Energy Matters | Issue 8 | 2021
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F E AT U R E www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk
Scottish Government publishes Heat in Buildings Strategy Jonathan Bourke, Scotland & Northern Ireland Manager
In early October, I was delighted to see that the Scottish Government had published its “Heat in Buildings Strategy” which sets out Scotland’s vision for achieving net zero emissions in our buildings. This strategy was consulted on earlier in the year, with the intention to gather evidence and views on the Government’s proposed actions in the buildings sector for meeting climate change targets, maximising economic opportunities, ensuring a just transition, and addressing fuel poverty. I am extremely grateful to all those Elmhurst members who contributed to the discussion and helped shape our formal Response. We now have a strategy which establishes a clearer pathway to zero emissions buildings by 2045 and which details a series of short-term actions and long-term commitments to accelerate the transformation of the country’s building stock.
This pathway is set to receive investment of at least £1.8 billion over the course of this Parliament to reduce emissions in Scotland’s homes and buildings by more than two thirds by 2030.
Existing Homes It is estimated that 45% of Scotland’s homes have a good level of energy performance, equivalent to EPC rating band C. However, to meet net zero targets, there is a need to upgrade Scotland’s homes to make them more energy efficient. It is estimated that over a million homes will need to convert to zero emission heating by 2030.
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All homes should meet EPC band C by 2033 (there should be a good level of energy efficiency within homes by 2030) New Minimum energy efficiency standards Regulations to be introduced imminently in the Private Rented Sector by 2025, requiring all private rented properties to meet EPC band C by 2028 It is proposed that new regulations will be introduced between 2023-2025 which will establish a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC
