Reducing the amount of energy used in Scottish homes is an important part of transitioning to a low carbon economy. It also provides valuable opportunities to reduce household energy bills, improve indoor comfort and increase the security of Scotland’s energy supply.

In the recent Heat Policy Statement (HPS) the Scottish Government announced that it is designating energy efficiency as a National Infrastructure Priority. The cornerstone of this will be Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) which will offer support to all buildings in Scotland – domestic and non-domestic – to improve their energy efficiency rating.

This review of energy efficiency interventions includes energy efficiency regulations, schemes, support programmes, incentives and fiscal levers in other European countries, top performing American states and selected countries with relevant experience. The focus of the study is on refurbishment and new-build Building Regulations were therefore excluded.

The study was carried out by consultants Ricardo AEA between January and September 2015.