Energy Efficient Scotland: partial business and regulatory impact assessment

9. Implementation and delivery plan

9.1 Long-term domestic standard

We propose that the long-term domestic standard will be implemented in a phased way due to the differences in starting points across the domestic sectors. It is expected that all domestic properties in Scotland will attain the long-term domestic standard, where technically feasible and cost effective, by 2040 at the latest. Work is ongoing to identify potential buildings which may be exempt from this standard, for example, listed buildings, for which, in isolated cases, the need to preserve our architectural heritage may supersede energy efficiency targets.

We are undertaking a review of whether legislation is fit for purpose with respect to the long-term domestic standard and have requested stakeholder comments on this issue in the consultation on Energy Efficient Scotland.

Further detailed plans for implementation in each sector will be set out, where they have not already been, and will be subject to consultation.

9.2 EESSH2

A further review of EESSH is intended for 2025 to (i) assess progress and confirm any additional requirements of the 2032 milestone and (ii) consider a longer-term vision for 2040 of how social housing can contribute to realising our fuel poverty, energy efficiency and climate change ambitions.

9.3 LHEES and District Heating

We propose that the implementation of LHEES will be phased across local authorities over a timescale yet to be determined and dependent on other potential legislative factors.

As LHEES will underpin and provide the evidence base for how the Programme is delivered locally and nationally over its 20 years, acting as the guiding framework for developing and funding of future investment strategies, we would envisage a steady and measured area-by-area implementation to allow for careful monitoring of progress against local and national aims.

This approach will ensure, in terms of implementation that, as well as encouraging the conditions for district heating and ultimately meeting long-term Programme standards, local authorities will be able to set objectives for delivery based on the scale of investment required following assessment of its building stock and the potential for improvement of energy performance and heat supply, prioritising local delivery programmes and supply chain.

The strategic analysis that each local authority undertakes in preparing its LHEES will help it to prioritise and cost local delivery programmes, and a measured approach to delivery will ensure consistency and that, collectively, LHEES will give a comprehensive picture of the building stock needed to ensure the Scottish Government has an accurate picture of the levels of improvement needed for the whole of the Programme.

We are currently reviewing the second consultation responses and engagement with stakeholders to take a final decision on our approach, including whether legislation will be needed. If legislation is needed for LHEES and district heating regulation, we would commit to review within ten years of implementation.