The development, the largest of its kind in Glasgow, is at an advanced stage of construction and due to complete in summer. It will comprise 36 flats, over six storeys, and has been created to meet Passivhaus Standard which reduces the building’s carbon footprint and contributes towards the Scottish Government’s target for emissions from heating buildings to reach zero by 2045.

At the visit, coordinated by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Mr Harvie heard how these ultra-low energy buildings require little energy use for heating or cooling which, in turn, helps address fuel poverty.

Minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants’ rights, Patrick Harvie, said: “We want everyone to have a safe, warm affordable home that meets their needs. I was delighted to be able to visit the Springfield Cross development and hear first-hand about the benefits that these homes, delivered with over £4 million of Scottish Government grant funding, are expected to bring to tenants.

“This project will provide much-needed affordable homes in the East End of Glasgow that are high-quality, energy-efficient homes, built to Passivhaus standard, contributing to our affordable homes target and helping us on our way to achieving our net zero ambitions.” 

Brian Gannon, chief executive of WSHA, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to our first Passivhaus site and show him the innovative features that make these homes the gold standard of energy efficiency.

“We will welcome our first tenants in the summer, and they will benefit from lower energy use which will help address fuel poverty. Our Passivhaus developments are a key part of our Green Strategy which highlights how we will achieve a greener and more sustainable future in the coming years.”

Carolyn Lochhead, director of public affairs and communications, SFHA, said: “Our members are working hard to tackle climate change, and WSHA’s development demonstrates how housing associations are at the forefront of building homes using innovative, highly energy-efficient, sustainable methods of construction.

“Scotland’s social housing sector is leading progress in reducing emissions, with over half of its stock already achieving a good level of energy efficiency. By working together with the Scottish Government, and other partners, our members will continue to play their fullest part in tackling the climate emergency.”

As a development partner of hub West Scotland, the project was procured through its pre-procured Contractors Framework, and CCG (Scotland) Ltd was appointed as the preferred developer. The project was funded with a Scottish Government grant of £4.3 million through Glasgow City Council’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme as well as WSHA’s private finance.