Greater ambitions for energy efficiency

A new consultation aims to determine a timetable for ambitious energy efficiency targets for Scotland.

These targets and the legislation introduced will ensure improvements to properties, wider economic benefits and the creation of jobs.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart and Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands Paul Wheelhouse launched the consultation today. Mr Stewart said:

“We are committed to delivering energy efficient improvements to properties across Scotland.  This year will see £145 million invested in its on going delivery.  Our aims are ambitious and credible and we have a clear action plan to ensure they are also achievable.

“If we can move faster in our plans, we will. This consultation explores alternative dates for long term domestic energy efficiency targets, and the implications or opportunities for accelerating target dates from 2040 to 2030.

“It sets out the Scottish Government’s approach to legislating on energy efficiency and invites views on the recommendations received from the skills and supply chain working group we set up. We are also seeking views on the long term approach to regulation of energy efficiency in the Private Rented Sector.

“This consultation exercise seeks vital evidence from partner organisations and the general public to inform future policy development. We can make our homes warmer and greener but without risking increased cost to the public purse or owners.

“The consultation also sets out our approach to legislating for Energy Efficiency Scotland regulation of the heat network sector to support the deployment of this key low carbon heat technology. We invite views on the recommendations received from the skills and supply chain working group we set up.

“There are a variety of energy efficiency issues raised in this consultation and we encourage as many people as possible to be part of this continued conversation.”

Background

The Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map was published in May 2018.

Workshops on the supply chain recommendations and accelerating the domestic target will be held in Stirling and Inverness in May.

As part of the Scottish Government’s wider efforts to meet our commitments under the Climate Change Plan, it has also published today ‘The Future of Low Carbon Heat for Off-gas Buildings: a call for evidence’, which is focused on decarbonising the heat supply to buildings that do not use gas.

This will explore the barriers to the uptake of low carbon heat options, the opportunities and challenges for the supply chain, and how to avoid any potential adverse effects on fuel poverty.

Read and take part in the Energy Efficient Scotland Consultation.

Read the Short Life Working Group on Quality Assurance Report – Energy Efficient Scotland.