CCG Homes has announced the successful completion of a pioneering new private housing development on Granton Waterfront, north Edinburgh.

Comprising 56 one-and-two-bedroom apartments contained within a striking concave building with views towards the Silverknowes Esplanade and Firth of Forth, 'West Shore' is the first of its kind in the city designed to achieve (regulated) 'operational net zero carbon'.

Regulated operational energy is that which is consumed by the building and its controlled fixed services and systems such as heating, hot water, cooling, ventilation, fans, pumps and lighting.

In order to achieve net zero emissions from such services, West Shore will be powered by a hugely innovative, zero-direct emissions heating system – otherwise known as a "clean" or "non-polluting" system.

The new homes will also have a super-insulated building fabric and triple-glazed windows, all of which will combine to minimise heat loss and lower energy in use as well as driving down energy bills.

Calum Murray, Managing Director of CCG Homes, said: "The Scottish Government recently undertook consultation on proposals for a new 'Heat in Buildings Standard' which will require all homes in Scotland to achieve a minimum "good" energy efficiency standard (EPC 'C' rating or above) by undertaking property enhancements and adoption of clean energy systems.

"Carbon emissions arising from our homes account for a third of Scotland's total annual emissions and these potential measures, which could be introduced from as early as 2028, are designed to help our housing sector and wider economy transition to net zero by 2045.


"Their potential introduction is a big step forward to addressing emissions but there are a lot of unknowns to decarbonisation, namely the types of enhancements that need to be made and what this will cost to the household – there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.

"Our purchasers at West Shore do not have to worry about these potential costs as the properties are future-proofed to changes in building standards.

"This means West Shore delivers real added value and generates longer-term savings and when you couple that with the £1.3bn investment by the City of Edinburgh Council in Granton over the coming years, it is a great time to buy in north Edinburgh with CCG Homes."

The heating system in place at West Shore is one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in the UK.

Rather than having a gas boiler in each property, all space heating and hot water requirements will be served by 10, industrial-scale air-source heat pumps and 8, water-to-water pumps which will combine at a centralised location, connecting to each property through an insulated pipe network.

Otherwise known as district heating, homeowners can expect lower fuel bills – saving up to £320 per year – as a result of the efficiencies brought by the system and the enhanced building performance, something which is further complemented by 220 solar PV panels that will be installed on the roof of the apartment block and directly feed each property.

West Shore's sustainability credentials extend beyond carbon emissions; the development forms part of a larger masterplan of new homes that has placed greater emphasis on active travel and reduced vehicle movements.

Two bicycle stores will be provided for each plot which purchasers can use on newly installed active travel infrastructure along the Waterfront, offering direct routes to the surrounding community, the neighbouring district of Newhaven, and the city centre.

A strong level of biodiversity has also been retained and an underground refuse system will be in place to help tackle waste pollution.

Rettie, one of the Capital's leading independent property firms, has partnered with CCG Homes to market the development.

Sarah Curtis, Director of New Homes at Rettie, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with CCG Homes at West Shore. The range of one and two-bedroom properties will be stylish and contemporary and offer a unique living experience in a growing, coastal community, all whilst being within 30 minutes of Waverley Station by bicycle.

"With spacious open-plan layouts, a high-quality finish and a market-leading approach to sustainability, the range of properties speaks to first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers alike, and we look forward to engaging with prospective buyers over the coming weeks and months."