A HEATING system which is already cutting bills for hundreds tenants in Glasgow is the future, according to environmental campaigners.

District heating schemes, where one large boiler heats water pumped to radiators in hundreds of homes, cuts costs and saves energy.

Environmental group WWF Scotland and academic researchers have called on the Scottish Government to invest in the programmes and move away from individual household boilers.

Cube Housing tenants and owners in Wyndford in Maryhill are already using an award winning communal scheme.

It provides heating and hot water for 1500 tenants and 300 homeowners with reported savings of up to 40% on energy bills.

The programme won a Combined Heat and Power Association (CHPA) UK award for its benefits for tenants.

At the time of winning the award, Liz Ruine, Chair of Cube Housing, said: “The estate has been transformed with tenants and homeowners not only cutting their fuel bills but also doing their bit for the environment.”

Another project is underway in Broomhill where another 600 homes will be linked to a local energy centre.

Around 4,500 metres of pipework will link each of the 18-storey and eight-storey blocks to the centre.

WWF said Scotland must increase its share of heating form renewables to meet climate change targets and district heating can help.

Dr Sam Gardner, head of policy at WWF Scotland, said: "At present less than 4% of Scotland's heat demand is delivered by renewables, with just 1% by district heating.

"Independent research suggests this figure needs to jump to 40% by 2030 if we're to meet our climate targets.”

District heating is popular in Scandinavia and the Netherlands where regulated schemes attract government investment, a system the campaigners want replicated in Scotland.

It means scrapping household boilers and using huge shared boilers instead.

Cube Housing Association, part of Wheatley Group, agreed district heating can bring benefits.

A spokesman said: “District heating schemes provide low-cost, energy-efficient heating and hot water, making homes warmer and cutting fuel bills.”

The Greens also back regulation and investment via a Warm Homes Bill and are encouraging the Scottish Government to act.

Mark Ruskell, energy spokesman, said: “District heating systems are commonplace in other European countries, and Scottish ministers would do well to target capital investment at such schemes.

"Scotland needs to catch up quickly if we're to meet our ambitions for a low-carbon society, tackle fuel poverty and create high quality jobs."

A Scottish Government spokesman, said: "Community energy represents tremendous potential to empower people and can help tackle some of our most pressing issues including fuel poverty, increasing costs and security of supply, while it can also support Scotland's efforts to cut damaging greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Scottish Government has put in place a wide range of support to empower communities to take control of their local energy use and supply, including the announcement of £10 million to fund nine district heating projects.