SFHA responds to consultation on the introduction of a Passivhaus equivalent

SFHA has responded to a Scottish Government consultation on determining the principles for the introduction of a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard for new developments.

While a number of SFHA members have successfully built to the Passivhaus standard, we have been clear that any new energy standards within building regulations should take into account the levels of financial challenge facing the social housing sector and the multiple priorities housing associations are having to balance - all within the context of a housing emergency and cost-of-living crisis for tenants. We are calling for a flexible approach that will deliver lower emission new homes, but which won't undermine efforts to build the new homes Scotland so urgently needs.

This is the first of two Scottish Government consultations that will look at the introduction of new energy standards. At this stage we have said that the development of proposals should be guided by the need for requirements to be affordable for developers, achievable in terms of skills and supply chain, and liveable for occupants. A second consultation, due to be published next year, will focus on more detailed proposals for performance targets.

Details on the consultation can be found here and SFHA will continue to engage with members as these proposals develop, both through the Development and Energy and Net Zero Forums.