Heat transition: public engagement strategic framework

Chapter 2: Wider Context

Background

In October 2021 we published a new Heat in Buildings Strategy. This sets out our vision and actions we will take to deliver warmer, greener and more efficient homes and buildings across Scotland. Our efforts focus on two key priorities:

1. Improving energy efficiency

2. Switching to clean heating systems

Upgrading energy efficiency and switching to a clean heating system is a huge challenge. It will eventually affect almost all households and businesses in Scotland. Some households and businesses are already taking action to improve energy efficiency and making the switch to a clean heating system – but we need to increase the pace of change over the coming decade.

We have already successfully introduced a New Build Heat Standard prohibiting the installation of polluting heating from 1 April 2024. We are now consulting on proposals to improve energy efficiency and drive the clean heat agenda in existing buildings. These will form the basis of our proposed Heat in Buildings Bill.

We are currently consulting on requirements which will mean we all need to upgrade the energy efficiency of our homes by 2033 and switch to clean heating in all buildings by 2045. Our Heat in Buildings Strategy^[2], published in 2021, outlines the full set of actions we will take to help the whole of Scotland make this transition.

Role of Public Engagement

Almost everyone and every organisation in Scotland will be involved in upgrading the energy efficiency of our buildings and switching to clean heating systems like heat pumps and heat networks. As such, people and organisations must be at the centre of this transition. Effective and sustained public engagement will help to overcome barriers, change attitudes and ensure people and organisations have the right information at the right time.

At present, understanding and interest in clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures differ across people and organisations. Overall, we know tackling climate change is important to people, but a significant proportion of the population are not familiar with clean heating systems and therefore are not currently inclined to act in the coming years. We have to increase people’s understanding of the reasons why they need to make changes and how they make that happen, ensuring a just and fair transition.

That is why, we are putting people and organisations at the centre of the transition – ensuring they:

• Understand the need to upgrade their properties.
• Have a clear idea of what clean heating systems are suitable for where they are located.
• Know where to get advice and support.
• Take action to upgrade energy efficiency and switch to clean heating systems.

There has been an increase in public discussion and the promotion of clean heating systems, meaning action has already been taken by some to upgrade the energy efficiency of their buildings and make the switch to clean heating systems. People and organisations are already contributing to this debate including central and local government, energy retail companies, heating system manufacturers and installers. We need to harness this activity so that it is better coordinated and joined up to maximise its impact and reach.

We want to ensure that people and organisations have a role in helping to shape decision making and can effectively shape new Scottish Government policy, legislation, and delivery schemes. Public engagement will be critical to realising these aims and the wider ambitions of our Heat in Buildings Strategy.

Public engagement can take many forms. It can be traditional marketing and communications such as adverts on TV or social media. Other forms can include sharing lived experience of using a heat pump or being connected to a heat network. It can also be involvement in policy and decision making, for example by taking part in focus groups or responding to consultations.

There are several barriers to overcome to encourage and motivate people and organisations to take action to improve energy efficiency and switch to clean heating systems as set out in Table 1. Public engagement can help to overcome a number of these, notably, it can help:

• Set out why changing how we heat and use energy in our homes and buildings matters.
• Develop knowledge about energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating systems and explain the benefits of switching.
• Guide people and organisations toward trusted advice and information, as well as the support available.
• Demonstrate that people and organisations are not alone and that others are already making the switch to clean heating systems and upgrading energy efficiency.
• Demystify the consumer journey and set out the steps people and organisations need to follow.