New homes in Linlithgow development to get top eco rating

All 40 new homes at Cala's new Queenswood development in Linlithgow have been designed to achieve an A-grade energy performance certificate

The 40 properties at the Queenswood scheme, by Cala Homes (East), have been designed to achieve an A-grade energy performance certificate (EPC).

The move will ensure residents benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced impact on climate change.

An EPC is required to sell or lease a home in the UK.

The average EPC rating in Scotland is currently graded D.

The housebuilder is the first to create a scheme where all of its homes are A-rated.

Such properties are usually bespoke projects constructed by specialist builders.

“We’re in the realm of the dedicated eco-homes here, created by specialist builders in very small numbers,” said Tom Mitchell, technical director with Cala Homes (East).

The properties benefit from modern styling, with a raft of energy-efficiency measures and eco-friendly additions - such as renewable energy and access to charging for electric vehicles

“All of our new homes across the country are built to be highly-efficient, and taking the decision to design and spec the homes at Queenswood to grade A EPC ratings is an exciting step forward.

“It is testament to the attention to detail of our design team and commitment as a business to sustainability.

“We’re dedicated to providing high specification homes to offer the ultimate contemporary living for our customers.

“Knowing that a home is built with sustainability in mind is a crucial part of that.”

Cala has placed increasing importance on environmental credentials in recent years, with most of its homes in Scotland built to at least a B-grading for energy-efficiency.

To achieve the A-grade, all the Queenswood properties have high-quality double glazing, low-energy lighting, electric vehicle charging provision and eco-friendly insulation.

Modern energy-efficient hot water tanks, which will help maximise use of renewable energy from PV/solar panels, come as standard across all 40 homes.

The sustainable development is set within walking distance of Linlithgow train station and all the key amenities of the town’s high street.

The nearby Union Canal and Linlithgow loch are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, joggers and cyclists.

Potential buyers can view the two five-bedroom showhouses at the site by appointment, with prices for homes in the primary phase starting from £575,000.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.