Net zero heating and energy efficiency standards - phase 1 and 2: qualitative research

Appendix A Phase 1 discussion guide

Text wrapped in *stars*: script guide notes

*1. Introduction (0 – 10 mins) [10 mins]

(Arrival, seating for face-to-face sessions)*

Welcome and thank you for agreeing to participate. [housekeeping: WC, fire alarm and finishing time].

As we explained in the pre-task information we provided, we are working together with the Energy Saving Trust to undertake some research for the Scottish Government on homeowners' attitudes to net zero heating and energy efficiency standards.

*Explain teams group/viewing facility set up - recorded, confidentiality, honest feedback, no right or wrong answers – interested in your personal opinion and what's really important to you as a homeowner.*

To get the ball rolling we would like to have a round of introductions – please can you tell me your name, your circumstances at home, the type of property you currently own and the answer to the question we posed in the pre-task - if money was a barrier, would you want to do more to be 'green' and if so, why and what would you do?

*2. Understanding the attitudes to Net Zero (10 mins - 30 mins) [20 mins]

[Provided in pre-group reading – for info only and not needed for reading unless anyone in the group was unable to do so prior to the group. The Scottish Government has set a target to achieve net zero by 2045. In October 2021 they published Scotland's Heat in Buildings Strategy which sets out the government's vision for the future of heat in buildings and the actions they are taking in the buildings sector to deliver Scotland's climate change commitments, maximise economic opportunities and ensure a just transition, including helping address fuel poverty.

A vital way of combating climate change and achieving net zero is to make our homes more energy-efficient. For example, by installing insulation and double-glazing windows, we reduce heat loss which means less energy needs to be used. Additionally, after improving the energy efficiency levels of our homes, installing zero-emission heating systems is key to ensuring that our homes reach net zero. To take a significant step toward achieving net zero and combating climate change, the Scottish Government are looking at introducing new energy efficiency standards and zero-emission heating requirements for homes across Scotland.]*

Prior to this session, we shared with you a video explaining what 'net zero' means and how we can get there.

1. Was net zero a concept you were familiar with before watching the video?

2. How do you feel about the government's commitment to net zero and in particular net zero buildings by 2045?

3. How involved/interested would you say you are in helping support these aims with things you can do in your life?

There are many ways to make a property more energy efficient.

4. What types of technologies or solutions/ideas have you heard of to reduce the emissions from your home? Have you used/installed any of these?

*If no one spontaneously mentions low-emissions heating:* Key to ensuring we reach net zero is installing zero-emission heating systems

5. Before today, had you ever heard of zero-emissions/carbon heating systems and if so, which ones? Can you tell us a bit about your understanding?

We will now show you a video that explains what an air source heat pump is and how it works.

What is an air source heat pump?

6. What are your thoughts about the technology explained in the video e.g. is it easy to understand how it works? How relevant is it for you/your home?

*Scenarios introduction*

As we discussed earlier, in order to deliver the net zero target, the Scottish Government is considering bringing in new regulations that require homeowners to improve the energy efficiency levels of their homes and replace their gas boilers or other fossil-fuel heating systems with zero emissions heating systems like heat pumps.

As part of the process of developing the new regulations, the Scottish Government is considering lots of different options. In the remainder of this session, we would like to hear your views on three of the different options that are being considered.

*3. 1st scenario – change of occupancy (30 mins – 50 mins) [20 min]*

In the first scenario, any home changing ownership would be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard and have a zero-emissions heating system installed. This would mean that, when a home is sold, the buyer of the property would be required to carry out the necessary energy efficiency improvements and zero-emissions heating installation within two years of the property being sold.

1. What are your views on this option? Does it sound fair?

• Prompt: Do you think it is right that responsibility lies with the buyer, not the seller?
• Prompt: What do you think about the two-year timescale for getting things done?

2. How would these regulations impact you personally?

• Prompt: What do you think would be the biggest challenges for you in complying with these regulations?

3. What support would help you meet these regulations?

• Prompt: Who would be best placed to provide this support?

4. Can you think of any ways in which the impact of these regulations might be different for people in different situations? Can you give any examples?

• Prompts: elderly people, single-parent families, people living in rural areas, low-income households

5. Are there any other issues or concerns that we haven't yet discussed that this scenario raises for you?

*4. 2^nd scenario – backstop dates (50 mins – 1h 05mins) [15 min]*

In the second scenario, the regulations would set the following deadlines for property owners to carry out certain energy efficiency improvements and zero-emissions heating system installations:

a) By the end of 2033, all properties should meet a certain level of energy efficiency, including a good level of insulation and draught-proofing.

b) By the end of 2045, all properties should be using a zero-emission heating system.

1. What are your views on this as an option? Does it sound fair?

2. How do you think it would impact you personally?

• Prompt: What, if anything, do you think would be the biggest challenges for you in complying with these regulations?
• Prompt: How realistic do these deadlines feel for you?

3. What support would help you meet these deadlines?

• Prompt: Who would be best placed to provide this support?

4. Can you think of any ways in which the impact of these regulations might be different for people in different situations? Can you give any examples?

• Prompts: elderly people, single-parent families, people living in rural areas, low-income households

5. Are there any other issues or concerns that we haven't yet discussed that this scenario raises for you?

*5. 3^rd scenario – boiler breakdown (1h 05 mins– 1h 20 mins) [15 min]*

The third and final potential option we'd like to discuss is for the regulations to apply at the point of boiler breakdown. In this scenario, the regulations would state that, when an existing boiler breaks down beyond repair, the property owner would be required to replace it with a zero-emissions heating system, like an air source heat pump. They would not be permitted to install another gas boiler

1. What are your views on this option? Does it sound fair?

2. How do you think it would impact you personally?

• Prompt: What would you usually do when your heating system breaks down?
• Prompt: What, if anything, do you think would be the biggest challenges for you in complying with these regulations?

3. What support would help you comply with these regulations?

• 6. Prompt: Who would be best placed to provide this support?

4. Can you think of any ways in which the impact of these regulations might be different for people in different situations? Can you give any examples?

• Prompts: elderly people, single-parent families, people living in rural areas, low-income households

5. Are there any other issues or concerns that we haven't yet discussed that this scenario raises for you?

*6. Wrap-up up section (1h 20 mins – 1h 30 mins) [10 min]*

1. How do you feel about everything that we've discussed here today?

*Thank you and close*