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 The Association for the Conservation of Energy today claimed victory in a long-running campaign for more energy-efficient existing buildings. The claim came after the Scottish Government announced, in a report published on their website last week [1], that owners will be required to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings when extension or renovation work is carried out. The new requirement, known as 'consequential improvements', will be introduced in October 2010.
Chas Booth from the Association for the Conservation of Energy said, "This is great news, and is a change we've long argued for. This will make a big difference to improving the energy efficiency of our homes and workplaces, which in turn will lead to lower fuel bills and help to cut climate change pollution. Nearly half our greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, so this change really will make a big contribution towards achieving the Scottish Government's ambitious target to cut climate change emissions by 42% by 2020."
ENDS Notes to editors [1] The report, "Review of Building Standards Section 6 Energy (Incorporating changes to Section 3 Environment) – Consultation Report February 2010" , was published on 24 February 2010. It gives the Scottish Government's response to issues raised in the October 2009 consultation to changes to building regulations section 6, Energy. On the principle of requiring improvements to the energy performance of existing buildings when other work is carried out, the report says, "There is strong support to introduce provisions to require improvement in the energy performance of existing buildings. A range of issues relating to the proposed mechanism have been identified and many of these merit further investigation. BSD [Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government] propose to introduce proposals principally as consulted upon - consider any refinements needed to improve application. Look also at potential for further enhancement in 2013. Improvement of existing building stock is recognised as an essential component in addressing Climate Change. Work should include further assessment of revised proposals and their compatibility with proposals triggered by building work within the overall agenda set out under s.63 & 64 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009." (p. 18-19) The report also revealed that 86% of those responding to the consultation agreed with the principle of requiring improvements to the energy performance of buildings; 75% were satisfied that the proposals were equitable and 60% supported the detail of the measures proposed. (p.16-18) Greater detail on the proposal for consequential improvements, as consulted on, are available in the original consultation document. Contact: Chas Booth Senior Press & Parliamentary Officer Association for the Conservation of Energy 0131 474 6194 / 07905 147552
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