The Scottish Government published an easy read version of its Heat in Buildings Strategy on 7 March 2022, setting out in plain language how it intends to cut emissions from Scotland's buildings1. The document carries the ISBN 9781802015362 and is described as "the easy read version of the Heat in Buildings Strategy summary document"1.
The strategy restates the overarching aim and the first step towards it. "Our goal is to have zero emissions from buildings," it says, adding that "making buildings waste less energy through energy efficiency is the first step to zero emissions"1. It states that buildings using fossil fuels must change to zero emissions heating, that zero emissions systems such as heat pumps need to be fitted faster, and that "we will have to stop using natural gas"1. On costs, it says zero emissions systems will often cost more than the old systems, and that the cost of changing is high compared with the cost of gas1.
The document sets out where powers sit. It states that the Scottish Government does not have all the powers to deliver zero emissions, that consumer protection is controlled by the UK Government, and that it is asking the UK Government to look at energy prices so more people will change1. It also says the Scottish Government is working on laws requiring new buildings to have zero emissions heating, is making rules so new heat networks must use low and zero emissions heating, and wants to set rules for private rented properties and for owner-occupied homes, potentially triggered when a building changes tenants, is sold or new heating is fitted1.
Support measures named in the document include increased funding for home energy projects, more money for advice services, support for social housing landlords so social homes are upgraded, funding for the public sector, and support for community projects moving to zero emissions heat1. Businesses are said to be able to get free and independent advice and loans1. A National Public Energy Agency is planned to raise public awareness and help more people change their heating systems1. A group will be set up to examine how private funding can be secured1.
"We will set up a National Public Energy Agency. The Agency will raise public awareness and help more people change their heating systems."
The document also refers to plans to be made in partnership with local councils across their areas, and to a Fuel Poverty Strategy, with principles including that energy efficiency does not increase fuel poverty1.
Why it matters for households
The strategy confirms the direction of travel for Scottish homes: fabric efficiency first, then a change of heating system away from natural gas, with heat pumps named as an example1. For a household, that points to two separate questions, how well the home retains heat and what produces it. The document acknowledges that zero emissions systems will often cost more to run than the old systems and that the cost of change is high compared with gas, which is why it asks the UK Government to look at energy prices1. It also states that consumer protection is reserved to the UK Government, so redress for problems with a supplier or installer sits outside Scottish control1. Rules for owner-occupied homes are described as something the Scottish Government wants to set, not something already in force, and no dates for those rules appear in this document1. The energy policy in Scotland settlement, Scotland's climate targets and the reserved consumer protection framework all shape what a Scottish household can expect.
What happens next
The document says views will be sought on the effects of changes to energy networks "next year", and that plans will be made with local councils1. It does not give dates for the National Public Energy Agency, for the rules on private rented or owner-occupied homes, or for the zero emissions heat targets it says will be set1.