Energy efficiency in non-domestic buildings
There are approximately 230,000 non-domestic buildings in Scotland, and these vary widely in terms of construction, size, and in particular their use, whether it's as shops, offices, factories, warehouses, or hotels.
Energy efficiency standards in the non-domestic sector
All non-domestic buildings are required to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) on sale or rental to a new tenant. Since 2016 regulations have required non-domestic buildings over 1000 square metres to produce an Energy Action Plan at the point of sale or rental.
We are investigating a new regulatory framework for non-domestic buildings to ensure they are net zero by 2045. This will include trigger points, backstop dates, compliance and enforcement approaches. We will be consulting in 2022 and will introduce regulations by 2025. These will require owners to reduce demand for heat through energy efficiency improvements where feasible, and install a zero emissions heating supply, within the extent of our powers.
We aim for all non-domestic buildings to meet zero emission heating requirements by 2045 and publicly-owned buildings to meet zero emission heating requirements by 2038.
Advice and support
Our proposals will focus on our advice and support services, as well as Resource Efficient Scotland, Local Energy Scotland, and the public-sector NDEE Project Support Unit, who together provide advice and project support to small to medium enterprises (SMEs), communities, and public sector organisations.
We have produced a user guide on improving energy efficiency within small and medium enterprises.
Alignment with industrial energy
We are also committing to work with industry on the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings. We will align our offers of advice and support to consider energy use in its entirety, recognising that reducing the energy used for manufacturing can be as important as ensuring the energy efficiency of the building.
Read more about our proposals for industrial energy efficiency.