JAHAMA Highland Estates supports new peatland housing construction research

Peatland restoration is an important part of JAHAMA Highland Estates’ sustainability work. This summer, it supported a research project to develop environmentally friendly methods to unlock more housing in peatland areas in rural Scotland.  

JAHAMA Highland Estates worked with the Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), and Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) to support Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University in their research. 

New housing is in short supply in parts of the Highlands and Islands, where peatland is commonly found. Peat is often unsuitable for building on because of its low strength, landslide risks and its tendency to deform under load. 

Scotland’s peatland also plays an important role in storing 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon – equivalent to 140 years’ worth of Scotland’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. So, it is crucial that any construction would have minimal disturbance to the peat. 

Julia Stoddart, chief operating officer at JAHAMA Highland Estates, said: “Preserving and restoring peatland to keep carbon sequestered and enhance biodiversity is central to the land management work happening right now across JAHAMA Highland Estates. 

“With over 14,000ha of peatland on the estate, restoration work forms a significant part of our parent organisation GFG Alliance’s efforts to offset the carbon footprint of its industrial operations as it progresses towards carbon neutrality by 2030. 

“As a large employer in the local area, GFG Alliance also recognises the importance of this research in addressing the long-standing issues concerning housing stock in the Highlands. We are committed to reconnecting people and place in Lochaber and Badenoch. Releasing constrained land for sustainable new housing would be transformative for our local communities.”