Question reference: S6W-22629
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 2 November 2023
-
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 16 November 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve awareness of home energy upgrades and retrofit schemes, in light of reported data from the Chartered Institute of Buildings, which found that two in five residents cannot afford these upgrades and that 39% of those surveyed had not heard of any Scottish Government incentive schemes.
Answer
Our home energy upgrade and retrofit schemes provide high levels of support. For example, eligible households can access up to £15,000 in grants and interest free loans to install clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures. Up to £18,000 is available for those households living in rural areas.
We run regular marketing campaigns to promote awareness of the support available and to raise awareness of the need to take action to reduce emissions and contribute toward net zero objectives. Earlier this year we ran a marketing campaign promoting the support on offer via our newly launched Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. During the campaign we saw a 23% increase in applications compared to the previous month.
Currently we are running a nationwide marketing campaign promoting the offer of support available from Home Energy Scotland. In the new year we will launch a new targeted awareness raising campaign targeting households who are able to consider installing a heat pump. This will be complemented by bolstered activity under our Let’s Do Net Zero marketing campaign which will highlight the benefits of making changes such as installing insulation or a climate friendly heating system.
The Energy Savings Trust, who manage Home Energy Scotland, also regularly promote the Loans and Grants scheme through their own channels including digital promotion via the advice centre network.
By the end of this year we will publish our Heat in Buildings Public Engagement Strategy setting out how we will work with stakeholders to increase public awareness and understanding of clean heating systems, the different technological options available and how to access advice and support.