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Sustainable housing guide for Scotland

Posted: 08/03/2007

The fully revised and expanded 'Sustainable Housing Design Guide for Scotland", which was funded by Communities Scotland and the Sustainable Development Commission, was launched at the end of January and is available as a free download from the Communities Scotland website: http://www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk/

The guide now has 23 Scottish demonstration housing case studies, including 13 which have been revisited to see how they have performed and what lessons can be learnt. SEDA member Fionn Stevenson authored the guide together with Nick Williams, and with production assistance from another SEDA member, Anna Poston.

Rhona Brankin, MSP, Minister for Communities, commenting on the newly revised guide, said.. "We cannot really say we have improved people’s lives in the long-term or a meaningful way unless we make sure we are doing this in ways that do not have a negative impact on the environment, society or the economy".

"Housing has a major contribution to make to both social justice and sustainable development. The link between fuel poverty and ill health is proven, so we need far-reaching energy-efficiency measures that enable us to meet our target of lifting everyone in Scotland out of fuel poverty by 2016".

"Housing has an equally strong contribution to make in other areas, too. Responsible house-building will help reduce waste and pollution, make better use of available resources and help bring down carbon emissions. By taking action, we can tackle the big issues – like climate change – while saving tenants and home owners money".

"Housing associations have been leading the way on both fronts for many years. The real challenge is for the wider housing movement to learn from their experiences. The examples in this guide demonstrate that. They show us best practice – best practice that now needs to become commonplace, routine and mainstream. This guide provides the practical steps that will make a real difference across the whole of Scotland".

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