Kilmarnock's HALO urban regeneration company has become one of the most environmentally friendly developments in the UK.
And the achievement is thanks to part funding of £415,000 from SP Energy Networks’ green economy fund.
The HALO aims to provide a blueprint for new low carbon energy sites by building one of the first Scottish sustainable communities powered by renewable energy.
Almost £1.5 million has been invested in high-tech, smart energy equipment at The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC).
The future-proof centre is filled with cutting edge low carbon technology with over 100 rooftop solar panels, a solar carport and 12 fast-charging electric vehicle chargers.
It also features 10 zero emissions e-bikes and chargers, two electric cars, an electric bus and a world-class battery storage facility.
The state-of-the-art 50,000 sq. ft HEIC is set to open its doors to the public in January next year.
With a vision for a commercial, educational, leisure and lifestyle quarter where people can ‘Live, Work, Learn and Play’, the HALO aims to provide a sustainable community powered by renewable electricity with a low carbon footprint.
The HEIC was funded as part of SP Energy Networks’ £20m green economy fund, which supports the UK and Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to meet climate change targets. It aims to boost local economic growth and improve air quality across the country.
Marie Macklin CBE, founder and executive chair of The HALO, said: “At The HALO Kilmarnock, we are leading the way in the development of low carbon energy sites across the UK.
“The funding from SP Energy Networks’ green economy fund has allowed us to invest in the smart energy equipment that we’ve installed here at the HEIC and will support our efforts to harness renewable energy right across the development.
“When phase 1 of the HALO Kilmarnock, the HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre, opens in January next year, it will provide a sustainable community approach to a low carbon mixed-use development providing jobs, economic growth, skills development and access to employment opportunities, all powered by renewable energy.”
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