A 2008 `options appraisal' by the Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit (MEARU) for Cube Housing Association (CHA) impacted directly on practice apropos eliminating `fuel poverty' (energy cost >10% disposable income) and complying with the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) — this achieved by a major combined heat and power (CHP) installation linked to thermal upgrading (complete 2012).
The study looked at 1,900 homes and formed a dataset from 100 residents identifying current energy usage for heating, affordability and occupant habits relative to heating and ventilation. A visual survey of the housing stock across 5 house types was also undertaken. The thermal efficiency of the building fabric of the 5 housing types was assessed through reference to original Building Warrant Drawings and U-value calculations. The proposed upgrades were then evaluated using BREEAM and SAP tools. The study concluded with a fully costed options appraisal prepared in conjunction with a quantity surveyor.

The initial research work by MEARU for CHA followed many years of work with energy efficiency and environmental quality in housing.