The Scottish Government has proposed a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) to replace the current Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2). This initiative aims to align social housing with Scotland's statutory target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045, as outlined in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 .
Key components of the proposed SHNZS
Fabric Efficiency Rating: The standard introduces a metric focusing on the energy required to heat a property, measured in kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m²/year). The specific target level and implementation date are yet to be determined .
Transition to Clean Heating: A requirement is proposed for all social housing to replace polluting heating systems with clean alternatives by a backstop date of 2045. Interim targets leading up to this date are under consideration .
Additional measures of the standard
- Air Quality: Consideration of requirements to ensure good indoor air quality in upgraded homes.
- Letting Restrictions: Potential restrictions on re-letting properties that fail to meet minimum fabric efficiency standards by a specified date .
- Flexibility for Landlords: The standard is designed to allow social landlords discretion in determining the most effective approaches for their housing stock, considering cost-effectiveness, tenant input, and reporting obligations to the Scottish Housing Regulator.
Scottish Government - Development and Consultation
The SHNZS has been co-developed with input from social housing stakeholders, including tenants and landlords, as part of the EESSH2 review process. This collaborative approach ensures the standard is both ambitious and practical .
The consultation period for the proposed SHNZS ran from November 28, 2023, to March 8, 2024. The Scottish Government plans to review the standard's implementation and effectiveness in 2029/30, assessing progress toward net zero goals and the financial impact on the sector .
For more detailed information, you can access the full consultation document here.
