Providing flexibility in heat and energy efficiency regulations – personal circumstances

The Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings (HiB) Strategy commits all Scottish homes to be net zero by 2045. However, in line with the commitment to a Just Transition, the Government recognises that personal circumstances may, in some cases, make it more challenging for people to meet the requirements of the proposed Heat in Buildings Standard. Personal circumstances include vulnerability criteria related to the occupiers of the dwelling, such as disability, age, or low income.

This study reviewed how regulations, both in the UK and internationally, have accounted for personal circumstances. The researchers also investigated the impact of including personal circumstances in the regulation. The report highlights new emerging policy areas to support consideration of how similar regulations could work in Scotland.

Findings

The study identified 18 examples of personal circumstances being included in international heat and energy efficiency regulations. Key findings include:

• There is limited evidence of including personal circumstances in regulations.
• The most common personal circumstances identified relate to those with a low income.
• Germany allows exemptions for clean heating regulation for owner-occupiers over 80 years of age, if they live in a building of up to six flats.
• Most stakeholders were aware of funding or support for low-income households, but several noted they had not considered including other personal circumstances within regulations.
• A proposal in Flanders aims to introduce a decision tree for personal circumstances, which includes significant life events to excuse residents for not meeting the standard.
• Stakeholders were concerned that including personal circumstances in the proposed HiB Standard would risk people losing out on the benefits of the energy transition such as reducing energy costs, greater energy efficiency and warmer homes.

For further details please read the report.

If you require the report in an alternative format, such as a Word document, please contact info@climatexchange.org.uk or 0131 651 4783.