Consultation opens on new scheme to boost energy efficiency in homes

A public consultation on an initiative to provide tailored advice on energy efficiency to homeowners has been launched.

The Home Energy Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA) aims to address limitations in energy performance certificates (EPC), which are often viewed as too general and non-specific for individual properties or circumstances.

It has been developed in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University and was launched by the Scottish Government on Friday.

The new system prioritises maintenance, looking at the building’s condition, before introducing new technologies, and also ensures improvements made remain appropriate regardless of future changes in technology or policy.

Keith Baker, research fellow at the university, said: “This work represents a significant step towards improving the quality and relevance of energy efficiency advice in Scotland.

“Our research identified the need for a more flexible and technically appropriate system to support the energy transition in homes.”

Current EPCs will remain a legal requirement for property sales and lettings.

HEETSAs would operate alongside them as a voluntary, more comprehensive assessment.

They would involve trained professionals conducting detailed property evaluations and holding discussions with occupants about their needs.

HEETSA is the result of extensive stakeholder engagement, including input from more than 100 organisations across the housing, construction and energy sectors.

The assessment takes into consideration that maintenance has been overlooked in previous years.

Dr Baker says that as of 2023, an estimated 45% of Scottish properties were suffering disrepair to one or more critical elements, such as roofs and external walls.

He said: “Fixing properties first ensures that householders can fully benefit from energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies.

“These assessments would give homeowners far more confidence that any improvements they make are well suited to their property and lifestyle, helping reduce energy bills whilst avoiding costly mistakes.”

HEETSA proposes multiple support roles including assessors, advocates, and project managers, with the assessor role initially subject to regulation.

Under the same proposals, private rented homes may be subject to a minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) from 2028 to support efforts to tackle fuel poverty and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change.

Regulations would be brought forward under existing powers to reach the reformed EPC heat retention rating (HRR) band C from 2028 for new tenancies and by 2033 for all privately rented homes.

As of 2022, there were about 300,000 privately rented properties in Scotland, and the new regulations would prevent the letting of properties which fall short of the energy efficiency mark until the landlord makes relevant improvements.

Alasdair Allan, acting minister for climate action, said: “It is vital that we find the right balance to both reach net zero by 2045 and reduce fuel poverty.

“Improving energy efficiency is one of the levers available to the Scottish Government that enables this dual progress.

“The lowest rates of fuel poverty are associated with higher energy efficiency standards.

“A majority of privately rented properties are already at a good standard of energy efficiency, based on the current EPC regime, but others still need improvement to bring them closer to reaching a good level.

“These proposals will improve those homes, reduce energy costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating – which we will be further strengthening through the heat in buildings Bill that we have committed to bring forward later this year.

“Installing better insulation and other energy efficiency measures will also benefit people’s health by reducing the risk of cold and dampness-related conditions.

“The Scottish Government continues to offer a wide range of support to people and organisations looking to move to clean heating or improve energy efficiency, including to private landlords.”

The consultation is available on the Scottish Government’s website and responses can be submitted until August 29.