Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 1 March 2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will update building standards to ensure that, within the next five years, all new housing is built to Passivhaus standards, as recommended by Scotland's Climate Assembly in its report, Recommendations for Action.
Our response to the recommendation of the Climate Assembly agrees with the need for review of regulation to further improve energy and environmental standards for new homes. It noted the relevance of the current review of Scottish building regulations, due to be completed this year. It provides an assurance that the outcome sought by the recommendation will be reported on, as part of the current review of standards.
I can confirm that we are looking at opportunities to move to Passivhaus or an equivalent standard within the timescale indicated by the Assembly. I have asked that work on this topic be undertaken over the coming months, in support of the ongoing review of Scottish building regulations and for this be reported back to the Assembly as work progresses.