Solar-powered revamp hailed as blueprint for sustainable living in social housing
A GROUNDBREAKING retrofit project has transformed a block of sheltered flats in Kirkintilloch – cutting carbon emissions, halving energy bills.
An ambitious £2.1 million energy upgrade at Kelvin Court has been named Large Scale Project of the Year at the prestigious Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards 2025. The award recognises the scale and impact of the work, which has dramatically improved the lives of older and vulnerable residents.
The project was delivered by Hanover Scotland Housing Association in partnership with Union Technical, a leading energy services provider. Together, they undertook an extensive retrofit across 35 homes at the development, introducing innovative technologies and insulation methods that have radically boosted energy performance.
Work at the site included the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, triple-glazed windows, external and cavity wall insulation, and high heat retention storage heaters. A full roof replacement completed the comprehensive programme of enhancements.
Crucially, the measures have lifted the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of each flat from a low D to a far more efficient B. The results are already evident: residents are seeing their annual energy bills drop from £539 to just £268 – almost a 50% saving.
Funding was secured from multiple sources, with £537,977 awarded from the Scottish Government’s Housing Net Zero Heat Fund to support Hanover’s investment in the scheme.
Clare Dodd, Head of Investment and Sustainability at Hanover Scotland, said the project represents a step change in social housing energy standards.
“We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Union Technical to deliver this transformative project at Kelvin Court. These works reflect Hanover Scotland’s ongoing commitment to providing safe, sustainable, and future-proofed homes for our tenants. It is rewarding to see the immediate impact on both the energy performance of the building and the comfort of our residents.”
A standout feature of the Kelvin Court retrofit is the use of the Allume Solshare system, a smart solar energy-sharing grid. The technology allows solar energy generated on-site to be fairly distributed between individual flats, ensuring maximum benefit across the community.
The energy produced is stored in high heat retention heaters within each home, giving tenants greater flexibility over when and how they use their heating. This approach reduces waste and increases efficiency, especially during peak demand periods.
In addition to the energy improvements, the project also prioritised the communal outdoor areas. The garden space was revitalised to include accessible seating areas, raised flower beds and a new drying green. These additions promote wellbeing and encourage neighbourly interaction among residents.
Chris Cogan, Construction Director at Union Technical, said the project demonstrates what’s possible when sustainability is built into every stage of the process.
“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability. The improvements at Kelvin Court will have a long-lasting positive impact, making homes warmer, more affordable to heat, and more enjoyable to live in.”
The national recognition from the Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards places the project among the country’s most successful retrofit case studies and highlights the commitment of housing providers like Hanover to future-proofing their properties.
Kelvin Court now stands as a leading example of how older housing stock can be upgraded to modern environmental standards, while improving quality of life for residents.
The success also forms part of Hanover’s broader mission to lead Scotland’s social housing sector in sustainability and carbon reduction – aligned with national net zero goals.
Work was carried out with minimal disruption to tenants, thanks to clear communication, phased scheduling and strong community engagement.
Looking ahead, Hanover and Union Technical hope the success at Kelvin Court can act as a model for other retrofit initiatives across the country.
