‘Massive’ energy retrofit targets over 420,000 homes

The programme – which could include home insulation and low/zero emission heating technologies – has been described as one of the most significant actions in the Glasgow region’s covid-19 recovery plan.

A “massive” energy retrofit programme could target over 420,000 homes across the Glasgow city region.

As part of recovery plans from the pandemic, a feasibility study will look at costs, benefits and potential barriers to the scheme.

The programme – which could include home insulation and low/zero emission heating technologies – has been described as one of the most significant actions in the region’s Covid-19 recovery plan.

Properties with the lowest energy efficiency ratings – in energy performance certificate bands D to G – will be the focus of the study.

Analysis of housing stock across the city region found over 428,000 homes need to improve their energy efficiency ratings to meet national policy targets, the city region cabinet was told.

Councillor Jonathan McColl, the leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, presenting an update to the Glasgow city region cabinet, said the programme was a “huge opportunity”.

It would support economic recovery from the pandemic, create skilled jobs, provide quality housing and reduce fuel poverty, he said.

He added: “The scale of the challenge in delivering a retrofit programme like this really is significant.

“The programme is a national as well as a regional priority, meaning there are lots of partners we’ll need to work with.”

Mr McColl said developing a “robust” study was the “first step” in the programme.

Partners include both the Scottish and UK Governments, Skills Development Scotland, the construction industry, social landlords and homeowners.

The £80,000 study will be funded by £65,000 from a Scottish Government recovery renewal fund and a £15,000 contribution from Skills Development Scotland.

Glasgow’s council leader Susan Aitken said: “This is potentially one of the single biggest things that we have to collectively do.

“Both as part of the Covid recovery but also to meet our carbon reduction and climate emergency targets.

“It is absolutely massive and the skills part of it is going to be absolutely crucial.

“We can’t deliver either on recovery or on decarbonisation unless we’ve got the skilled folk to do it.”

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by September.

Appropriate solutions – such as home insultation, clean energy and low/zero emissions heat technologies – will be considered during the study.

It will also look at potential barriers, such as mixed ownership in flats and ensuring uptake among private landlords and homeowners.

A funding model, any skill gaps and the current capacity of the supply chain will be assessed.

The potential scheme is expected to run over at least 10 years.

Source: Glasgow Live