Stewart Milne Homes has won the Homes for Scotland award for Best Low Carbon Initiative after impressing judges with the delivery of its first low energy and low carbon homes in Portlethen and Prestonpans.

Judges highlighted the implementation of lessons learned on previous low carbon projects and praised the 'highly liveable' nature of the super insulated and energy efficient homes. The panel also noted the housebuilder’s development of a cost-effective timber frame product as well as its involvement with the innovative AIMC4 Consortium which is working to benefit the housebuilding industry as a whole.

John Slater, Group Managing Director – Homes, said: "The country has ambitious targets for a zero carbon future and we are keen to ensure we can meet the carbon agenda as well as build homes that are affordable and desirable. We are proud that Homes for Scotland has recognised our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable building."

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The new homes, at Leathan Fields in Portlethen and Athena Grange in Prestonpans, were built as part of the ground-breaking £6.4m AIMC4 project. The properties demonstrate how innovative design based on a fabric first approach to building can reduce costs, increase speed of build and deliver significant energy efficiencies without the need for additional micro-renewable technologies.

The ‘Best Partnership in Planning’ category also saw a commendation for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s Planning Modernisation Group, which was submitted by Stewart Milne Homes.

The group, which included representatives from the development sector, the planning authorities, infrastructure providers, and the communities, has delivered tangible results in bringing about a culture change in the planning system in the North East. Judges were particularly impressed by the wide range of participants involved in the scheme, while the positive feedback from those involved underlined the importance of the mission.

John Low, Managing Director – Stewart Milne Homes North, commented: "As a fast growth region, getting the planning and housing requirements right is crucial. This partnership has been an example of excellence and I am proud that Stewart Milne Homes has been a part of this move towards effective partnership working."

(GK)