UKGBC joined the Green Heat Finance Taskforce to develop solutions that will unlock investment in the decarbonisation of Scotland’s buildings, but it’s clear that this challenge is about more than finance alone.
The Taskforce’s recommendations recognise the interconnected nature of the barriers to progress, and this final report is a clear call to action in the face of political hesitancy, as most recently demonstrated by the Scottish Government’s decision to delay the Heat in Buildings Bill.
Simon McWhirter, UKGBC’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We agree with the Government’s position that tackling fuel poverty is essential, but this must not come at the cost of progress on net zero. In reality, the two go hand in hand—only with decarbonised, energy-efficient homes can we protect households from volatile fossil fuel costs and lift people out of fuel poverty for good. To be truly sustainable, our built environment must serve both people and planet.
“Clear government signals are critical to unlocking the private and institutional investment needed to scale up retrofit, decarbonisation, and heat networks. A place-based, collective approach like that called for by the Taskforce will scale demand and efficiencies to deliver the decarbonisation we need, while shielding end users from the up-front costs of delivery.
“The Taskforce has set out a clear pathway for Scottish Government, to work collaboratively with the UK government on a Clean Heat Mission that sets the level of ambition required for real transformation, establish a Programme Development Unit to drive place-based delivery and coordinate investment in heat networks, and roll out blending finance solutions for social housing retrofit.
“The challenge is now squarely before the Scottish Government, which must demonstrate the leadership and commitment needed to drive this transformation forward.”
