Scotland's homes: bold new measures needed to reduce carbon emissions
5 January 2010
As consultation closes figures show Scottish Government not on target
Every home in Scotland should be provided with free loft and cavity wall insulation, as part of a Scotland wide package of measures to make all homes low carbon, if the Scottish Government is to achieve the 42 per cent reduction in carbon emissions set out in the Scottish Climate Change Act, WWF Scotland said today (Tuesday 5 January).
The free insulation plan is part of a bold three-pronged approach set out by the environmental organisation in its response to a Scottish Government consultation on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan which ends today.
The need for urgent action is highlighted by the Scottish Government’s own figures, contained within the consultation, which show that current government policies will deliver at best only a 9 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 – far short of the 42 per cent required.
WWF Scotland is calling for a three-pronged approach in order to improve the energy efficiency of our homes and help acheive the aims of the Scottish Climate Change Act while also helping eradicate fuel poverty:
• Scotland-wide, local authority-led street by street, house by house eco-refurbishment schemes in addition to existing fuel poverty programmes
• Free loft and cavity wall insulation for all, and attractive and accessible financial packages for more expensive measures
• Commitment to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for private housing within 5 years, starting first with the private rented sector.
These measures will not only result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions, but will deal with the problems of fuel poverty and energy security, as well as creating green jobs.
Elizabeth Leighton, Senior Policy Officer at WWF Scotland said:
“Home energy use accounts for over a third of Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions, so if we are to meet the targets set out in the Scottish Climate Change Act of 42 per cent reductions by 2020 the Scottish Government must act urgently to make all Scottish homes low-carbon. Worryingly, as it stands now, existing government policies will deliver less than 9 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 – far short of what is required.
“This bold package of measures is now essential to achieving the improvements required. Our research shows that a local authority-led street by street approach is the most cost-effective means to get the job done.”
Note for Editors
[1] Scottish Government consultation
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/10/07145445/0
[2] WWF Scotland response to the consultation is available on request
[3] Two reports on how Scotland can improve the energy efficiency of our homes
Carbon Countdown for Homes
http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/retrofit_1.pdf
Achieving our Potential
http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/achieving_our_potential.pdf
[4] Case Study - The ‘Kirklees Warm Zone’ scheme is rolling out free insulation to its residents to reduce the council’s carbon footprint, improve comfort and reduce fuel bills.
http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/kirklees09
[5] WWF Scotland is part of Stop Climate Chaos, an alliance of development, environment and civil society groups aiming for tougher action to reduce emissions - http://stopclimatechaosscotland.org
