S6W-21728

Asked by: McArthur, Liam (Scottish Liberal Democrats - Orkney Islands)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to apply its proposed energy performance certification reforms to listed buildings, including whether any consideration has been given to (a) exemptions for such properties and (b) changes to regulations governing listed building consent to facilitate net zero retrofitting measures.

Answered by Harvie, Patrick - Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights

The Climate Change Committee has previously written to the Scottish Government setting out a series of recommendations for the reform on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). In response to this advice, the Scottish Government published a consultation on EPC reform on 25 July 2023. This consultation highlights proposals to revise the information displayed on EPCs by expanding the current suite of metrics and reporting other relevant information. This would provide a more holistic view to current and potential homeowners for all types of buildings.

An EPC assessment for existing buildings is a non-intrusive survey and so the methodology makes assumptions based on the age and characteristics of the building. Our consultation highlights that we are reviewing the assessment and quality assurance processes to enhance the accuracy of EPCs. It is a legal requirement that a valid EPC is made available whenever a building is advertised for sale or for let, or when a new building is completed. Listed buildings are not exempt from this requirement, as set out in the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

The consultation on EPC reform does not, however, cover Scottish Government proposals to ensure homes reach a particular standard of energy efficiency or decarbonise their heating systems. This will be subject to a separate consultation on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill planned for later this year.

The Scottish Government does recognise it may be more challenging for some homes and buildings to meet the proposed energy efficiency standards than for others. We will work with stakeholders, including Historic Environment Scotland, to develop approaches and solutions to transition Scotland’s listed buildings, where it is technically feasible and cost effective, to achieve a good level of energy efficiency and transition to zero direct emissions heating while respecting and preserving the special characteristics of our historic buildings.