Heat in buildings: Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing Review Group

Overview

The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2024 on proposals for a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS). This would replace the post-2020 Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing, or EESSH2.

During this time we set up the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2) Review Group with the social housing sector to carry out a review of the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020. This would bring it in line with the Scottish Government’s net zero target, and our guiding principles of a just transition that is fair to everyone and leaves no one behind.

The EESSH2 review was originally required because the existing 2032 milestone was not aligned with net zero targets for heating. To meet our net zero target, by 2045 all homes in Scotland must have significantly reduced their energy use, and almost all must be using a clean heating system. 

Recognising the Zero Emissions Social Housing Taskforce (ZEST) report calls for a Fabric First approach as an essential first step, the EESSH2 review considered energy efficiency measures, together with clean heating systems and how these can be integrated in making more climate resilient homes, in a way that is affordable for tenants and protects those in fuel poverty.

Four subgroups were created to look at eight elements that need to feed into a new target:

• Just Transition, Metric and Heating System
• Fabric First and Hard to Treat
• Finance and Measures
• Gypsy/Traveller Sites

Publications from the subgroups are listed below.

Acknowledging the need for the sector to have clarity whilst SHNZS is developed and finalised, the Scottish Government issued interim guidance for social landlords to be used by the sector until a new standard is established. This will be updated again shortly.

Finalisation of the proposed SHNZS has been temporarily paused to ensure the soundest possible sequencing of the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings proposals which will impact a number of different areas and tenures. As such, the EESSH2 Review Group is currently on hiatus.  

The timing and composition of the final SHNZS will be affected by decisions related to progress on PRS MEES and the planned Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill. It has therefore been important that Scottish Government takes the time necessary to ensure these policies complement one another and are fair and proportionate to all owners and tenants. 

A further update on the work of the EESSH2 Review Group and on the timing and next steps for the SHNZS will be provided in due course.

Members

• Neal Rafferty (Chair), Scottish Government Heat Strategy, Community Energy and Consumer Policy Unit
• Michael Cameron, Scottish Housing Regulator
• Mike Callaghan, COSLA
• Cassandra Dove, SFHA
• Moses Jenkins, Historic Environment Scotland
• Mark McArthur, Energy Saving Trust
• Colin Culross, Link Group
• Stephen Devine, Wheatley
• David Bookbinder, GWSF
• Tony Cain, ALACHO
• Ken Gibb, University of Glasgow/CaCHE
• Lori McElroy, University of Strathclyde
• Bruce Cuthbertson, Tenant representative
• David Downie, Tenant representative
• Nick Clark, Ore Valley Housing Association
• Donald Weir, Glen Oaks Housing Association
• John Devine, NG Homes
• Angela Morgan, Port of Leith Housing Association
• Paul Leask, Hjaltland Housing Association
• Ian Dawson, Fife Council
• Dave Thomson, Aberdeenshire Council
• Gregor Wightman, Stirling Council
• Grant Gilfillan, Shetland Council
• John Smith, South Lanarkshire Council
• Roddy Hamilton, Changeworks
• Ciara O’Connor, Scottish Government
• David Sim, Scottish Government

Publications

Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing Review Group: terms of reference