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The Existing Homes Alliance | Scotland

campaigning for the transformation of Scotland's existing housing stock

Accelerating the pace of delivery – Energy Efficient Scotland

18 June 2019

The Existing Homes Alliance consultation response makes the case that given the climate emergency and commitment to emission reduction targets of 70% by 2030, 90% by 2040 and net zero by 2045, the pace of delivery for Energy Efficient Scotland must be accelerated. We provide an alternative credible pathway to achieve EPC band C or above by 2030 for most properties. The key elements are:

  • Statutory underpinning for Energy Efficient Scotland, including statutory targets of all homes (where technically feasible) are EPC band C by 2030 and zero carbon by 2045 (aligning with Scotland-wide targets for carbon neutral by 2040 and net-zero carbon by 2045).
  • The route map should be based on two approaches: 1) deep retrofit where appropriate and feasible, helping to build demand and the supply chain; 2) an incremental approach setting out stages to achieve zero carbon over a longer time period, tailored to individual buildings (e.g. Building Passport).
  • Government fuel poverty and area-based schemes should fund energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures and not fund fossil-fuel heating as a rule.
  • High fossil fuel boilers (coal, oil and LPG) in off gas rural areas should be phased out from existing buildings from 2025 with appropriate financial support and advice on how to use effectively.
  • Mandatory standards should be introduced for the owner-occupied sector, alongside an engagement campaign, advice, financial support and consumer protection. The regulatory requirements and support must be linked to affordability for the householder
  • Grants and financial incentives should be provided to ensure a just transition to low carbon heat is guaranteed for everyone.

Read more: EXHA_EES_June2019consultation response_FINAL

Filed Under: Policy

10 Key Recommendations

1 The Energy Efficient Scotland Programme, the cornerstone of the National Infrastructure Priority for energy efficiency, should have a statutory underpinning, including a target for the vast majority of housing (where technically feasible and appropriate) to reach the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2030.

2 The introduction of new regulation and planning controls, backed by market incentives, to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.

3 Scotland-wide area-based schemes to deliver retrofit of existing homes, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, street by street, alongside a national, demand led programme.

4 A range of financial incentives to encourage investment in energy efficiency and micro-generation.

5 New service offerings, products and packages for retrofit.

6 Better information on household energy use and its carbon emissions for consumers.

7 Better energy performance data on existing housing.

8 Reliable quality control and up-skilling on low and zero-carbon technologies.

9 A major programme to catalogue and showcase existing and ongoing exemplar low energy refurbishments.

10 Maximise use of devolved powers and influence UK policy to improve energy efficiency.

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About us

The Existing Homes Alliance Scotland is a coalition calling for urgent action to transform Scotland's existing housing stock and make it fit for the 21st century. Too many of Scotland's homes are in a poor condition meaning unnecessarily high fuel use.

We gratefully acknowledge funding support from the William Grant Foundation.

Recent Updates

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Join our campaign to ensure there are no households in Scotland living in a hard-to-heat, draughty home by 2030. We urge the Scottish Government to use the once in a generation opportunity of the Energy Efficient Scotland programme and the Fuel Poverty Bill to transform Scotland’s homes for the better, put an end to fuel poverty and seize the opportunities of a low carbon future.

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