by Brianna Crandall — October 2, 2013—New buildings in Scotland are to be more energy efficient when changes to the building standards come into effect in 2015, the Scottish minister for planning, Derek Mackay, announced September 15.
Beginning in October 2015, new commercial buildings such as shops and offices will be required to have reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an average of around 43 percent compared to current levels. Likewise, improvements to new homes will reduce emissions by around 21 percent.
The Scottish Government consulted on proposed changes at the start of 2013 and considered advice from the reconvened Sullivan Report expert panel, chaired by Lynne Sullivan, which originally met in September 2007 and produced A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland, also known as the Sullivan Report.
Minister Mackay said, “These new measures will help Scotland become greener, a vital step in our drive to a low carbon economy. Over the last year I have met with many representatives from the house building and construction industry. Today’s announcement is made well in advance of improvements coming into effect, to give plenty of time to prepare for the changes.
“I’m now giving industry the certainty they asked for and, importantly, an extra transitional two years preparatory period, a total of five years without change. This also provides a valuable period in which industry and government can work together to successfully deliver the improved standards.”
