Improving multi-storey blocks
We are planning to significantly invest in multi-storey blocks across Edinburgh over the next ten years. This will make them safer, warmer and more comfortable places to live. There are 44 blocks requiring repairs and improvements due to their age and condition. These are all blocks factored by the Council.
Find out about some of the blocks we've already started work on.
Improvements and benefits
We plan to bring the blocks up to a standard known as Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2). This is the minimum standard for social housing and makes them safer and more comfortable places to live by
- significantly reducing energy demand
- improving ventilation to reduce the build-up of moisture, damp and mould
- improving fire safety
- looking at opportunities for improving local neighbourhoods
- making homes easier to heat
- reducing carbon emissions
- reducing energy consumption
- upgrading all mechanical and electrical infrastructure
We will also look at fire safety improvements and upgrades to all mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
The improvements will focus on a whole building approach to provide long term benefits. Surveys are underway on all blocks to identify what improvements are needed.
- First, we will look at the building itself – it’s walls, roof, floors, windows and doors to see what improvements can be made there.
- Then we will look at the systems needed for providing heating and hot water to see if we can make them more efficient.
- We won’t know what improvements are needed until we have surveyed it, but it could include the following:
- accessible walkways
- exterior and internal wall insulation where appropriate
- improvements to communal facilities (eg stairwells, foyer areas)
- improvements to the area outside the buildings to create nice community spaces
- new insulation
- new heating systems
- new ventilation systems
- new water and waste pipes
- new sprinkler systems and fire doors
- new windows and doors
- refurbished entryways
- repairs to building render
- rewiring
- roof repairs / replacements.
The benefits are likely to include
- reductions in residents' energy bills
- significant fire safety upgrades
- improved ventilation to help manage condensation, improve air quality and reduce health risks associated with condensation, damp and mould
- reduction in future maintenance requirements
- improvements to the surrounding area
- reduced carbon emissions, helping to improve air quality and help the environment.
