The Scottish Government have made an
announcement regarding the next set of energy standards within Scottish
building regulations. The Minister for
Planning, Derek Mackay, has advised that the revised standards, to be
introduced from October 2015, will deliver a 21% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
from new homes and a 43% reduction in emissions from new non-domestic
buildings.
announcement regarding the next set of energy standards within Scottish
building regulations. The Minister for
Planning, Derek Mackay, has advised that the revised standards, to be
introduced from October 2015, will deliver a 21% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
from new homes and a 43% reduction in emissions from new non-domestic
buildings.
The revisions have been deferred until
October 2015 to enable industry and government to use the additional time in
support of successful delivery of the new standards.
October 2015 to enable industry and government to use the additional time in
support of successful delivery of the new standards.
The deferral has already been welcomed by
some within the industry. Philip Hogg,
Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland said:
some within the industry. Philip Hogg,
Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland said:
“With the Scottish home building industry
still striving to overcome the severe impact of the economic downturn, our
members will welcome the additional time that has been given before the change
in energy standards.”
still striving to overcome the severe impact of the economic downturn, our
members will welcome the additional time that has been given before the change
in energy standards.”
“This will provide some much needed
assistance to engendering a sustainable recovery.”
assistance to engendering a sustainable recovery.”
The announcement follows both analysis of consultation
responses and information from the reconvened Sullivan Report expert panel. The revised standards are to be broadly as
consulted upon.
responses and information from the reconvened Sullivan Report expert panel. The revised standards are to be broadly as
consulted upon.
To take forward the technical aspects of the review the Departmental Working Group is to be reconvened to review the range of issues flagged by consultees. Once the final Working Group meeting has been held, and further consideration given by Scottish Ministers, both the consultation and Scottish Government response will be published. The intention is that the publication of this document will be in early November. An update on the proposed programme for implementation of the new standards will then be issued.