Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025: equality impact assessment

Recommendations and Conclusion

EPC & register redesign

A key issue arising from the EQIA process is relates to the accessibility of the new EPC Register and Certificate. It is necessary that the Register and Certificate account for the potential equalities impacts related to access and understanding of information. These include potential difficulties for some older adults or people with visual impairments in accessing digital EPCs.

To address these issues, in advance of new regulations coming into force, we will continue to iterate designs and engage with users to inform this work. We will complete user-centred research to:

• Update the online website as part of EPC Register updates
• Move to a web-based format, building on the modular designs to date
• Test how best to communicate new ratings systems
• Investigating the potential for an interactive tool to encourage people to consider retrofit options

The updated designs have received positive feedback from users including that the new certificate design is more modern, the introduction of graphics makes it easier to understand and that the new ratings can be quickly identified.

The EPC Register and redesigned Certificate will meet all legal accessibility requirements as a minimum. The redesigned EPC and EPC Register website will provide clear signposting to consumers for further support for energy efficiency improvements and how to escalate concerns should they have any about their EPC assessment process. The language comprehension and accessibility issues identified will be included in this work.

EPC Communications Strategy

We are at the early stages of developing the communications strategy for EPC reform. We will work with communications colleagues to include key stakeholder groups to make sure they are included in the development process. Their input will help ensure our communicates reach everyone who has an interest in the EPC.

The EQIA process has helped identify groups that may particularly benefit from our communications strategy. Our Communications team has experience in reaching protected groups and audiences.

In developing our marketing strategy, we will work to understand the challenges in reaching protected groups and ensure the marketing strategy addresses their communication needs.

Describing how Equality Impact analysis has shaped the policy making process

This policy has been developed with full regard for the results from the EQIA. Specific equalities questions were included within the public consultation workshops and interviews with stakeholders. These were tailored to consider equality issues in the context of the policy. Officials contacted a wide range of equality stakeholder groups and welcome their participation in policy development and monitoring.

Due to the findings contained within this record, no further changes were required to the policy itself, as no negative impacts were recorded. Through the process we have taken steps to ensure that the policy does not have a negative impact on any people or communities with regards to their protected characteristics.

Monitoring and Review

No additional equality issues were identified within this EQIA for further attention outside of existing plans. We will continue to monitor and review our work for any potential impacts to equality rights and produce updated EQIA records and results documents when any impacts are identified.

Policy sign off

Originally developed: July 2023 – December 2023

Refresh conducted: January 2024 – March 2024

Final EQIA produced: October 2024 – October 2025

Title of policy: The Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025

Directorate: Energy & Climate Change

Division: Heat in Buildings Policy & Regulation

Team: Heat in Buildings Assessment Unit

EQIA authorised by: Jess Niven, Interim Deputy Director, Heat in Buildings Division

Minister responsible: Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Housing

Date: 26 September 2025

This impact assessment should be read in conjunction with the full suite of assessments on Energy Performance Certificate Reform 2025.