Warmworks unveils net zero office in Leith

Warmworks recently invited local MSPs and government officials to its office in Edinburgh to showcase its new net zero working environment, the first of its type in the Leith area. 

Since launching in 2015, Warmworks has played a leading role in tackling fuel poverty across the UK; helping almost 50,000 homes and families to be warmer, happier, and healthier through the installation of high-quality energy efficiency improvements. 

Now, the company is playing its own part in helping Scotland reach its net zero goals, having recently eliminated all fossil fuels from its office building at Carmichael Place. 

Warmworks has invested in heat pump and solar PV (photovoltaic) technology to heat and cool its building, which will save an estimated 7.2 tonnes of carbon each year. It has also increased comfort levels by offering greater control over how spaces are heated. 

The visit was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that it’s possible for a cutting-edge net zero heating system to be installed in a leased building, shared by multiple tenants, and to showcase a range of sustainable solutions that other businesses in the area could adopt. 

Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, said: 

“Warmworks has reached a critically important milestone in its journey to net zero and I’m delighted to have been invited to come and see the difference their renewable heating, powered by solar panels, has made. 

“Through a combination of strong leadership and hard work, Warmworks has demonstrated that this kind of practical step towards lowering carbon emissions is possible, and there are other organisations across the city that could be doing the same thing. This is a clear signal to other businesses that this can be done effectively and practically. 

“The fact that Warmworks is bringing people’s energy bills down and making their homes warmer, while also lowering their own emissions, is fantastic.” 

Ross Armstrong, Chief Executive at Warmworks, said: 

“It’s easy to talk about making changes but to actually go ahead and make those changes is a hugely important signal of our intentions. We’ve chosen to lead the way on the journey to net zero and I would encourage any other organisations in the area to look at their own carbon emissions and commit to making the change. 

“To have our team working in an office that’s heated by a heat pump and powered by solar panels and be able to engage with our customers and tell them that they can do it too, that it’s possible and it’s not going to be disruptive, is so important. 

“I’m really grateful to our Board and joint venture partners for backing our vision and making this bold investment in our net zero future – there’s a lot of work ahead to reach net zero targets, but the transition can and must be made, and that starts with meaningful steps like this one.” 

The work is part of a larger project Warmworks is undertaking to reduce energy and carbon from all its UK offices. To further reinforce the company’s commitment to achieving its net zero targets, Warmworks has also introduced an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme and a Cycle to Work scheme. 

Warmworks is a member of the Edinburgh Climate Compact, a commitment by leading businesses and employers in Edinburgh to act within their own organisation to reduce the city’s carbon emissions.