Mark Group has started work on the installation of cavity wall and loft insulation in 27 developments across the City of Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians.

The developments include around 950 sheltered and mainstream housing properties owned by Viewpoint.

The work is being undertaken as a result of Mark Group winning the tender and completing a pilot project to demonstrate its capabilities in 22 initial properties, and will now undertake phase two which is due for completion at the end of January 2014.

Graeme Swanson, ICIOB Maintenance Officer at Viewpoint, said: "Ultimately the aim is to keep our tenants warm this winter, but more widely Viewpoint is seeking to improve the energy efficiency of our properties, to reduce carbon emissions, and to achieve the requirements of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.

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"Working with Mark Group we are confident the team can carry out installation to the remainder of identified developments in accordance with approved technical requirements and to the agreed timescales, making allowance for any permit requirements to allow adequate and safe access to cavity walls."

Up to 35% of all home heat loss is through the walls, and insulating the wall cavity is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a home and can reduce energy bills by up to £140 per year.

Lorraine Dunsire, business development manager at Mark Group, added: "Viewpoint's housing is typically one or two bedroom flats and often occupied by older tenants, so it's important that the work is completed before the end of January 2014, to bring them the best benefits in terms of energy savings."

Mark Group will provide Viewpoint with appropriate guarantees and certification following final completion of the project.

(JP/CD)