West Lothian College’s ECOHOUSE training facility was awarded the Skills Impact Award at the Accelerate to Zero Awards. The judges commended the ECOHOUSE for providing an immersive, real-life learning environment that equips students with the skills needed to support the transition to net zero. 

The vision behind ECOHOUSE

West Lothian College is committed to preparing the future workforce so that they have the skills they need to tackle the challenges the climate emergency brings. This aligns with the West Lothian College’s Net Zero Plan to reach net zero across the college by 2040. 

The Alex Linkston Skills Centre for Sustainable Living, also known as the ECOHOUSE, is made up of two semi-detached houses on campus at West Lothian College. Opened in September 2023, the ECOHOUSE is a first of its kind in Scotland training facility that supports the development of skills, knowledge, and practical experience in sustainable construction as well as efficient and effective renewable energies - all underpinned by current and new technologies. 

The skills centre provides a dedicated space for hands-on training in sustainable construction methods and renewable energy technologies, ensuring students are ready to meet the demands of Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy and the demands of their future careers in a trade. 

A first of its kind learning environment 

The ECOHOUSE consists of two buildings with distinct but complementary purposes.  

The main house was built to platinum building standards, with certified airtightness and thermal properties, with triple glazing, solar panels, an air-source heat pump, heat recovery ventilation, and electric vehicle charging points. 

It has fully fitted living spaces, including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, providing a realistic setting for learning and upskilling in air tightness testing, thermal imaging, MVHR testing, EPC analysis, and PV analysis. 

Meanwhile, the shell house showcases a structure without internal fittings, designed to adapt to changing industry needs. It offers learners the opportunity for practical training in renewable technologies, including the installation and testing of solar thermal systems, air-source heat pumps, PV panels, and insulation systems. 

The shell house allows learners to test and develop innovative construction concepts in a realistic working environment. 

Both facilities are used to train students and local businesses, providing a unique opportunity to install, monitor, and understand energy efficiency measures and renewable energies in a practical setting. 

Beyond technical skills 

One of the ECOHOUSE's unanticipated successes has been its ability to develop meta-skills, meaning transferable abilities and behaviours that help people adapt and succeed in life, work, and study. Working in a realistic environment requires students in the two houses to navigate unforeseen challenges, adapt to changing scenarios, and collaborate effectively. The learners reported that their critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management skills had all improved. These transferable skills are invaluable for students entering the workforce. 

Embedding sustainability across the college  

West Lothian College’s ECOHOUSE has revolutionised the college’s curriculum by integrating sustainability across disciplines, to support the people that will fill the next generation of jobs supporting the transition to net zero. The house ensures all students gain knowledge of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. 

Beyond student learning, the college partners are working with local renewable energy companies to offer upskilling courses for professionals in electric vehicle repair, EV charger installation, and heat pump technologies. These initiatives help close the skills gap in industries supporting the transition to net zero. 

The ECOHOUSE embodies a whole-college commitment to sustainability. West Lothian College’s dedication to the future workforce and preparing students to support the transition to net zero is setting a benchmark for how to deliver innovative and impactful training. By empowering the next generation with the skills to address environmental challenges, the college is meeting the demands of a changing job market and supporting Scotland in meeting its net zero goals. 

West Lothian Council is always wanting to engage with industry so it can continually evolve and improve the ECOHOUSE.  

If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Steven Morrison (smorrison@west-lothian.ac.uk), Director of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment Faculty, or Laurence Ferguson, (lferguson@west-lothian.ac.uk), Learning and Skills Manager.