The Energy Training Academy has launched the Net Zero Home, a fully-functioning one-bed bungalow at its training centre near Edinburgh.
Lorna Slater, the minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, officially opened the Net Zero Home, which will aim to upskill engineers and tradespeople, tackle the retrofitting challenges faced in the built environment and provide education around energy efficiency for younger people to encourage more into careers in renewables.
Lorna Slater MSP, said: “Supporting Scotland’s current and future workforce to develop the skills needed for the transition to net zero is a clear priority for the Scottish Government.”
“The Energy Trading Academy’s Net Zero Home is an innovative project and will help address the changing skills needs of industry and support young people into good green jobs.”
Mark Glasgow, co-founder of The Energy Training Academy, said: “The Net Zero Home is a testament to sustainable possibilities, showcasing how innovative technologies like solar energy, smart heating, and efficient design can come together to create an eco-friendly living space. It’s a practical example of how we can achieve a net-zero EPC rating, inspiring a step towards a greener future.”
“There have been a lot of people involved and that collective vision has brought this to fruition – it’s a proud day for everyone at the Energy Training Academy.”
“Firstport, Midlothian Council and Capital City Partnership have supported us from the outset and we’re extremely grateful for their backing. Local contractors and numerous national manufacturers and suppliers have all helped make this happen.”
The one-bedroom bungalow contains heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage, infrared heating and smart lighting, underfloor heating, air-to-air units, VELUX sun tunnels, a bath waste recovery system and rainwater harvesting.
Mark Glasgow continued: “The aim is to enhance training by providing candidates with hands-on experiences in areas like working at heights, safely installing solar panels, fitting various panel systems, working in roof spaces, and installing heat pumps and batteries.”
“This immersive approach elevates the quality of training for aspiring renewable engineers, making it a pivotal initiative for shaping the workforce of tomorrow.”
“I want to give youngsters an opportunity in the trade as I know how important that was for me. Growing up in a rough housing estate, I don’t know what I would be doing now had I never got an opportunity to get into plumbing.”
“This will give kids the chance to change their lives, particularly those who are maybe not so academic. The home is also about the journey to net zero. I want to do what I can to make sure my kids have a stable environment when they are all older.”
Co-founder, Andrew Lamond, said: “We can do a lot of good work together for the planet and make a real difference in Dalkeith, Edinburgh and Scotland.”
“There is no doubt we can make a difference to the lives of young people by inspiring them to have a career in renewables and then they can pass their learnings on to future generations which is important.”
“Hopefully local residents and homeowners will be inspired to get themselves to net zero and it is so doable now with the technologies that are out there.”
