News

Proposed Energy Efficiency Standards for Rented Homes in Scotland

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for the private rented sector. If implemented, these changes could significantly impact landlords across Scotland—especially those with older or less efficient properties. Here’s what you need to know about the proposals, timelines, and what it might […]

Lead Testing in Rental Properties: What Landlords Need to Know 🚰

As of 1 March 2024, it became a legal requirement under The Repairing Standard for landlords in Scotland to ensure that the water supply in private rented properties is free of lead from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap. This rule is a crucial step in protecting tenants from […]

Summer Update 2025 🌱

Here’s a quick look at how we’ve been working to support homeowners, landlords, tenants, and young people across our local community through energy upgrades, compliance, education, and conservation. Energy Loan and Grant Applications 🔠 We have been supporting Homeowners and Landlords with their applications so that they can access grants […]

Rise of Heat Pumps in New Homes

As the UK moves closer to implementing the Future Homes Standard, more developers are switching to heat pumps in newly built homes. These systems offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gas boilers and align with the government’s push toward low-carbon heating. According to a new report from Ambient, the share […]

ECO4 and GBIS Explained

Rising energy costs and environmental targets have made energy efficiency a priority in the UK housing sector. To support homeowners and tenants in upgrading their properties, the government has introduced two key schemes: ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). And while both aim to make homes warmer and […]

UK’s Private Rental Crisis and What Needs to Change Now

The quality of housing in the UK’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) is under scrutiny. A new report from the National Retrofit Hub highlights major concerns, with tenants struggling to heat inefficient homes and landlords facing financial barriers to making necessary upgrades. The National Retrofit Hub: Driving Change 🚀 The National […]

How EPCs Help Fight Fuel Poverty

As energy prices climb, many struggle to keep their homes warm, impacting both comfort and health. Energy assessments play a crucial role in identifying properties with high energy costs and recommending improvements to reduce bills and enhance efficiency. Understanding Fuel Poverty in the UK 🌐 Fuel poverty occurs when households […]

The Ideal Validity Period for EPCs

The UK government is reviewing how long Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) should remain valid as part of its Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings consultation. Currently, EPCs last for 10 years, but many experts argue that this period is too long, as properties can change significantly within that […]

EPC changes in 2026 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The Scottish Government has announced major changes to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) that are set to take effect in 2026. Key updates include the introduction of new ratings, a redesigned certificate format, and a shortened validity period. New Domestic EPC Ratings 📝 The following new metrics will replace previous classifications […]

UK Mortgage Lenders using EPC

From 2025, an increasing number of high street lenders are expected to include EPC ratings in assessing mortgage affordability. EPCs Explained 🔍 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are a requirement for all homes that are being sold or rented. They provide a rating from A to G, that shows how energy-efficient […]