Adam WilsonPropertymark Head of Policy and Campaigns Timothy Douglas comments on proposed revisions to the Heat in Buildings Bill (Scotland).
On 3 April 2025, Alasdair Allan MSP, acting Minister for Climate Action, confirmed that a revised version of the Heat in Buildings Bill will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament later this year. The revised Bill will set a new statutory target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, rather than a prohibition of polluting heating systems, alongside action to reduce fuel poverty.
Propertymark recognises the need to cut carbon emissions from buildings and homes, but the issue has always been how we do it. Following the Minister’s statement, it is pleasing that the Scottish Government is revising its focus overall to be less prescriptive.
The Minister said that the Bill will boost heat network development by developing particular requirements for large, non-domestic premises, including powers to require public sector buildings to connect to district heating when available. This includes working with building owners to ensure appropriate safeguards are developed.
The Minister also confirmed that the Bill will include:
Powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner occupier and non-domestic properties.
Separate regulations will be introduced for a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector. These regulations would mean all privately rented properties, as far as possible, reach Energy Performance Certificate C. This will improve the fabric of those homes, reduce energy demand and therefore likely reduce costs for tenants and support the transition to clean heating.
The Bill sits alongside work on a Social Housing Net Zero Standard and regulations to reform to Energy Performance Certificates.
Propertymark recognises the need to cut carbon emissions from buildings and homes, but the issue has always been how we do it. Following the Minister’s statement, it is pleasing that the Scottish Government is revising its focus overall to be less prescriptive. This is because Propertymark has long called for policy makers to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to energy efficiency, so words especially around how different properties and people require different solutions and being technology neutral is positive.
However, what landlords and homeowners need now is certainty. Questions remain about how much landlords and homeowners will need to invest in their properties, when EPC targets need to be met and what financial support can be accessed. Until these questions are answered, it is likely that the Scottish Government will struggle to meet their net zero targets.
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