The Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020 (EESSH2) supersedes the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH); the guidance encourages landlords to improve the energy efficiency of social housing in Scotland.
The EESSH was initially introduced in 2014 which set out a milestone for social landlords to meet for socially rented homes by 31st December 2020. There has since been a second milestone confirmed, which landlords are required to meet by 2035.
The first EESSH milestone set a single minimum Energy Efficiency rating for each home rented by social landlords. The target varied dependent upon the dwelling type and the fuel type used to heat it. In terms of the SAP 2012 methodology the target varied between a rating of 47 (in EPC band E) for an oil-heated house, and 69 (in EPC band C) for a gas-heated flat.
Social landlords were expected to ensure that they achieved the relevant minimum ratings by 31st December 2020 for all applicable social housing, subject to exemptions for some properties.
EESSH2 will help remove poor energy efficiency as a driver for fuel poverty and contribute to achieving the Scottish Government’s ambitious climate change emissions reductions targets.
It will support the Energy Efficient Scotland vision for homes and buildings that are warmer, greener, and more efficient, and a housing sector that helps to establish a successful low carbon economy across Scotland.
The EESSH 2032 milestone requires all social housing meets, or can be treated as meeting, EPC Band B (Energy Efficiency rating), or is as energy efficient as practically possible, by the end of December 2032 and within the limits of cost, technology, and necessary consent.
In addition, no social housing below EPC Band D should be re-let from December 2025, subject to temporary specified exemptions.
The Scottish Government proposes to review the EESSH2 in 2023, to strengthen and realign the standard with the target for net-zero heat in houses from 2040, as set out in the Climate Change Update, the Heat in Buildings Strategy, and the Housing to 2040 Route Map.
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