The initiative is part of the council’s efforts to meet its 2045 net zero targets, in line with the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy.

The project aims to reduce energy costs, improve lifestyles and make homes warmer for residents, while addressing fuel poverty. Focusing on properties which have a low energy efficiency rating and are amongst the most in need of energy efficiency upgrades to meet Scotland’s energy standards. This is a mixed-tenure project and available to both privately owned and council properties.

Councillor Sarah Fanet, chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “It is wonderful to see the council delivering a mixed tenure project which offers significant benefits to Highland residents, aligning with Net Zero targets and housing standards. This project is an exemplar for building future mixed-tenure retrofit projects which can attract various sources of external funding, aligning with the Council’s ambition to reduce fuel poverty across the region.”

Anticipated benefits of the project include lower energy bills, improved home comfort, and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Some properties are expected to see significant increases in their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, potentially increasing ratings from E to B. The improvements are expected to make homes not only more energy efficient but also more affordable to maintain in the long term.

The council is delivering the project in partnership with Union Technical Services Limited, which is the council’s approved Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS) contractor. A video which outlines the project can be seen here.

Michael Sweeney, director, Union Technical Services, said: “We are delighted to be delivering the scheme in Caol. This will give the whole area a lift in terms of aesthetics but more importantly we will be reducing fuel bills and giving residents a better quality of life and a warmer home to live in.”

Multiple funding streams, including Scottish Government EES:ABS, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding, SSE Renewable grant and Council Housing Capital budget, have been secured to enable the council to have a wider impact and achieve economies of scale.

Lindsay Dougan, senior manager, SSE Renewables said: “The Highland Energy Efficiency Programme is a great example of partners working together to support the needs of the Highlands. SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund has provided £1.8 million to the programme to ensure households in extreme fuel poverty are supported to have the warmer, energy efficient homes they need.”

This project builds on the success of the council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme, which has been shortlisted as a finalist for The Scottish Green Energy Awards in two award categories; Outstanding Project Award and Carbon Reduction Award.