FUNDING of £54.5 million to help tackle fuel poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has been announced by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Speaking at the All Energy conference in Glasgow, the Sturgeon launched the Route Map to an Energy Efficient Scotland, which outlines action to ensure that by 2040, all homes are improved so they achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least Band C.

Supported by £54.5 million funding, the Route Map confirms that landlords of privately rented homes will be required to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate rating of Band E from April 2020 at change of tenancy, and then Band D from 2022. All private rented properties will need to be EPC Band E by end March 2022 and Band D by end March 2025. This is aimed at ensuring private rented tenants live in homes which are warmer and more affordable to heat.

The funding will also support local authorities to expand their existing energy efficiency and fuel poverty programmes. And it will continue to support building owners to develop local heat and energy efficiency strategies as well as making funding available to social landlords to help them install low carbon heating systems such as air and ground source heat pumps.

Sturgeon said: “The Scottish Government’s energy efficiency programme will help ensure all our buildings are warmer, greener and more energy efficient.

“The major investment in this programme highlights our clear commitment to ensuring that we tackle fuel poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions – helping those on low incomes as well as protecting our environment.”

Picture of Nicola Sturgeon by Kenneth Halley – Reproduced under CC BY-SA 4.0.