EAST KILBRIDE: Representatives from PTS joined John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth for the launch of eco home ‘Aurora’ at South Lanarkshire College, East Kilbride on the 1 December 2009.

Aurora is the first affordable, energy efficient, low carbon house built as a result of the successful partnership between PTS and more than 50 private sector partners. The house will show apprentices at the college a range of energy efficient options available and demonstrate how code level 5 can be achieved. PTS supplied renewable energy products for the house, including a 3.42kW peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

The low energy house incorporates solar PV panels, solar thermal panels for hot water, an air heat recovery system, a ground source heat pump and rainwater harvesting system to name a few. The house has been given an “A” rating - the highest possible energy performance rating.

Ian Stares, product group manager for renewables and sustainable energy products, said: “PTS is proud to be part of this innovative flagship project. South Lanarkshire College has shown a vision for the future in the construction of low energy, low carbon housing. In addition, the college offer a comprehensive training course on renewable technologies for the next generation of installers. This eco- house demonstrates the technologies in action - essential for educating apprentices coming through the college.”

James Jamieson, Aurora Project co-ordinator and lecturer in renewables at the college, added: “This has been a unique and successful partnership between the private sector and higher education. PTS has had the foresight to see the benefits of being involved in such an innovative project with respect to the training of future generation of installers. With projects like this we are also continuing to raise awareness renewable technologies to the present generation of installers.”