A cross-party consensus has been reached by the Scottish Conservatives to bring Scotland’s energy efficiency target forward by 10 years.
The party announced today that they have secured Parliamentary backing to bring forward the energy efficiency target from 2040 to 2030.
The current SNP government had suggested via the Energy Efficient Scotland Route Map a target of 2040 back in early May.
However, the Scottish Conservative’s energy spokesman Alexander Burnett said the party had won “cross-party backing” for the new target of 2030.
The Aberdeenshire West MSP also won backing for all homes to reach the EPC “C” rating by that date, where feasible.
Mr Burnett said: “The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for the SNP’s energy efficiency target to be brought forward from the current date of 2040.
“We strongly believe we can achieve transformative change in energy efficiency across Scotland – with all properties achieving an EPC rating of ‘C’ or better by 2030.
“And the Existing Homes Alliance has noted that if the SNP brought all homes up to an EPC band C by 2025, research suggests that it would support 6,400 jobs throughout Scotland, creating a boost for the economy as it would raise GVA by 0.27% on an annual basis.”
Sarah Beattie Smith, senior climate and energy policy officer at WWF Scotland said:“It is very encouraging to see the Scottish Parliament vote for stronger and faster action to make Scotland’s buildings warmer and more energy efficient. By voting to bring forward the date by which all homes will reach a good standard of energy efficiency, MSPs have demonstrated welcome commitment to tackling climate change and fuel poverty with the urgency required.
“We hope that Scottish Ministers and opposition parties can now work together to enact the principles agreed today.”
Recommended for you
