New build and retrofitting standards. As the energy efficiency of buildings and homes improves the demand for energy will decrease – both from traditional fossil fuel sources and renewables. This will contribute to Scotland achieving its emissions targets. Green MSPs will call for high efficiency standards to deliver net zero carbon new buildings by 2030, and will push for the rate of retrofitting to be accelerated to ensure that all existing properties also achieve Band C by 2025.
Support for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. To meet our target of 50% of all our energy use from renewables by 2030, we must move to generating more renewable heat. We believe that increased opportunities for CHP systems, including district heating, should be prioritised, particularly in new housing developments and new public buildings.
Taking a whole-house approach. The smart meter rollout provides an opportunity to deliver a whole-house approach to energy efficiency and usage, bringing together insulation schemes with fuel poverty programmes and area-based energy advice schemes to help keep homes warm into the future. The Scottish Greens will call for such co-ordinating action to be taken where possible.
