Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 6 January 2022
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the best and most cost effective way to insulate traditional granite homes, such as those in the north east and Aberdeen; what the reasons and evidence are for its position, and how it plans to support the decarbonisation of such homes.
The Heat in Buildings Strategy confirms our intention to introduce – subject to consultation – regulations requiring Scotland’s homes and other buildings to meet EPC Band C equivalent, where that is technically feasible and cost effective. We recently consulted on our commitment to reform EPCs; outlining our proposal to introduce a new metric to an EPC report that informs users of the amount of energy used in the dwelling, and how this can be reduced. We are committed to reforming EPCs to ensure they do not penalise the installation of a zero emissions heating system, and to ensure they drive the requisite fabric measures.
As promised in the Strategy, we intend our consultation on detailed proposals for introducing regulations on minimum standards of energy efficiency for all private housing to take place during 2022.
Options for homeowners to deliver a higher standard of energy efficiency in traditional granite walled homes could include the installation of solid wall insulation, double or secondary glazing, draught proofing, floor insulation, and where applicable, loft insulation.
We will work with stakeholders including Historic Environment Scotland to consider what specific support and measures may be needed with respect to energy efficiency and zero emissions heat in such homes.
Home Energy Scotland currently offers loans of up to £10,000, with up to £4,000 cashback available to help homeowners meet the cost of solid wall insulation. Loans of up to £4,500 are available to help meet the cost of glazing and draught proofing.