Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre's internal systems will feature natural insulation, airtightness products, and a heat pump system integrated with solar technology. While mostly hidden from view, these high-performance solutions will work together to reduce energy demand and create a fully decarbonised energy system. 

Why include these systems? 

This project aims to support low-carbon supply chains by showcasing the wide range of sustainable materials, systems, and solutions available to the construction sector. 

Without the supply chain’s delivery of these solutions, the building would continue to have high heat loss, driving up overall energy demand and operational emissions. 

The selected systems carefully balance embodied and operational carbon, employing healthy and high-performing insulation and membrane products to ensure airtightness. 

The zero carbon heating system demonstrates the effectiveness of heat pumps when paired with solar system and a robust fabric-first approach. Here, we explore the suppliers, manufacturers, and products delivered inside Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre. 

Heat pumps and solar PV-T - PREAH & NIBE 

PREAH and NIBE are delivering one of the most vital elements to the building’s decarbonisation: zero direct emissions heating solutions, in the form of PV-T solar panels, and ground and air source heat pumps. 

Key features and benefits  

The multi-system approach is designed to deliver cost-effective zero carbon heating and hot water solutions to help make the Centre self-reliant. The NIBE S2125 provides a single-flow temperature of up to 75°C, while the sound level is low. 

Installation 

The heat pumps themselves will be installed within the Centre’s plant room, where they will be integrated into the building’s existing infrastructure. The most noticeable installation will be the roof mounted PVT panels, which will be mounted externally. 

Craig Dalrymple, PREAH says: “PREAH Building Services are delighted to contribute to the transformation of Scotland's National Retrofit Centre by delivering cutting-edge, zero direct emissions heating solutions. This high-profile project aligns perfectly with our mission to support the UK's journey toward net-zero by providing innovative, sustainable heating systems. We are all proud to be part of a project that sets a benchmark for energy efficiency and sustainability in non-domestic retrofits." 

Airtightness membranes & systems - Ecological Building Systems 

For over 20 years, Ecological Building Systems has been at the forefront of environmental and sustainable building products, including its Pro Clima range. 

Ecological Building Systems is supplying products from the Pro Clima range of airtightness and windtightness solutions for the retrofit. 

Key features and benefits 

The Pro Clima range of durable membranes, tapes and sealants offer innovative easy to install solutions to meet the most stringent airtightness standards.  

Installation 

The products are being used in conjunction with a CLT frame to provide an effective airtight and vapour control strategy for the construction. Pro Clima Adhero is a peel and stick breather membrane, providing an airtight vapour-permeable layer to the external walls of the CLT structure. 

Lorna Graham, Deputy General Manager at Ecological Building Systems says: “With many synergies in our visions and missions, BE-ST and Ecological Building Systems are a natural fit and we’re proud to have been long-term supporters of the invaluable work being undertaken. The next exciting development, as part of a decarbonisation programme across Scotland’s public sector buildings is no exception.  Our innovative and best in class products are fundamental components in achieving the ambitious performance goals required for the retrofit of Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre and we’re delighted to be involved.” 

Hemp insulation - IndiNature 

IndiNature is providing their insulation IndiTherm. IndiNature specialises in natural fibre construction insulations such as UK-grown hemp, which capture carbon and produce zero waste.  

Key features and benefits 

Their natural fibre insulation is a carbon negative, non-irritant, highly breathable, BBA certified insulation, which is UK grown and manufactured. 

Installation 

IndiTherm hemp is going into the cross laminated timber walls constructed off-site and closed off by timber cladding. 

David Watson, Sales Account Manager at Indinature says: “Indinature are delighted to be supplying our Inditherm BBA approved Natural Fibre Insulation products to help transform the prestigious Accelerator Lab for BE-ST.” 

Stone wool insulation - ROCKWOOL 

ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation is made from volcanic rock, producing a product with thermal, acoustic and fire resilience properties. 

Key features and benefits 

The retrofit will incorporate ROCKWOOL NyRock® Frame Slab 032 and RWA45. NyRock Frame Slab 032 is manufactured using NyRock technology, a patented production process that creates stone wool with a 0.032 W/mK thermal conductivity rating. Both RWA45 and NyRock Frame Slab 032 have a Euroclass A1 (non-combustible) reaction to fire classification.  

Installation 

ROCKWOOL is an additional insulation used in the fabric of the building. 

Rebecca Gallagher, Business Development Manager at ROCKWOOL UK says: “It’s an honour to be a part of Scotland National Retrofit Centre, helping the Campus to be more energy efficient and further educating its visitors on the benefits of stone wool insulation.”