Energy efficiency is the key

By making the most of the powers in its new climate change bill, Scotland has a real chance of delivering energy-efficient homes, reducing fuel poverty and generating green jobs for the economy.

The Scottish Climate Change Bill, passed on 24 June 2009, is a ground breaking piece of legislation that includes a range of powers to encourage and, if necessary, compel homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. 

Adapting our homes to be low carbon will be a major factor in helping us reach the bill’s target of a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

Incentives in the bill include:

* offering council tax discounts to property owners who install energy-saving measures, like cavity wall insulation or heat pumps  

* powers to compel property owners to make building-specific energy efficiency improvements – a first in Europe

* insulation and energy efficiency improvements are defined as ‘communal repairs’ in tenements, and can’t be ‘ blocked’ by individual tenants

* ministers to consult on an energy efficiency standard for private rented housing that will be similar to the social sector