This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Advice on becoming more energy efficient
15/05/2006
New advice will help householders cut down greenhouse gas emissions caused by their energy use.
The new leaflet, produced by Scotland's Building Standards Agency in conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust, advises people on how they can increase the energy efficiency in their homes by using measures such as efficient boilers, heating controls and insulation.
Deputy Communities Minister Johann Lamont said:
"How many of us actually know how energy efficient our houses are? Or what could be done to improve them? This advice helps us to think about our homes in that way.
"Being more energy efficient can mean doing simple things like upgrading heating systems or boilers, installing heating controls or better insulation for walls or roofspace. There are simple practical steps we can take which can cut the bills and help the environment.
"An energy performance certificate, which will be introduced for homes in 2008, will tell us how efficient a building is. It will also suggest cost effective improvements for the householder.
Mike Thornton, Head of the Energy Saving Trust in Scotland said:
"We have worked closely with the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Building Standards Agency to develop this very useful leaflet which provides clear guidance on the many ways in which householders can effectively reduce their energy use and help to combat climate change.
"Recent research has shown that householders in Scotland could waste a staggering £6.5 billion worth of energy and 68 million tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2020 unless steps are taken now. This guide will play a vital role in helping inform consumers about the many simple ways in which they can make their homes more energy efficient, help the environment and save money on their energy bills at the same time."
The advice, designed to help minimise everyone's energy use, comes in as a part of the implementation of an EU Directive on the energy performance of buildings which will come into force in Scotland over the next three years.
Ms Lamont added: "Implementing this Directive is in all our interests: it will reduce energy use, cut harmful emissions, help to cut household energy bills and encourage better design to make buildings cleaner and greener."
This boiler and heating advice is available now from the Energy Saving Trust and the Energy Agency, and will also be available to people intending to alter or extend their property through the building standards system. See www.saveyour20percent.co.uk
The Scottish Building Standards Agency has published a consultation on how to implement Articles 7, 8 and 9 of EU Directive 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildings. The consultation can be accessed at: www.sbsa.gov.uk
Article 7 concerns energy performance certificates and will be implemented by requiring energy performance certificates for all buildings which will provide owners and tenants with clear and accurate assessments of the energy performance of the building or home. Article 8 concerns boilers inspection or advice and Article 9 concerns the inspection of air-conditioning systems.