SECTOR stakeholders have welcomed progress in the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill during this parliament – but have urged more clarity around expected standards, skills, and business support.
A ‘revised’ bill will set a new target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045.
Acting minister for climate action Alasdair Allan said in a statement that the intention is to bring forward a bill for consideration by the Scottish Parliament later this year. It will include a target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, sending a ‘strong’ signal to building owners on the need to prepare for change while outlining actions to help do this; provisions to boost heat network development by developing requirements for large, non-domestic premises; and powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner/occupier and non-domestic properties, subject to further consideration.
Regulations will be progressed under existing powers to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector.
Dr Allan said, “It is vital that we find the right balance both to reach net zero by 2045, and reduce fuel poverty. Many households, families and businesses are facing difficult circumstances right now and it is simply unaffordable for many building owners to make great changes in the near future – particularly for those in rural and island locations, whose needs and circumstances we must continue to consider carefully.
“Our plan to deliver a revised bill responds to the legitimate reservations and concerns raised since our consultation completed, including the risk of exacerbating fuel poverty and burdening every individual householder with an overly onerous responsibility as we decarbonise. Instead of placing prohibitions on every homeowner, we will establish targets for government to reach. Rather than looking at action through the lens of decarbonising alone, we will also commit to doing everything within our power to reduce costs for people.”
The government said the proposed bill will remain ‘technology-neutral’, reflecting that different properties and people will require different solutions.
Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, told Project Scotland that the organisation supports the intention to move away from immediate restrictions on homeowners and instead focus on national targets.
“That change of tone is constructive and gives the plumbing and heating profession a clearer signal on the direction of travel,” she added. “But (the) announcement is silent on how the work will actually get done. There is no reference to skills, vocational training or business support; yet these are the foundations on which success depends. Without them, we risk setting targets that are simply undeliverable.
“Around 80% of our members still work in the traditional heating market. They are willing to play a key role in Scotland’s transition, but they can’t do that without practical support. Skills, training and SME capacity must be at the heart of the next stage.”
Lori McElroy, chair of the Existing Homes Alliance, said that bringing forward the ‘right’ bill is an opportunity to put Scotland back at the forefront of tackling climate change and fuel poverty.
“It’s good to see some progress is being made on this after months of delay and we welcome early action on improving energy efficiency in the private rented sector. However, we are concerned that what has been suggested may not be sufficient to get us to net zero by 2045. A target-based approach must have a robust delivery plan and this must be forthcoming this year.
“A strong bill that includes clear, achievable targets and standards on zero emissions heating and energy efficiency in homes is essential to provide much needed clarity for homeowners, landlords and businesses. It must protect the most vulnerable by including a requirement that the regulations contribute to tackling fuel poverty.
“Decarbonising heating should be phased in over time, so that industry can scale up to meet growing demand. It must include appropriate exemptions and exclusions, so that it gives clarity and certainty, while also being achievable and affordable.
“The bill must be introduced soon to ensure sufficient time for parliamentary scrutiny, and we look forward to working constructively with the Scottish Government over the coming weeks to ensure the bill is introduced in good time and avoids further delay.
“However, regulations will not work on their own. Alongside the bill, we need an expanded framework of advice and support to help people upgrade their homes.
“That includes continued grant and loan support and long-term affordable financing, so people are not financially worse off. Now that the long awaited Green Heat Finance Taskforce report has been published, the Scottish Government must take forward recommendations and work to roll out affordable financing mechanisms, so warm, healthy homes are more affordable to more people.“
Carolyn Lochhead, director of external affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, said it was “good news“ that the Scottish Government has committed to introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill during this parliament, adding that the organisation’s members have already worked hard to decarbonise social homes, but if they are to continue this then greater clarity is required on expected standards across the sector.
“The intention to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector is also a step in the right direction – SFHA has consistently argued that improved energy standards should apply to all types of housing,” she stated. “Alongside development of the new Heat in Buildings Bill we now need to see progress on the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Standard and for the Scottish Government to act on the recommendations of the Green Heat Finance Taskforce.
“In particular, we need to see funding solutions for social housing retrofit to ensure tenants do not foot the bill for the move to clean heating systems through higher rents.”
