Question reference: S5W-11852
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 6 October 2017
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will put measures or exemptions in place in energy efficiency legislation to ensure that (a) important heritage, (b) listed and (c) pre-1919 buildings are protected from inappropriate adaptations.
Answer
The Scottish Government is committed to improving the energy efficiency of all types of buildings across Scotland as part of Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) and we will publish a routemap on the future direction of the programme next year.
The special characteristics of listed buildings identified under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 are already taken into account within the planning process when changes to the building in question are proposed.
In reference to non-listed buildings, as part of the recent consultation on setting minimum energy efficiency standards in private rented housing, we sought views on an assessment which would recommend only technically appropriate measures to meet a standard, and on what skills would be needed of an assessor. Views were also sought on how to address situations where improvements were not technically appropriate for the property. Scottish Ministers are considering the response to the consultation, and will confirm standards in due course.
Views will also be sought from winter 2017-18 on options to incentivise appropriate improvements to energy efficiency in existing owner occupied housing.