Question reference: S6W-23574
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 5 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 December 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings, and whether it will consider linking its stated policy of introducing rent controls to EPC ratings.
Answer
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has previously written to the Scottish Government setting out a series of recommendations for the reform on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). In response to this advice, we published a consultation on EPC reform on 25 July 2023 which concluded on 16 October 2023. We will publish a response to this consultation in 2024.
The consultation proposed to revise the information displayed on domestic EPCs, expanding the current suite of ratings to introduce a fabric energy efficiency rating and displaying relevant information relating to the heating system. This aims to provide a more holistic view to current and potential homeowners and tenants.
On the 28 November 2023 we launched the Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill: Consultation which set out a potential role for EPCs to provide evidence that could support building owners in complying with proposed standards. The consultation proposes that privately-owned homes across Scotland will be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard before the end of 2033, with homes in the private rented sector having to do so before the end of 2028.
We continue to develop the approach to long term rent control in support of the introduction of a Housing Bill later in this parliamentary year. This ongoing work is considering how improvements in the condition of rented properties, including energy efficiency, could be included.