South businesses and homeowners encouraged to take part in Heat in Buildings consultation
South businesses, homeowners and landlords are being encouraged to take part in a critical consultation on proposals to make new laws around energy efficiency of homes and other buildings in Scotland.
Entitled ‘Delivering Net Zero for Scotland's buildings - Heat in Buildings Bill’, the proposed new legislation would aim to deliver action on fuel poverty and greenhouse gas emissions targets, through changing the way we heat our homes, workplaces and other buildings.
Why this consultation is important
At present, heating Scotland’s two million homes and 100,000 non-domestic buildings is the third-largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions, generating almost 25% of all Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions every year.
In addition, poor levels of energy efficiency are responsible for fuel poverty and pressure on the finances of businesses.
The new Bill, which is to be considered by the Scottish Parliament, aims to address polluting heating systems directly, and improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s building stock, which will assist Scotland to reach its target of Net Zero emissions by 2045.
This will aim to present a clear, long-term, investment pipeline of opportunity for new and existing investors and companies across the supply chain and skills market in the South of Scotland.
What is being proposed?
In homes and places of work, the Scottish Government plans to:
- Re-confirm that the use of polluting heating systems will be prohibited after 2045;
- As a pathway to 2045, require those purchasing a home or business premises to end their use of polluting heating systems within a fixed period following completion of the sale.
In terms of energy efficiency improvements in homes, the Scottish Government also plans to:
- Introduce a new law that will require homeowners to make sure that their homes meet a reasonable minimum energy efficiency standard by 2033;
- Propose that private landlords will be required to meet this minimum energy efficiency standard by 2028.
How do I provide my views?
We will be responding to the consultation, to help reflect the needs of the South and any businesses who wish to feed into the SOSE response can email netzero @ sose.scot with their views.
Alternatively, they can reply directly to the consultation here.
Deadline for responses is Friday 8 March.
Dr Martin Valenti, our Director of Net Zero, Nature and Entrepreneurship, added:
“In the context of the unfolding Climate Emergency, changing the way we heat our homes, workplaces and other buildings is vital.
“In addition, investment in energy efficiency can play a critical role in reducing the financial pressures on households and businesses.
“The Heat in Buildings Bill will be the crucial piece of legislation to achieving these aims, but it is important the voices of those in rural areas such as the South of Scotland are considered.
“This is why SOSE is so keen for businesses, homeowners and landlords across the South to take part in the current consultation, to ensure the new Bill reflects the specific opportunities and challenges we have here.”