Findhorn Ecovillage focus of Scottish Government’s Local Government Housing and Planning Committee
A committee from the Scottish Parliament has visited Moray’s ecovillage to see how environmentally sound heating systems work.
The Local Government Housing and Planning Committee visited The Park, Findhorn ahead of expected scrutiny of legislation on heating and climate change.
Green MSP and Forres resident, Ariane Burgess, confirmed The Park has 125 ‘ecologically-benign’ buildings, including 26 affordable homes, using solar water heating systems, energy from four wind turbines, and has both a biological ‘living machine’ waste water treatment system and a biomass boiler.
She said: “The project has won a variety of awards and the ecological footprint of residents is half the UK average.
“It’s a leading example of a carbon-friendly, sustainable and affordable housing community.
“The visit provided an opportunity for the committee to see the latest renewable heating systems and technology in action.
“This will be valuable in our scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s expected legislation on heating systems and when we review its Climate Change Plan.”
The Scottish Government announced a delay to the introduction of the Heat in Buildings Bill last month - the legislation will be reconsidered to ensure it could tackle both fuel poverty and net-zero ambitions.
The group met residents and community members while touring the affordable eco-housing at the site, viewed the innovative heating systems installed as part of the development, and visited a woodland conservation area.
The committee will scrutinise the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Bill and Climate Change Plan in the coming months.
Executive director of The Park-based social enterprise, Duneland Ltd, Eian Smith, was delighted to welcome the delegation.
He said: “We showcased our affordable housing projects, innovative designs and heating systems.
“We hope they may be able to support the Scottish Parliament's sustainability ambitions."
