A new 'green' community development funded by the City of Edinburgh Council and Dunedin Canmore Housing Association has been shortlisted for a prestigious Sustainable Housing award.

The Quarries is built on the site of an old limestone quarry and is in the running for the title of Sustainable Larger Housing Project of the Year in the UK Sustainable Housing Awards.

The Council invested £4.5m from their Affordable Housing Investment Programme to help Dunedin Canmore build the £7m development in Hyvots Mill Road , Gilmerton.

The new sustainable community provides accommodation for 58 older people and boasts under floor heating, photovoltaic roof panels which generate electricity, super insulated walls, a communal gas-fired heating system and a passive solar corridor where the air is warmed by the sun then circulated to help heat the flats.

The building is also 40% more airtight than required by current building regulations and has sections of 'green' (Sedum) roofing to promote biodiversity. Eco-friendly products used in its construction include recycled Marmoleum flooring, non toxic paints, plus timber cladding, kits and windows from FSC certified forests.

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The development also has a pond to attract wildlife.

Councillor Paul Edie, Housing Leader for Edinburgh , said: "The Council and other public bodies have demanding targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. The Quarries is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local authorities work in partnership with the private sector.

"Not only is this development providing much-needed affordable homes in the city but it is also helping tenants financially thanks to the 'green' measures built into the homes.

"These are difficult economic times and anything that helps people manage their household budgets is great news."

Ewan Fraser, Dunedin Canmore Chief Executive, said: "The main philosophy behind the design and construction of The Quarries was promoting healthy living and creating a sustainable community to ensure quality of life for tenants would dramatically increase.

"The development has transformed the area and created comfortable, modern housing for 58 people. With fuel prices rocketing, its 'green' technology will also help cut residents' energy bills.

"The tenants have already told us they love their new homes but reaching the finals of these UK awards is fantastic news for everyone involved in the project. Hopefully we'll go on to lift the title in October."

The next phase of development next to The Quarries will see 60 homes being built (18 for shared ownership and 42 for social rent). The project will see a number of renewable options in place and is due for completion in May 2011.

The Quarries was also a finalist in the Senior Housing Development of the Year category of the recent Scottish Home Awards.

The awards ceremony is taking place in London , on Friday 21 October.

(GK)