EIGHTY housing association properties in rural Argyll are to be given an energy overhaul and upgrade by Procast.
The £950,000 project got under way at the start of this week and will see substantial improvements to homes in Arrochar, Tighnabruaich, Dunoon, Tarbert, Helensburgh, Campbeltown and on the isle of Islay.
All properties will have their current wet electric heating apparatus replaced by Air Source Heat Pump systems.
With a wet central heating system, a central heat source (usually a boiler) produces hot water which is distributed around the property, heating radiators and becoming available for use from hot taps and showers.
An ASHP works by transferring heat absorbed from the outside air to an indoor space.
The new set-up will help tenants reduce their energy costs and help clients Argyll Community Housing Association work towards their carbon-reduction targets.
Needless to say, the wide geographical spread of the properties will present challenges for Procast in terms of getting their teams and materials to their locations on time.
All the work is being carried out to government-recognised PAS2035 and Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards.
The project forms part of ACHA’s long-term PAS2035 retrofit programme and is similar to the WHHA ASHP contract just completed by Procast in Oban.
It will feature the latest Vaillaint aroTherm Plus ASHP systems and it is being delivered through the Procurement for Housing framework.
A Procast spokesman said: “We are extremely proud to be awarded our first large-scale renewables project from ACHA and are looking forward to building a strong partnership and supporting the ACHA team in achieving the PAS2035 retrofit ambitions.
“This project helps secure our commitment to establishing a strong delivery model in the Argyll & Bute Area.”
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