A new comprehensive guide aimed at greening Scotland's homes has been published. Funded by Communities Scotland and the Sustainable Development Commission, The Sustainable Housing Design Guide for Scotland is an invaluable reference for making all of Scotland's homes environmentally friendly.

For the first time, the guide addresses the challenge of how to improve the green credentials of existing homes as well as new build developments. Existing housing stock accounts for the majority of all social housing and presents its own challenges for sustainable development. This is why refurbishment of old stock is so important.

Aimed at housing developers and architects, it includes case studies that focus on examples of best practice, including Caledonia Rd, Glasgow by New Gorbals Housing Association; Fairfield Estate, Perth by Fairfield Housing Co-operative and Victoria Rd, Torry, Aberdeen by Grampian Housing Association.

Communities Minister Rhona Brankin, said: “It brings together so many of my own personal interests, as well as my responsibilities in the Communities portfolio. It shows how to take the big theme of sustainable development and make it real with practical steps to implementation that will really make a difference.

“I am confident that it will complement the forthcoming Sustainable Development Policy from Communities Scotland and ensure that it is at the forefront of implementing this critical agenda.”

Jonathon Porritt, CBE, chair of SDC, said: “Sustainable development is about enabling people throughout the world to fulfil their basic needs and enjoy a high quality of life. Communities Scotland has recognised the link between quality of life and sustainable development.”

Angiolina Foster, chief executive of Communities Scotland, said: “This guide is one example which shows how Communities Scotland is driving forward this very important agenda. Well designed and well-maintained housing can help support a sense of community.

“The case studies in this housing design guide show that housing associations have been at the forefront of sustainable design, build, maintenance and refurbishment. The first edition of the guide was very highly regarded and I am very confident that this new edition will be equally invaluable to all those involved in house building.”