, rented properties and social housing.
“This project has already increased the lifespan of many of these buildings so that everyone living here now and in the future benefits.”
