Belfry wins multi-million EcoPod contract
AWARD-winning energy-saving pioneer The Belfry Group is celebrating after winning a multi-million pound deal to supply its EcoPod heating systems to a Scottish housing association.
The win is the Warrington company’s first contract in Scotland. The contract will see it supply heating and hot water to 542 multi-storey homes let by the Queens Cross Housing Association in Glasgow.
The installation of the EcoPods will save residents 40% on their heating bills.
The deal is for seven EcoPods and, in addition to cutting fuel bills, the new systems will also help to dramatically reduce each building’s carbon footprint.
The multi award-winning system, which has already been installed in a number of developments in England, is fixed onto the roof of buildings and uses solar panels and highly efficient cascade boilers to provide heating and hot water for homes.
Keith Rimmer, managing director of EcoPod Heating Systems, which is collaboration between Belfry Group and engineering giant Carillion said: “This is the first installation we’ve undertaken in Scotland and it will transform this development into one of the greenest in the country.
“The EcoPod was specifically designed to help tackle fuel poverty in high-rise buildings. As well as reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions by more than 40%, the system also features an innovative Building Management System (BMS), which automatically alerts landlords when ‘at risk’ tenants fail to adequately heat their properties.”
Louise Smith, director of property services for the Queens Cross Housing Association, said: “Raising the energy efficiency of homes is the most sustainable way to tackle fuel poverty.
“Indications from comparison sites with EcoPod and ground source heat pump systems indicate that our tenants will see significant savings on their fuel bills.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of using innovative technology to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage.”
The first EcoPod was installed in Hyde three years ago and has since won a string of awards, including The BusinessDesk.com’s North West Innovator title 2012, Product Of The Year at the Housing Excellence Awards 2012, and Most Innovative Use of Renewable Technology at the Housing Innovation Awards 2012.
