Question reference: S6W-25710
- Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 23 February 2024
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 8 March 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how many properties that are in the scope of its 2033 minimum energy efficiency standard, as proposed in its Delivering Net Zero for Scotland's Buildings consultation, are (a) already meeting and (b) require any level of work to meet the proposed standard.
Answer
The Scottish Government wants all homes in Scotland to reach a good level of energy efficiency where possible and is consulting on proposals to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard that would apply to all privately owned housing by the end of 2033.
The proposed minimum energy efficiency standard is at a level that is broadly equivalent to EPC C. The Scottish House Condition Survey 2022 shows that 48% of the owner-occupied housing stock (around 788,000 dwellings) is already in EPC band C or better. It is likely that for many of these homes not yet meeting the new standard, the amount of work needed to be carried out is modest.
We are also seeking views in our consultation on whether to introduce flexibility to the standard for specific groups or based on personal circumstances. These mechanisms may reduce the number of homes which need to meet the standard. In addition, we are proposing that any owner-occupied homes which have already installed clean heating systems before 2033 won’t be required to meet the standard. All owner-occupied new homes built under a building warrant on or after 1 April 2024 will already meet the clean heat requirement and will therefore not be required to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard.