EPC Changes ⚡️
The Scottish Government is reforming Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The reforms will focus on adding a new “Energy Use” metric to the EPC. The new and more precise EPC format will show metrics including energy, cost, and carbon. The changes are expected to help educate owner/occupiers to better understand:
1. The various measures required to improve energy efficiency to reduce the demand for heat.
2. The changes required to have a zero-emissions heating system.
3) The impact this has on running costs.
The new “Energy Use” metric will help to highlight any areas where Government support is required due to the increased running costs of zero-emissions systems. All three metrics will be visible on the EPC and will link up to the recommendations.
Carbon Reduction in Homes by 2030 ♻️
The Scottish Government has now published its Heat in Buildings Strategy which sets out Scotland’s vision for achieving net zero emissions by 2045 in Scotland’s homes.
New Homes 🏠
The Scottish Government is currently developing regulations which will require all new built homes, for which a building warrant is applied for from 2024, to use zero-emissions heating systems.
Existing homes EPC 🏘
Around 45% of Scotland’s homes have good energy performance with an equivalent to EPC rating of band C. However, to meet net zero targets there is a need to improve Scotland’s homes to make them more energy efficient. It is estimated that over a million homes will need to convert to zero-emissions heating by 2030. A summary of actions is outlined below:
1. All homes should meet EPC band C by 2033
2. New Minimum energy efficiency standards regulations to be introduced in the private rented sector by 2025. This will require all private rented properties to meet EPC band C by 2028.
3. Proposed that new regulations will be introduced between 2023-2025 which will establish a minimum energy efficiency standard of EPC band C for owner-occupied homes, which will need to be met by 2033.
All home and building upgrades – at the point of sale, change of tenancy, and refurbishment, will be required to meet at least EPC C standards or equivalent from 2025 onwards. Following this, all homes will need to be upgraded by 2033 to ensure Scotland’s climate change targets are achieved.
EPC Funding 💷
The Scottish government has committed a significant investment towards decarbonisation. They aim to spend a huge £1.8 billion over the course of this current parliament to decarbonise 1 million homes. This will help ensure homeowners, landlords and tenants can access the support they need to adapt their homes/buildings and secure the necessary emissions reduction.
Reflections 🤔
AAL Property Solutions welcome these new changes and believe it is a step in the right direction. We know that homes are responsible for a massive amount of carbon emissions and consume vast amounts of energy. Any measure to help improve energy efficiency and thereby reducing energy demand and carbon emissions is a win/win for all involved. It helps owner/occupiers save money, it helps the government meet their targets and ultimately reduces the impact of climate change.
However, we believe that in practice these changes may be challenging. The government must ensure that adequate funding is made available to ensure these changes are possible for owner/occupiers. If not, it will be hard to implement these changes. Furthermore, there is a lot of focus of zero-emissions heating systems however, there is still some vagueness surrounding the most suitable systems. In addition, some of these systems may not be suitable for many properties. Ultimately, we believe more clarity is required backed up with adequate financial support.
Further Information 📖
EPC Energy Assesors:
https://aalproperty.co.uk/energy-performance-certificate/
Heat in Buildings Strategy:
Fairer Greener Scotland Programme:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/fairer-greener-scotland-programme-government-2021-22/
AAL Property Solutions 🌲
14/10/21