Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020: interim guidance for social landlords
Interim guidance for social landlords during the review of the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020 (EESSH2), updated 2026.
Key Points
1. The 2025 and 2032 EESSH Milestones are temporarily put on hold.
2. While the review is ongoing, and ahead of the implementation of the new SHNZS, social landlords should continue to invest in energy efficiency measures to help reduce running costs and in clean heating systems where appropriate. This will prevent lock-in of poor performance and reduce the risk of additional issues arising in future.
3. Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and local authorities should continue to draw on support available for example through the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund which remains available to provide grant support.
4. The new SHNZS aims to include gypsy/traveller sites, ensuring parity (where possible) with other social housing and improving the life quality of members of Gypsy/Traveller communities by ensuring that they also have access to warm, comfortable accommodation. Where applicable, local authorities and RSLs should also consider the guidance in the meantime during the review period.
5. By making the first reporting year to the Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) from April 2028, this will allow social landlords to be able to use the reformed Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system which we expect to become operational in 2027.