NEW HOMES IN SCOTLAND TO BE GREENER, SAFER AND QUIETER

NEW HOMES IN SCOTLAND TO BE GREENER, SAFER AND QUIETER

All new-build homes in Scotland will meet tough new environmental, security and sound insulation standards, under revised building standards published by the Scottish Government today. The Building Standards Technical Handbook, which comes into force on 1 October this year, introduces enhanced energy standards for new buildings, improved sound insulation, and better security and safety features.

The new energy efficiency standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent, compared to 2007 standards.

Welcoming today’s announcement by Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP Shirley Anne Somerville said:

“These new building standards confirm Scotland’s position as a world-leader in the fight against climate change.

“Cutting energy use in buildings is a crucial step towards achieving the SNP government’s bold and ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The standards will mean that, by the end of this year, a new home built in Scotland must be at least 70 per cent more energy efficient than one built in 1990.

“That will make a huge difference to householders, helping them to cut out waste and save money.

“This SNP government has already invested to build more new affordable homes than at any time since the 1970s. Now, in addition, every new home in Scotland will be built to meet some of the strongest standards in Europe to be greener, warmer, safer and quieter than ever before. Scotland's construction industry will be able to pride themselves on leading the way in low carbon home building.

“That’s great news for Scots householders, for the building industry and for the environment.”