Set to start on site, the project for Cairn Housing Association in Wick will see the refurbishment of properties to the Enerphit standard for retrofit properties.

Enerphit takes the same principles of Passivhaus, where the design ensures; air tightness, the removal of cold bridging, high insulation levels and good air quality.

Combined with renewable heating, the standard minimises the performance gap to ensure the tenant sees real benefits of low fuel costs with a healthy home environment.

Scott Henderson, associate quantity surveyor at Hardies, said: “We are delighted to be part of this important and innovative pilot scheme. The Enerphit Standard is an essential step forward in achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions for existing housing stock.”

Mathilde MacDonald from Cairn Housing Association added: “Not only it is essential for Cairn Housing to carry out this project, considering the fast-approaching challenges to reach net zero carbon, it is also supports the Scottish Government plan on kickstarting this transition to Net Zero, expand awareness and capabilities of local contractors and promoting the supply chains in rural areas.”

Working alongside Hardies on the project are John Gilbert Architects and contractor GMR Henderson.