Minimum energy efficiency standard update

Last week in parliament the government made a statement about its future plans for making homes in Scotland more energy efficient.

Most importantly for the private rented sector, it was announced that the government will soon make regulations under existing powers to introduce a private rented sector minimum energy efficiency standard (“PRS MEES”). Regulations will require all PRS properties, as far as possible, to reach “the equivalent of EPC rating C”. No detail has been given on when PRS properties will be required to meet the new standard, or how “the equivalent to EPC C” will be measured. EPC reports are due to be overhauled next year with new measures of energy efficiency added which could be used as a minimum standard, or the standard could be set by reference to a prescribed list of measures as proposed in the Heat in Buildings consultation. SAL has asked the government for an urgent meeting to discuss its plans and we will advise members as soon as any further information is available.

It was also announced that the previously planned 2045 prohibition on polluting heating systems will be dropped, and instead government targets will be set to encourage/incentivise the transition to clean heating, by doing things like boosting heat network development and encouraging the UK government to adjust the differential between gas and electricity pricing to make the latter more attractive as a heating option.

The government will publish a Heat in Buildings Bill later this year which will include powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner occupier and non-domestic properties (but with no firm dates for compliance being set).