Fintry Development Trust (FDT), a local charity specialising in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability, has completed a ground-breaking renewable energy project at Balgair Castle Holiday Park in the village of Fintry, Stirlingshire.
The £600,000 project was supported by Npower, Stirling Council, and the Scottish Government. It consists of a fully designed and installed biomass district heating system, supplying 26 residential homes and the holiday park’s bar & bistro with heating and hot water, while the community is set to benefit by a 20% reduction in heating costs.
Sandra Burke, Park Manager, Balgair Castle Holiday Park, said: “The residents are our top priority and I am positive this heating system will add great value to the park’s sustainability and customer satisfaction. The system is more energy efficient and provides a superior quality of heating than previous individual heating systems. In addition, more affordable heating will improve health and welfare long-term.”
The biomass district heating system includes a woodchip-fuelled boiler with network of underground pipes and provides a cost-effective and environment-friendly space heating and hot water solution.
Matthew Black, Senior Energy Adviser, FDT, commented: “This prestigious project will benefit the community as the income from heat sales and the Renewable Heat Incentive is directed to Fintry Development Trust to be redistributed within the local community for further environmental and socially sustainable projects.
“As the result the local community is strengthened socially, economically and environmentally. The project can be easily replicated in other rural communities throughout the UK.”
In 2007, Fintry became the first community in the UK to enter a joint venture with a windfarm developer. As a result, Fintry owns 1/15th (2.5MW) of Earlsburn Windfarm. Fintry Development Trust (FDT) was established to manage the resulting income from Earlsburn and develop local energy and sustainability projects on behalf of the Fintry community.
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