The Scottish government has announced a new Greener Homes Innovation Scheme, which is set to deliver a £10m fund to create hundreds of eco-friendly homes and bring down heating bills.

The scheme will employ modern, environmentally friendly methods of off-site construction, whereby walls, floors, pipes, kitchen and roof are assembled in a factory then transported to the building site.

The techniques ensure a faster construction process, reduced waste and less disruption to the environment.

New research from Edinburgh Napier University predicts that the off-site manufacturing sector in Scotland could grow to be worth £240m over the next five years. The University has already been in discussion with Russia and the USA over potential trade for Scottish firms.

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Exports are projected to grow from £5m to £50m and lead to the creation of over 500 jobs in the off-site manufacturing sector.

Speaking in Glasgow during a visit to off-site manufacturer, City Building, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure Investment and Cities, Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Scotland's house-building industry makes a sizeable contribution to Scotland's economic prosperity.

"Houses are key sources of carbon emissions so new technologies are essential to ensure we deliver energy efficient and low carbon affordable homes.

Philip Hogg, Chief Executive of industry body Homes for Scotland said:

"The Greener Homes Innovation Scheme is just one of the creative measures which is being utilised to secure new opportunities through the low-carbon economy, demonstrating that there has never been a better time to invest in a newly-built home.”

(IT)