By Emily Thompson
Successful low-energy building design hinges on careful planning. Focus360 Energy can help.
When the Scottish Government announced its consultation on proposed changes to building regulations—specifically focusing on energy and environmental standards—it marked a significant step toward achieving its ambitious climate goals. To dive deeper into this process, I sat down with James McAllister, an architect and member of the industry Working Group advising the government on these changes.
Understanding the Consultation Process
James began by explaining the consultation’s dual-stage approach. “This consultation is the first of two,” he said, “and it doesn’t propose new standards outright. Instead, it seeks opinions on what a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard should look like.”
The Passivhaus standard, renowned for its rigorous energy efficiency requirements, has been a benchmark for sustainable building. The Scottish Government aims to adapt this to local needs, ensuring new buildings across Scotland are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
“The consultation’s scope is broad,” James noted, “covering both domestic and non-domestic buildings. The idea is to set targets that are not only ambitious but also achievable on a national scale.”
The Working Group’s Role
James is part of the Working Group, established in June 2023, which includes industry experts and stakeholders. “Our role,” he explained, “is to provide the government with advice on how to effectively implement these standards.”
This group has been instrumental in organising themed workshops throughout Autumn and Winter 2023. These workshops have tackled various topics related to low-energy building design and construction, gathering essential feedback from a wide range of industry professionals.
“We’ve had extensive discussions,” James said, “but reaching a consensus on a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent has been challenging. The standard must be stringent yet flexible enough to accommodate different building types and uses.”
Key Drivers and Legislative Background
One of the main drivers for this review is the commitment made by the Scottish Government in response to Alex Rowley MSP’s Proposed Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill. This bill aims to introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new build housing, aligning with the Passivhaus benchmark.
“In December 2022, the government confirmed it would enact subordinate legislation by December 2024 to implement these standards,” James explained. “This is part of a broader effort to reduce energy demand and ensure buildings perform as intended.”
The Building Standards Division (BSD), part of the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Local Government and Housing, is overseeing this process. Their goal is to maintain a robust legislative framework that ensures buildings meet health, safety, and environmental standards.
The Consultation Experience
Participating in the consultation has been an enlightening experience for James. “It’s not just about submitting a response,” he said. “It’s about engaging in a dialogue with the government and other stakeholders.”
The consultation comprises several elements, including consultation proposals, questions, and a draft Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment. “All related draft impact assessments are listed on the consultation webpage,” James pointed out. “This transparency helps stakeholders understand the potential implications of the proposed changes.”
Responses to the consultation will be analysed and used to inform policy development. “The government has committed to publishing a report on this analysis,” James noted, “which ensures that all feedback is considered in the decision-making process.”
Broader Policy Context
The consultation is part of Scotland’s broader strategy to tackle climate change and fuel poverty. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 and its 2019 amendments set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045.
“The new regulations are a crucial part of this strategy,” James said. “For instance, the New Build Heat Standard, coming into effect in April 2024, will require all new buildings to use zero direct emission heating systems.”
Additionally, the Heat in Buildings Strategy outlines a vision for decarbonising Scotland’s buildings by 2045. “This strategy is closely linked to the consultation,” James explained. “Improving energy efficiency in new homes will play a significant role in achieving our net-zero targets.”
The Road Ahead
As the consultation progresses, James and his colleagues in the Working Group continue to provide input and feedback. “We’re looking forward to the second consultation in 2025,” he said. “It will delve deeper into specific targets, standards, and compliance processes.”
The ultimate goal is to create a regulatory framework that ensures new buildings in Scotland are not only energy-efficient but also healthy and sustainable. “It’s a challenging task,” James admitted, “but the potential benefits for our environment and society are immense.”
Conclusion
The Scottish Government’s consultation on building regulations is a vital step towards a sustainable future. Through collaborative efforts and robust dialogue, stakeholders like James are helping shape policies that will ensure Scotland’s buildings are fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
Emily Thompson
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