The most recent improvement to energy standards for new homes was introduced in February 2023, according to the Scottish Government's first three-year periodic report on tackling fuel poverty, published on 1 April 20251. The report covers progress between publication of the fuel poverty strategy in December 2021 and December 20241.
The report sets out the status of the strategy's 10 strategic priority actions and 55 underpinning actions. On driving up energy efficiency standards across all tenures, it states that in November 2023 the government consulted on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill, including a minimum energy efficiency standard for privately-owned homes1. That consultation also sought views on proposals to prohibit the use of polluting heating systems, like gas boilers, in all privately owned and non-domestic properties after 2045, and to require some building owners to do so earlier1. At the time of publication, the government said it was considering the responses and would confirm decisions on next steps for the Bill as soon as practicable1.
The report also records that the New Build Heat Standard was implemented through building regulations in April 2024, with further amendment in January 20251. On the private rented sector, it states that regulations requiring properties to meet a minimum standard equivalent to EPC C, where technically feasible and cost-effective, will be introduced by 2028, and notes requirements that private landlords must comply with from 1 March 20241.
"The most recent improvement to energy standards for new homes was introduced in February 2023."
On spending, the report says £1.3 billion has been allocated through Heat in Buildings schemes this Parliamentary Session, excluding 2025/26, with spend of over £575 million committed for energy efficiency and clean projects1. Since the launch of the first Warmer Homes Scotland scheme in 2015, it says the scheme has invested around £289 million and helped over 40,000 households, including an additional £20 million allocated to the scheme in 2024/251.
| Measure | Date given in the report |
|---|---|
| Improvement to energy standards for new homes | February 2023 |
| Consultation on Heat in Buildings Bill | November 2023 |
| Private rented sector landlord requirements | From 1 March 2024 |
| New Build Heat Standard implemented | April 2024 |
| New Build Heat Standard further amendment | January 2025 |
| Minimum standard equivalent to EPC C for private rented sector | By 2028 |
| Prohibition of polluting heating in privately owned and non-domestic properties | After 2045 |
Why it matters for households
Energy standards for new homes determine how much heat a property loses and how much it costs to keep warm, so the February 2023 change sets the baseline for homes built since then. For anyone buying or renting a new build home, the standard in force at the date of construction is part of what the property delivers on bills and warmth. The report does not give the detailed technical content of the February 2023 improvement, and no figure for the resulting reduction in emissions from new homes appears in it.
The private rented sector measures matter to tenants, since a minimum standard equivalent to EPC C by 2028 would set a floor for the least efficient rented properties, subject to technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness1. The proposed 2045 prohibition on polluting heating systems, if taken forward, would affect how privately owned homes are heated over the longer term, though the government has not confirmed its decisions on the Bill1.
The report also records that work on tenure-neutral housing standards was paused in October 2024 and a planned public consultation delayed from 20251. A social tariff working group was established in November 2024, and its final report and recommendations were shared with the UK Government in March 2025; the powers to implement a social tariff remain with the UK Government1.
What happens next
The report states that decisions on next steps for the Heat in Buildings Bill will be confirmed as soon as practicable, and that refreshed Local Housing Strategy guidance will be published in 20251. An annual progress report on child poverty actions for 2024-25 is to be published by the end of June 20251. The strategy is to be reviewed at least every five years, with the first review no later than 2026, and reporting every three years with a final report no later than 20421.