Net zero influencing update
Clarity on Social Housing Net Zero Heat Standard among key areas of work.
Establishing clarity on key energy-efficiency measures such as the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Standard (SHNZHS) has been among SFHA’s key net zero policy activities in this parliamentary term.
Following SFHA’s response to the consultation, we have been in regular discussion with the Scottish Government on a subsequent timetable for SHNZHS. However, with government also due to liaise and consult with key stakeholders such as the Scottish Housing Regulator, it may be some time before a firm update is forthcoming.
SFHA is also actively lobbying government on the proposed Heat in Buildings Bill, legislation the Scottish Government is planning to introduce with the aim of reducing carbon emissions in buildings. In a recent update to the Scottish Parliament, the acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan MSP, said that the Scottish Government would shortly be setting out its next steps on how to progress the Bill through parliament. SFHA will work throughout the parliamentary process to ensure this Bill meets members’ needs.
In a recent meeting with the Minister, we also continued to make the case for funding and improvements to the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, as well as the need for alignment between the SHNZS and Heat in Buildings Bill so that all tenures play their part and to help support supply chain development.
Alongside this, we are actively working with both Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Government on retrofit costs and will keep members informed as this progresses. As ever, thank you to all members who have fed into this so far.
We’ll continue to update on these areas of work and members can join any of our policy forums to discuss in detail here.