Question reference: S6W-04176
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 5 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that green incentives and loans for renewable energy efficiency measures for domestic properties are easy to understand and apply for, and that members of the public have access to the help and support they need to ensure that the application process itself is not a barrier to the assistance available.
Answer
The Scottish Government provides loans with cashback grants to enable households in all parts of Scotland to install renewables and energy efficiency measures. Funding is delivered through Home Energy Scotland and managed, on behalf of Scottish Government, by the Energy Saving Trust,
To further support households in understanding the application process, Home Energy Scotland provides:
- free, impartial, bespoke advice through Home Energy Scotland, including specialist home renewables advice;
- the Green Homes Network which allows households to find out about the experience of others who have already installed renewables measures; and
- the Renewable Installer Finder Tool which helps households find installers and suppliers in their area.
Going forward, and following the recent publication of the Heat in Buildings Strategy, we are developing a bespoke public engagement strategy for heat in buildings. This builds on the objectives and guiding principles of our Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change, as well as our existing support and advice programmes.
We are investing in growing our advice services so that they continue to meet people's needs and this includes improving our digital presence and continuing to provide in-depth support for installing zero emissions heating systems.