Building regulations - proposed changes to energy and environmental standards: SG response part 2 - onward review
Proposed changes to energy and environmental standards (determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard) within Scottish building regulations. Part 2 of the Scottish Government response and next steps following analysis of the responses to the proposals set out in the July 2024 consultation.
7 Next Steps
A Stage 2 consultation will set out the detail of the proposed performance targets and enhanced compliance regime.
The following provides a summary of actions and next steps for confirmed and proposed aspects of the Scottish ‘equivalent’ to the Passivhaus standard.
Delivery Programme
Implementation of new regulations and standards from 31 March 2028.
It is the intent for guidance and tools to be finalised for release after the analysis of the stage 2 consultation responses.
Alternative means of compliance
Fully certified Passivhaus buildings offer an alternative means of compliance with standard 6.1 ‘Energy demand’.
For implementation at the appropriate time between 2026 and March 2028.
Primary compliance metric – delivered energy
Delivered energy remains the main compliance metric for standard 6.1 ‘Energy demand’. Presentation of unregulated loads to sit alongside.
Updated guidance on unregulated loads to be developed for release after the analysis of the stage 2 consultation responses.
Secondary compliance metric – space heating demand
Proposal to introduce a space heating demand rate as calculated through the approved methodologies.
The stage 2 consultation will inform items to be included within the metric.
Method of target setting
A modified method of target setting to be presented in the stage 2 consultation.
Additional research will be required to confirm content of guidance.
Approved standard 6.1 ‘Energy demand’ compliance methodologies
Continued use of modified UK Government approved methodologies with potential recognition of the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) as an alternative methodology.
Procurement activity through 2026 to confirm final tools and a modified PHPP.
Fabric performance for new buildings
To introduce a maximum upper limit to the declared design air-permeability alongside retaining the current ‘backstop’ U-values.
Stage 2 consultation feedback will inform updates to future guidance.
Ventilation and indoor air quality
Further guidance on Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) in new homes added to the Technical Handbooks.
Research procured in 2026 with guidance drafted for consultation in Spring 2027.
Implementation from March 2028.
Overheating
Additional guidance provided in standard 3.28 ‘Overheating risk’ to support the use of PHPP as a third assessment method within the Technical Handbooks.
Research procured in 2025 with guidance drafted for consultation in Autumn 2026.
Implementation from March 2028.
Compliance and assurance
Continue work to develop a Building Standards Energy and Environmental Compliance Handbook to support requirements of the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024.
Draft themes and evidence requirements within the stage 2 consultation.
Confirm guide for release after analysis of stage 2 consultation responses.
Additional useful actions
Review concerns regarding additional challenge for buildings connecting to heat networks.
Research procured in 2026 to understand where any changes to current standards could be beneficial to align action with Scottish Government targets.
Contact
Email: buildingstandards@gov.scot