North Lanarkshire Council has taken a bold step forward in energy efficiency by implementing EndoTherm, an innovative heating system additive, across its extensive residential property estate. The successful rollout, which began in October 2023, has already reached over 1,700 homes and shows promising results for both cost savings and environmental impact.
The initiative, which started with a proof of concept project at a retirement housing complex, has now evolved into one of Scotland’s most ambitious space heating energy efficiency programs in social housing. With approximately 37,000 properties in their portfolio, North Lanarkshire Council is demonstrating its commitment to reducing energy consumption and helping residents manage their heating costs more effectively.
Steady Progress and Future Expansion
The council’s contractors have maintained an impressive installation pace of around 110 properties per month since the project’s inception. This systematic approach ensures that the benefits of EndoTherm are being steadily extended to more residents across the region.
With EndoTherm installed in 1,748 homes to date, the projected cumulative annual energy savings are projected to be 35,660 kWh. This translates to avoiding the production of over 770 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent. To put this into perspective this can be visualised as:
Data sources: UK Government reporting on energy usage and costs, BEIS, Ofgem, Enertek International, EPA Greenhouse gas equivalence calculations
Paul Martin, Technical Programme Co-ordinator at North Lanarkshire Council, has overseen the implementation of the EndoTherm project.
“The rollout of EndoTherm across our housing stock represents a significant step forward in our energy efficiency strategy,” says Martin. “Following the success of our initial project, we’ve seen that this simple addition to our heating systems can make a real difference to our residents’ by reducing their energy bills. The fact that we’re incorporating it into all new boiler installations shows our confidence in its long-term benefits and our commitment to supporting our tenants.”
The success of the program has led to EndoTherm being specified in the council’s newly awarded boiler installations contract, ensuring its continued rollout in the coming years.
Looking Ahead: A Four-Year Commitment
The council’s commitment to this energy-saving initiative is further demonstrated by their latest contract awards to Saltire Facilities Management and Sure Serve, set to commence in April 2025. Under these new agreements, the council anticipates approximately 1,600 new installations annually over the next four years, potentially benefiting thousands more households across North Lanarkshire.
What Makes EndoTherm Different?
EndoTherm works by improving the heat transfer efficiency of the fluid within heating systems. This innovative additive helps existing heating systems work more effectively, reducing energy consumption without requiring significant modifications to current infrastructure. For residents, this means more efficient heating and potentially lower energy bills – a particularly welcome benefit amid rising energy costs.
Community Impact
The widespread implementation of EndoTherm across North Lanarkshire’s housing stock represents a significant investment in the community’s future. By improving heating efficiency in social housing, the council is taking practical steps to:
- Help residents manage their energy costs more effectively
- Reduce the overall carbon footprint of their housing stock
- Demonstrate leadership in adopting innovative energy-saving solutions
- Support the council’s broader sustainability goals
Setting a Precedent
North Lanarkshire Council’s comprehensive approach to implementing EndoTherm serves as a model for other local authorities looking to improve energy efficiency in their housing stock. The successful integration of this technology into their standard installation procedures shows how innovative solutions can be effectively scaled across large property portfolios.
The council’s methodical approach – starting with a proof of concept project and expanding based on proven results – demonstrates how large-scale energy efficiency improvements can be successfully implemented in the public housing sector. This systematic rollout ensures that the benefits of improved heating efficiency can be extended to as many residents as possible while maintaining high standards of implementation and service.
Looking to the Future
As the project continues to expand, North Lanarkshire Council’s experience with EndoTherm provides valuable insights into the practical implementation of energy-saving technologies in social housing. The council’s commitment to incorporating this solution into their long-term installation contracts shows confidence in its effectiveness and benefits for residents.
With energy efficiency and cost savings becoming increasingly important considerations for housing providers, North Lanarkshire Council’s proactive approach to implementing innovative solutions like EndoTherm sets an important precedent for other local authorities and housing providers across the United Kingdom.
