Scottish Government publishes Heat in Buildings Strategy

10 FEATURE

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. Summary:

n All homes should meet EPC band C by 2033 (there should be a good level of energy efficiency within homes by 2030) n 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 n It is proposed that new regulations will be introduced between 2023-2025 which will establish a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC

band C for owner-occupied homes, which will need to be met by 2033 We will advise all Elmhurst member firms when a formal response is released regarding the Domestic EPC Reform Consultation - which has gathered views on the introduction of a new metric to EPCs. We’ll also inform members when Phase 2 is being consulted upon (reviewing the content under the “Recommend measures” section).

Non-Domestic Buildings (Existing)

Summary:

n By 2030 the Scottish

Government aims to convert 50,000 non-domestic properties to use zero emission heating.

n Scottish Government intends to consult on the regulatory approach for heating nondomestic premises in 2022 and introduce regulations by 2025 to require owners to reduce demand for heat through energy efficiency improvements where feasible

n An aim to develop and agree (through Consultation) a series of phased targets starting in 2024, with the most difficult buildings (such as hospitals) being decarbonised by 2038, and for all publicly-owned buildings to meet zero emission heating requirements, with a backstop of 2038.

Elmhurst currently represents the energy efficiency sector as the sole Approved Organisation which sits on the working group advising Government on Regulations for heat in existing non-domestic buildings.

New Buildings (Domestic and Non-Domestic)

The Government is currently developing regulations which will require all new buildings, for which a building warrant is applied for from 2024, to use zero emissions heating. This will likely be informed by the analysis published as a result of the “New Build Heat Standard: Scoping Consultation” and we will publish our Response to the current live Consultation on Energy Standards in due course.

Summary:

n Introduction of a new energy target - but will this be primary or delivered energy? n Uplift to 2015 standards for both domestic and nondomestic premises n Mandatory air tightness testing of all new dwellings n Introduction of the Pulse method as an alternative to conventional air tightness testing n Mitigation of overheating risk to both new domestic and new non-domestic premises. Whole House Retrofit (PAS 2035/30)

It was heartening to read that the Scottish Government has agreed to adopt the UK PAS 2035/30 Quality Standards for all future delivery programmes and will also consider the use of the UK Government-endorsed TrustMark Quality Assurance Framework to ensure compliance with these Standards. It’s my mission to ensure Elmhurst member firms maximise all opportunities this represents to their businesses and I will continue to represent your interests in my dealings with key stakeholders and Social Housing providers.

In summary:

The release of this strategy represents an important step from the Scottish Government in addressing both our climate change & net zero obligations and eradicating the scourge of fuel poverty from our society. I welcome both the short and long-term actions outlined within the document, which should see carbon emissions within Scotland's building stock significantly reduced over the next decade. We now await the Regulations and follow-up consultations which will ensure that the Strategy results in clear action; I look forward to the various briefing sessions I will arrange for Elmhurst members over the coming months.