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(Issued 10 December 2012)
Proposed changes to Building Standards, which could see thousands of pounds added to the cost of building what are already highly efficient new homes for negligible benefit at a time when production has slumped to its lowest level in nearly 70 years1, could deepen Scotland’s housing crisis. That is the stark warning from industry body Homes for Scotland in response to news of a consultation to be launched in January which was announced today by Planning Minister Derek Mackay. Proposals contained within the consultation will aim to help the Scottish Government meet ambitious climate change targets. However, whilst housing accounts for 27% of the UK’s carbon emissions2, new homes make up only 0.63% of Scotland’s total annual housing stock3 and have already reduced their carbon emissions by 70% since 19904 - an achievement no other industry has come close to. Research has also found that living in new energy efficient homes can already result in annual savings of around 55% on gas and electricity spending5. Speaking on behalf of members who provide 95% of new homes built for sale as well as a significant proportion of affordable housing, the organisation’s Chief Executive Philip Hogg said: “We note Mr Mackay’s words about the importance of ‘striking a balance’ between the green agenda and the burden on industry, and therefore keenly await further detail. Having already proposed a solution that could deliver significantly greater carbon reduction much more cost-effectively, we hope this is given due consideration. “However, whilst we also welcome the reconvening of the Sullivan panel to review other options for achieving emission reductions given the vast change from the operating context of 2007, we would urge the Scottish Government to withhold making any changes until the expert panel reports its findings.” Notes: 1. Housing Statistics for Scotland – all sector new build http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/NewBuildAllSector 2. Technology Strategy Board: Building Performance Evaluation – competition for funding May 2010-2012 3. Extrapolated from Housing Statistics for Scotland - Key Information and Summary Tables http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Housing-Regeneration/HSfS/KeyInfoTables 4. Homes that don’t cost the earth – a consultation on Scotland’s Sustainable Housing Strategy: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/8390/7 5. Zero Carbon Hub: http://www.zerocarbonhub.org/news_details.aspx?article=30
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