The Scottish Government recently launched the Route Map to an Energy Efficient Scotland, which outlines action to ensure that by 2040, all homes are improved so they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least Band C.

Supported by £54.5 million funding, the Route Map confirms that landlords of privately rented homes will be required to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of Band E from April 2020 at change of tenancy, and then Band D from 2022. All private rented properties will need to be EPC Band E by end March 2022 and Band D by end March 2025. This is aimed at ensuring private rented tenants live in homes which are warmer and more affordable to heat.

The funding will also support local authorities to expand their existing energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes. And it will continue to support building owners to develop local heat and energy efficiency strategies as well as making funding available to social landlords to help them install low carbon heating systems such as air and ground source heat pumps.

A consultation is currently open; Energy Efficient Scotland will require minimum energy efficiency targets to be met by all buildings in Scotland and so the views of individuals and public bodies are being taken into consideration and used to shape the programme. The Scottish Government are gathering responses to ensure that the Energy Efficient Scotland framework is both supported and deliverable.

The Route Map is available here, and the consultation is open until 27 July 2018.