Latest news with #SocialHousingNetZeroStandard
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
North Lanarkshire tenants benefit from new windows and doors at their homes
As part of the council's housing investment, hundreds of homes are receiving high-quality window and door replacements through a £28 million contract with Sidey Solutions, running from January 2025 to January 2027. Tenants across North Lanarkshire are already benefiting from the council's £90.6 million Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for 2025/26, with the installation of new windows and doors bringing added warmth, energy savings, and improved security for residents. As part of the council's housing investment, hundreds of homes are receiving high-quality window and door replacements through a £28 million contract with Sidey Solutions, running from January 2025 to January 2027. This forms part of the £45m planned investment in triple glazed windows and high-performance doors. The results are already making a difference to tenants like Joan Keenan in Newarthill who recently welcomed Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of Housing, into her home to see the improvements first-hand. 'This major investment will make a real and lasting difference to our tenants, keeping their homes safer, warmer, and more energy-efficient,' said Councillor McPake. 'It's fantastic to visit residents like Joan and see how these upgrades are already improving daily life. We're delivering on our promise to modernise our housing stock and support our communities with high-quality, energy-efficient homes.' Tenant Joan Keenan couldn't be more pleased with the results. 'The new windows and door have made a huge difference, and although just fitted a few weeks ago, my home already feels so much warmer and brighter,' she said. 'The fitters were brilliant and were finished in just a few hours and didn't leave any mess. They even managed to do it all without disturbing my garden, which I really appreciated.' The window and door installations form a key part of North Lanarkshire Council's wider housing investment programme, which includes: Over 1,300 solar panel installations, modern heating systems, and insulation improvements to help reduce energy bills by up to 30 per cent. New kitchens and bathrooms in homes reaching their renewal stage. Ongoing investment in window and door replacements, external wall insulation, and triple glazing. Installation of sprinklers in high-rise blocks and fire-rated doors in low-rise and sheltered housing. Upgrades to retirement housing, including new lifts and improved access for older tenants. This comprehensive programme supports the council's long-term goals to meet national housing standards, including EESSH2 and the upcoming Social Housing Net Zero Standard, helping ensure every tenant in North Lanarkshire has a home that's fit for the future. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Home improvement specialist CR Smith announces 40 new jobs
CR Smith is working with 10 of Scotland's 32 local authorities, with more contracts in the pipeline as it aims to build on this success. The company, which has been a cornerstone of Scottish business since Gerard Eadie CBE took over in 1972, has invested heavily to expand its public sector capabilities. This includes state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery, establishing a new internal infrastructure and a significant investment in jobs as well as its pioneering apprenticeship programmes with Fife College. In addition to anticipating tighter regulations on standards to align social housing with government-set net-zero targets, the investment also addressed local authorities' needs for excellent service for their tenants. With over 50 years of experience in designing and installing windows in Scottish homes, CR Smith offers unmatched expertise. According to the UK Government Climate Change Committee, approximately 25% of the UK's carbon emissions are attributed to homes, driving a focus on ensuring that the existing housing stock aligns with the new regulations and targets set by the government. Gerard Eadie CBE, founder and chairman at CR Smith (Image: The Picture Agency) The Scottish Government's 'fabric first' approach, which focuses on a property's thermal efficiency over the environmental credentials of the energy source, has proven highly effective within broader Scottish Government initiatives, such as the Social Housing Net Zero Standard. CR Smith Chairman, Gerard Eadie, said the company's foresight in setting up the business to meet the evolving demands of local authorities has been crucial to securing contracts, as has its long-standing reputation for manufacturing and installing high-quality windows specifically for Scottish homes. He said: 'The current public sector focus on sustainability goals means both the window design and its installation must be of the highest quality to meet energy efficiency targets – and in addition to our exceptional service that is exactly what we provide to all our customers, both private homeowners and social tenants. 'Because of our experience working directly with customers, we understand their needs. Exceptional customer service is crucial for tenants of social and local authority housing, and we bring that level of service to all our projects and contracts. Read more: He added: 'This is an exciting time for the business. Our aim is to continue to expand our operation further into the public sector market.' CR Smith, which has offices in Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen, as well as its head office and manufacturing plant in Fife, became one of Scotland's most recognised brands in 1984 when the company simultaneously sponsored both Rangers and Celtic football clubs. Scotland became one of the first nations to declare a global climate emergency in April 2019. Scotland has set an ambitious target to become net zero by 2045, five years ahead of the rest of the UK. To find out more about CR Smith, visit
