Green
Built in

A low carbon district heat network, generous green space and active travel routes are part of how Shawfair has been planned from the start.

Heat Network Green spaces

The District Heat Network

Heating at Shawfair is provided through a shared district heat network known as the MEL heat network, rather than individual gas boilers in each home. Heat and hot water are supplied from a central energy centre using low carbon sources of heat, helping to keep carbon emissions low as the town grows.

Public buildings, including future schools and community facilities, are also planned to connect to the network, supporting a more efficient and resilient way of heating the town over time.

What is a district heat network?

A district heat network generates heat in one central location and distributes it to multiple buildings through a network of insulated underground pipes, rather than each home having its own boiler.

At Shawfair, heat is produced at the central energy centre, known as the MEL energy centre, and supplied directly to homes and buildings, providing both heating and hot water. The network is operated by Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL), a joint venture partnership between Midlothian Council and Vattenfall, and uses lower-carbon energy sources than traditional gas systems, with plans to connect the energy centre to the neighbouring Millerhill Recycling and Energy Recovery Centre soon to make use of energy-from-waste.

For residents, this means no individual boiler to maintain or replace as customers connected to the MEL heat network benefit from an all-inclusive service, along with a consistent and reliable heat supply. For the town, it supports a more efficient and lower-carbon approach to energy as Shawfair continues to grow

How heating is delivered to homes?

Each home at Shawfair is connected to the MEL heat network via a heat interface unit, roughly the size of a standard boiler, which sits inside the property and facilitates heating and hot water on demand.

Heat is generated at the central energy centre and distributed through insulated underground pipes to homes across the development, providing a consistent and lower-carbon source of heat throughout the year compared to traditional gas boilers.

Reliability and long term operation

The MEL heat network is designed for long-term use, providing a consistent supply of heat and hot water for homes across Shawfair.

Operated by Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL) in partnership with Vattenfall, an experienced European provider of district heating, the heat network is supported by an organisation with vast experience in managing large-scale energy systems.

What it means for residents

For residents at Shawfair, connection to the district heat network means no individual boiler to maintain, service or replace in line with the all-inclusive service offered by Midlothian Energy Limited (MEL).

It also provides a consistent, lower-carbon source of heat and hot water, delivered directly to the home. The network is owned and operated by MEL, a partnership between Midlothian Council as the local authority and Vattenfall who bring experience in managing district heating systems at scale across Europe.

To learn more about what it’s like being a customer connected to a heat network, visit Vattenfall’s customer website: https://heat-customers.vattenfall.co.uk/customers

Green Spaces + Active Travel

Green space is woven throughout Shawfair, with parkland, paths and open areas forming part of our daily life. Walking and cycling routes connect neighbourhoods to each other and to surrounding communities, making it easier to move around without relying solely on the car. These connections support wellbeing, reduce traffic and help shape a town that feels open and accessible as it grows.

Connected Walking Routes

Shawfair’s network of walking routes has been designed to connect neighbourhoods, green spaces and key facilities across the town, making it easy and enjoyable to get around on foot. Whether it’s the school run, a stroll to the Co-op or a longer walk into the surrounding Midlothian countryside, residents will find well-maintained, safe and accessible paths right on their doorstep.

Cycling Routes

Dedicated cycling routes run throughout Shawfair, providing safe and direct connections between neighbourhoods, local amenities and the wider active travel network. Whether commuting into Edinburgh or simply exploring the local area, residents have everything they need to make cycling a natural and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Everyday Access To Nature

With over 80 acres of planned parkland woven throughout the masterplan, green space at Shawfair is never far away whether that’s a pocket park around the corner or a longer walk through open countryside on the town’s doorstep. Designed to be lived in and enjoyed every day, these green spaces offer residents a place to unwind, play and connect with the natural environment without ever having to travel far from home.

Supporting Active, Healthier Lifestyles

Shawfair has been designed with the health and wellbeing of its residents in mind, with walking and cycling routes, green spaces and sports facilities all built into the fabric of the town. Combined with the David Lloyd health club and the sports facilities planned as part of the new Shawfair Community Campus, residents have every opportunity to lead active, healthier lives right on their doorstep.

Future Initiatives

As Shawfair continues to grow, future initiatives will support the next phases of development, strengthening infrastructure, community facilities and environmental performance across the town.

Green Built in

The District Heat Network

Green Spaces + Active Travel

Future Initiatives

Green
Built in