Old friends, new neighbours for ECCI

After nearly five years at High School Yards ECCI is eagerly anticipating new neighbours as the University of Edinburgh’s Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability moves into the nearby Boilerhouse this week.

Located just in front of the ECCI building at High School Yards, ‘The Boilerhouse’ has been completely renovated to provide a new home for the team, bringing the entire department under one roof for the first time, and conveniently located next to colleagues in ECCI, Geosciences and Estates.

The interior of the two-story building retains many of the original features including deep, softly arched windows and exposed timber beams. Sustainable paints and reclaimed wood have been used along with other sustainable materials. The use of LED lighting, natural light, upcycled furniture, platform lift and cycle store access have also been incorporated as a reflection of the Department's values.

ECCI moved into its award-winning central base at High School Yards in 2013. The unique building project transformed an historic building into a vibrant low carbon hub with modern interiors and the latest technology, creating the UK’s most sustainable historic building in the process.

Want to know how we turned a previously old and draughty building into an award-winning masterclass in energy efficiency?