This page sets out what we will expect as outcomes for three possible heat development projects for the community heat development programme. Different projects will require different levels of input from you as the community. The tasks we will support you with will reflect the type of project, and how far our support can extend will vary.
What happens in practice with regards to how far this support will take you will be determined by the project’s size, its heat solution and its technical complexity, any challenges identified, and the level of community engagement.
Example 1 – Climate Action Group collective buy
A climate action group looking to collectively buy air source heat pumps and energy efficiency improvements to make it cheaper and easier for householders in their community to transition to net zero.
Initial review by consultant (Stage 1)
This stage will involve two to three days of input from our consultant.
Expected outputs for this stage are a report for you, recommendations for next steps, and a recommendation as to whether to progress for Stage 2 support.
Examples of activities:
- We will review your application.
- We will talk with the climate action group (Zoom).
- We will carry out a remote assessment of the housing stock.
- There will be basic energy modelling for common home types and we will look at technology options and funding options available to you.
- We will create an initial project plan and provide an overview of what collective procurement could entail.
Feasibility study by consultant (Stage 2)
Projects will only progress to stage 2 if they have been approved following an initial review by Local Energy Scotland.
This stage will involve eight to 12 days of input from a consultant. Depending on the project needs, the consultant days may be spread over a longer period.
Expected outputs for this stage are a project plan, a feasibility report, and bespoke outputs depending on project.
Examples of activities:
- There will be training for the community group on the technologies involved.
- We will visit a few example homes in your community.
- You will be asked to review whether you still wish to do the project and will be asked if you understand the risks involved.
- We will provide a specification, tendering information and project plan for you to use for the next procurement stage which will be beyond this support.
- We will signpost to suitable contractors.
- We will help you work with Home Energy Scotland to support householder advice and identify any potential sources of funding.
- We will produce a feasibility study.
What you will need to do
- You will need to raise awareness of your project in your community. This may include creating and distributing leaflets at local community events, attending community meetings.
- You will raise awareness amongst the community of Home Energy Scotland as a source of free, expert and impartial information and advice.
- Should you wish to progress, you will make a plan and identify resource to progress the procurement and delivery stage.
How much progress might you make by the end of our support?
- The consultant should be able to test the project’s feasibility.
- The consultant will also be able to provide a project plan and tendering resources. With the support of your community and good levels of interest you should be able to progress to selecting a contractor.
Example 2 – Shared heat for a block of flats
A group of neighbours in a block of flats that are considering installing a shared heating system to service the block, for example a shared air source heat pump that heats all the properties. It’s likely this might work best where there are already communal arrangements in place, such as shared stairwells and back greens.
Initial review by consultant (Stage 1)
This stage will involve two to three days of input from our consultant.
Expected outputs for this stage are a report for you, recommendations for next steps, and a recommendation as to whether to progress for Stage 2 support.
Examples of activities:
- We will review your application.
- We will talk to lead residents (likely via Zoom).
- There will be basic energy modelling for each home.
- We will carry out an initial assessment of the shared system and its technical viability.
- We will set out other options you could take.
- You will be given an overview of what it might mean for you to own, operate and maintain the system.
Feasibility study by consultant (Stage 2)
Projects will only progress to stage 2 if they have been approved following an initial review by Local Energy Scotland.
This stage will involve eight to 12 days of input from a consultant. Depending on the project needs, the consultant days may be spread over a longer period.
Expected outputs for this stage are a project plan, a feasibility report, and bespoke outputs depending on project.
Examples of activities:
- We will visit the properties (flats) and carry out an energy assessment.
- We will work with you to help you understand the issues around the ownership, operation and maintenance of the system.
- We will run through alternative options available to you and will provide a comparison of how these alternatives might work.
- You will be asked to review whether you still wish to progress the project and if you understand the risks involved.
- You will be given a plan on how to own and operate system.
- We will help you with applying for funding.
- We will produce a specification that can assist with procurement.
- We will create template agreements for the system’s ownership and operation for review.
- We will produce a feasibility study.
What you will need to do
You will provide detailed information to the contractor, e.g. including tenure and management information on shared areas.
- You will allow access to the contractor so that they can complete an energy survey.
- You will hold meetings with all property owners to support project progress.
- You will work with the consultant to agree an ownership and maintenance model.
How much progress might you make by the end of our support?
- You’ll understand the barriers, challenges and other options for your project.
- Where there are aspects of the project that will need further work, these will be explained and next steps advised.
- Where there are no significant technical or ownership issues and shared responsibilities can be agreed, it should be possible to produce a specification in readiness to procure a contractor.
- You might reach a position where you can apply for any relevant/available sources of funding.
Example 3 – Community-led heat network
Subject to restrictions around time/resource requirements and deliverability, a community-led heat network for a village that is off the gas network and which will serve multiple homes as well as potentially neighbouring businesses and other non-domestic properties too.
Initial review by consultant (Stage 1)
This stage will involve two to three days of input from our consultant.
Expected outputs for this stage are a report for you, recommendations for next steps, and a recommendation as to whether to progress for Stage 2 support.
Examples of activities:
- We will review your application.
- We will hold a meeting with lead residents (likely via Zoom).
- There will be basic modelling and a review of building types in the community.
- We will assess the basic viability of the shared system and set out any other options you could take.
- You will be given an overview of what it might mean for you to own, operate and maintain the system.
Feasibility study by consultant (Stage 2)
Projects will only progress to stage 2 if they have been approved following an initial review by Local Energy Scotland.
This stage will involve eight to 12 days of input from a consultant. Depending on the project needs, the consultant days may be spread over a longer period.
Expected outputs for this stage are a project plan, a feasibility report, and bespoke outputs depending on project.
Examples of activities:
- We will carry out a detailed review of the heating options available to you and will visit your community.
- We will attend community meetings being held about your proposed project.
- We will deliver training sessions about heat networks and how they could work in your community.
- We will review different community ownership options available to you and will look at other partnership approaches.
- We will help you understand any regulatory requirements that will need to be addressed.
- We will create a project plan that will include the steps to progress the project through consents, design and construction.
- We will help you compile the information required to apply for development funding.
- We will produce a feasibility study.
What you will need to do
- You will raise awareness of the project in your community.
- You will survey neighbours to gauge local interest and help the consultant to understand the community’s energy needs.
- You will hold awareness raising events in your community and encourage people to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the project.
- Based on our advice, you will need to consider the ownership, operational and maintenance risks.
- You will likely need to set up an organisation to further develop the project.
How much progress might you make by the end of our support?
- You will understand the project’s technical requirements and understand the ownership models.
- You might be ready to apply for funding for full design consents and business plan.
- There’ll still be a lot of work to do.