Two innovative pilot projects are seeking to make the north-east of Scotland one of the nation’s most energy efficient regions, it was announced on 18 March. Energy Efficient Aberdeen (EEA) and Energy Efficient Ellon, which are funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Aberdeen-based social enterprise Scarf, aim to encourage homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements to their own properties.
The groups will offer a bespoke free and impartial advice service, access to government loan funding and access to a trusted trader database. The support should assist homeowners make changes to help achieve the Scottish Government’s target of all Scottish residential properties having an EPC rating of ‘C’ or better by 2040.
Furthermore, private landlords are being encouraged to sign up to the programme, as to secure new tenancy after April 2020 properties must have a minimum EPC rating of ‘E’. This will change to band ‘D’ by April 2025.
Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, said: “Through our Energy Efficient Scotland Programme, we are committed to improving the energy efficiency of all Scotland’s buildings. Not only is it a significant economic opportunity, the removal of poor energy efficiency is crucial in delivering our wider aims to eradicate fuel poverty and our ambitions for emissions reductions.”
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