Energy efficiency approach at the forefront for SBHA

Staff from Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) recently attended the Renewable Energy Awareness course, delivered by Borders College Department of Enterprise and Business Innovation (DEBI).

Funded through Flexible Workforce Development (FWDF) Funding, SBHA staff attended the awareness session to learn more about the fabric first approach to building construction, used to improve energy efficiency and prevent heat loss from buildings.

Part of the session was delivered in the state-of-the-art STEM Hub Eco Room to help demonstrate insulation, airtightness and ventilation systems, with Borders College Curriculum and Learning Manager Greg Steel emphasising the importance of these new technologies being utilised in future construction.

Trainees Sarah Mackie, Steven Auld, Lindsey Wallace, Darren Vevers, John Dodds, John Gray, Phil Campbell, Malcolm Finnie and Matt Rorison also learned about low carbon heating solutions and how modern heat pumps can be installed to replace fossil fuel-based boilers.

SBHA is the largest social housing landlord operating in the Scottish Borders, providing over 5,600 quality, affordable homes for rent.

They are passionate about working with their tenants, local communities and partners to deliver homes and services that meet current and future needs and aspirations, with renewable technology and energy-saving awareness at the forefront.

Staff from the housing association commented on their training, saying:

“The course included excellent content for us to take back into the workplace.”

“The course was very informative and the Lecturer explained everything well.”

Borders College has recently launched a range of training and learning opportunities to help businesses in Scotland deliver on their own climate change ambitions.

The menu of over a dozen environmentally-focused pathways allows employers to upskill and reskill their staff by attending courses that offer an introduction to sustainability through to more advanced practical level training.

Jane Grant​, Executive Director – Enterprise and Business Innovation at Borders College, commented:

“We have taken the opportunity to launch our Green Skills training opportunities on the back of COP26 when the importance of climate change and sustainability is still very much in everyone’s mind.

“There has never been a more important time for those organisations who need to start on their ‘green journey’ to make the first move, and this is the ideal opportunity to get the help and support that we can offer.”

You can find more about the Green Skills opportunities at Borders College using the following link: https://www.borderscollege.ac.uk/greenskills