______ Project Overview

Western Villages is set to be Scotland’s largest net zero housing development, providing 444 new houses in Granton, Edinburgh as part of the £1.3bn Granton Waterfront Development Framework.
Developed for Edinburgh City Council in partnership with Cooper Cromar and CCG Scotland, Western Villages will provide a housing mix of one, two and three bedrooms flats that will be made available for affordable (193) and mid-market rent (195) as well as 56 homes for private sale.

Western Villages supports Edinburgh City Council’s vision for a more sustainable way of living and will assist in the delivery of its ambitious target to become ‘net zero’ by 2030. The Granton masterplan will not only deliver homes that have enhanced energy performance but will also act as an exemplar of low carbon transport and active travel integration.

______ Our Scope

Carbon Futures was appointed as independent energy and sustainability consultants to develop a low-carbon energy strategy for this net zero development, future-proofed against upcoming government legislation. Our focus was to adopt an enhanced fabric strategy through the use of off-site manufactured timber frame together with triple glazed windows and insulated doorsets to minimise space heating energy demand and create a thermally comfortable environment. Western Villages presents an excellent example of delivering large-scale regeneration that has been designed beyond the minimum building standards.

______ Details

Heating and hot water is provided via a zero direct emissions district heating solution featuring both air and water source heat pump systems. The system distributes hot water to each dwelling via an insulated underground pipe network that connects to individual Heat Interface Units (HIU) within each apartment. Solar PV connected directly to each apartment was also proposed to further minimise energy demand.

______Awards

2025 Unlock Net Zero Award Winner: Collaboration of the Year – Partnership

______Project Partners

Cooper Cromar CCG Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council