A shortage of affordable housing restricts Scotland’s economic development and a shortage of land aggravates this problem. Blanket peat bogs cover 20% of Scotland’s land surface area, the majority of which clusters in the West Highland area.

This presents enormous construction challenges. In the West Highlands and & Islands’ Local Development Plan, 1195 out of 1873 planned housing developments are limited by peat.

In Caithness and Sutherland, 74.6% of areas set aside for housing development contain peatland of some depth. Excavating this peat would be the historical solution. However, excavating all of Scotland’s peat would release 140 years worth of CO2 into the air. This makes peat excavation an environmental risk for Scotland and is costly for developers.

In order to gain planning permission from Councils and open the Highland’s scope for growth, the project aims to research, access and test a sustainable, viable solution to allow for construction on peat.

Partners, academia and Government came together to research the ability of construction on peat. From a data, planning and feasibility perspective, they will analyse peat’s impacts and test different innovative construction methods. A field trial will compare existing foundation options such as timber piling, floating solutions and deep-soil mixing to review and report on their feasibility.

A carbon calculator will also be adapted to more accurately estimate emissions savings and aid in proposals for new housing developments on peatland. Timber piling, an innovative building foundation, acts as a prospectively favourable option. This consists of wooden beams being driven into the ground. It avoids excavation and leaves a solid foundation for the home, being homegrown, sustainable, durable and less invasive to the land.

Ultimately this project aims to unlock the potential of peatland and change how and how many houses are constructed in Highland and Island areas – both for economic growth and for the environment. With this, many restricted areas open up for cheaper and more sustainable developments.

Outcomes

The project will unlock the viable use of many areas in the West Highlands and Islands as well as:

• Deliver a state-of-the-art review of the technical, environmental and cost implications of construction on peat.
• Establish a sustainable foundation and construction method as being a viable option that Councils can approve.
• Curb carbon being released into the environment and ensure peatland remains a carbon sink.
• Reduce costs for housing developers and also aid them in the planning permission approval process.
• Boost the West Highland’s economy and protect its ecosystem
• Help build affordable housing in desirable rural settlements, encouraging a young talented workforce to move and remain in the Highlands and Islands.