Midlothian Council has taken a first place in the Scottish National Renewables League 2012/13 category for heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, for using solar panels on its latest affordable housing developments.
The Council was presented with a certificate at the awards ceremony in Glasgow by Alyn Smith MEP, who said:
“Councils and communities have shown they mean business, taking control of locally owned renewables for their future.This has been reflected in the strength of competition and the high levels of support from Councils across Scotland and the Scottish Government. The importance of these awards is clear, ‘communities are making a difference’.”
Midlothian Council reported that it was one the first Scottish councils to take action and address the shortage of affordable housing by building more homes. It committed £108 million to a first phase which was completed in August 2012, with a total of 864 new homes built across Midlothian. The second phase involves a further £63 million which will mean a total of up to 1500 new council homes, equipped with renewable technologies, for Midlothian people.