Chamber and committees

There is no requirement for heat pump installation businesses to be registered. The Renewables Installer Finder tool, funded by Scottish Government, provides information on Microgeneration Certification Scheme certified installers who operate in Scotland and wish to list their information on the tool. The tool can be found at: Renewables Installer Finder (est.org.uk) .

The following table sets out the number of applications approved for energy efficiency measures and clean heating systems for the financial year 2022-23. The figures include data from the Home Energy Scotland Loan and Cashback Scheme, which operated until December 2022, and the Grant and Loan scheme which began in December 2022.

A ‘clean heating system’ refers to a ‘zero direct emissions heating system’.

Hybrid heat pumps and hybrid heat pump systems are not included in the number of clean heating systems, as these usually include a heating source which directly produces carbon emissions, although the Scottish Government only provides funding for the zero emissions element.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-22629 on 16 November 2023 for information on the full range of the ongoing actions we are taking to raise awareness of our schemes. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

We will shortly consult on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill. This will include proposals to set a minimum energy efficiency standard for homes in Scotland - ensuring they are better insulated and driving down emissions to meet our targets.

Our Heat in Buildings Strategy recognises that some properties may have fewer technology options available as a result of location and property type, impact on the fabric of historic buildings and electricity grid capacity.

The cost of converting to a clean heating system is likely to vary according to property type, size and condition. We therefore have a broad range of delivery programmes to provide advice and financial support for householders related to energy efficiency and clean heating.

The Scottish Government funds Home Energy Scotland (HES), administered by Energy Saving Trust, to provide free and impartial advice on energy efficiency, renewable heating and fuel poverty support in Scotland. Within HES there are specialist renewables advisors with training on home renewables systems, home energy efficiency; and solutions for hard to treat and historic buildings. These specialists provide an in-depth service to Scottish homeowners, which can include on-site assessments.

Our Warmer Homes Scotland programme takes a bespoke, whole house approach to support those at risk of fuel poverty through installing insulation and heating measures. A retrofit assessment in accordance with PAS 2035 quality standards is prepared for each home and only where renewables or zero direct emissions heating are technically appropriate, and would not increase running costs, will we offer those to the householder. A wide range of measures is available under the programme and where renewables are not appropriate then the assessor will recommend a suitable package of insulation and/or other heating options.

We will consult before the end of the year on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill. Any regulations introduced will be technology-neutral since different homes and buildings will require different clean heat solutions (including heat pumps, heat networks and direct electric heating systems).

All the current means of heating homes and buildings require replacement and recycling of units and component parts, and this will continue to be the case.

The Scottish Government does not hold or have access to information on the number of students currently pursuing specific energy efficiency qualifications. As energy efficiency would typically form part of a wider course syllabus for a diverse range of qualifications including engineering, technology, science and construction, the Scottish Government is unable to identify which courses include an energy efficiency component and therefore does not have the information required to answer the question accurately.

The Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan Scheme was launched in December 2022. The figures provided show the demographic between this launch date and the end of August 2023.

The scheme is open to all domestic owner occupied households in Scotland, and therefore data on the age and income of applicants are not collected as part of the application process. In the following table, the data requested has therefore been supplied by local authority area only.

I refer the member to the answer in question S6W-22666 on 16 November 2023. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

A range of skills will be required to deliver the transition to clean heat. Our Heat in Buildings Supply Chains Delivery Plan sets out practical steps that we will take to support the growth of the green heat sector.

We continue to work in partnership with the sector to ensure that the appropriate support and training provision are aligned at a local level with business needs and future local demands.