Heat in buildings monitoring and evaluation Framework

How this Framework is structured

To meet our net zero targets in the buildings sector, alongside our other statutory requirements, we will need to reduce the energy demand from buildings and end the use of fossil fuels for heating by 2045, while delivering a just transition through the creation of sustainable jobs and ensuring that heating is affordable. Through developing this Framework, we have brought together all the different elements required to deliver the Heat in Buildings Strategy into one document.

Monitoring map

We have developed a monitoring map (Figure 1), based on that developed by the Climate Change Committee, to show how we expect our policy and delivery activities, supported by 'enabling factors', to contribute towards the overarching emissions reduction goal as set out in the Heat in Buildings Strategy^[7].

While we recognise the important role of the Scottish Government in delivering the heat transition, such as introducing regulations and providing support for those who need it most, action from a range of stakeholders, including from industry, local government, finance, the third sector and individuals, will also be key.

The structure of our Framework is described in the monitoring map. This has the following levels:

• Goal: the overarching target (in this case, to achieve net zero from buildings emissions by 2045)
• Outcome: what the project or activity expects to accomplish, which together bring about the heat transition. The Heat in Buildings Strategy has three outcomes
• Enablers: enabling factors that overcome barriers to achieving outcomes in the Heat in Buildings Strategy
• Activities (policy and delivery): Activities that support the enablers of the Heat in Buildings Strategy

Indicators

In the rest of this document, we describe the indicators we plan to use to track progress against each level of the monitoring map. We also describe the data sources we will use to track progress against each indicator, and these are summarised in Annex A.

Gaps in data will make reporting on some areas challenging, particularly heat networks, non-domestic properties, and skills. However, we will continue to evolve the Framework and incorporate further data in future reporting as it becomes available.

For our funded delivery schemes, we have prioritised indicators that make clear how we plan to track implementation and scheme spending.

For some indicators, we have existing statutory targets, for example for emissions reductions, fuel poverty and heat provided by heat networks. However, we have not set targets for all the indicators e.g. technology specific milestones. This is because we recognise that there are a number of plausible pathways to net zero. As such, we will continue to explore how we can best monitor and communicate our progress in a way that takes into account a whole systems view.

Monitoring map