(S3O-6480) Buildings' Energy Performance (Measurement)

Buildings' Energy Performance (Measurement)

14. Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green): To ask the Scottish Executive what its position is on the most efficient way to obtain and register accurate measurements of the energy performance of buildings. (S3O-6480)

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change (Stewart Stevenson):



For calculating energy use in buildings based on standardised occupancy patterns for different building types, the Government uses as its calculation tools the standard assessment procedure 2005 for dwellings and the simplified building energy model for non-domestic buildings. The tools calculate only the energy loads that are directly associated with the building—that is, lighting, heating and cooling—and do not take account of process loads or the use of domestic appliances.

We welcome the UK Government's announcement of the roll-out of smart meters to all domestic customers by the end of 2020. Indications are that it will take around two years to design and establish the full details of the roll-out, after which there will be a 10-year roll-out period.

Robin Harper: This is a highly technical and complicated issue. Will the minister meet me and my advisers so that we can bring to his attention a paper that points the way to methods of measurement that are far more efficient, quicker and easier to apply than current methods. I apologise for not sending him the paper in advance of my asking this question.

Stewart Stevenson: I am always prepared to listen to good ideas, wherever they come from, and I will be happy to sit down with Mr Harper and see what he has come up with.

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): A recent Audit Scotland report entitled "Improving energy efficiency" has stated:

"In 90 per cent of councils, energy management teams or officers are in place, compared to only 59 per cent of NHS bodies and 36 per cent of central government bodies."

Why is the central Government figure so low?

Stewart Stevenson: We in central Government have taken considerable steps to reduce the cost of, and to green, the energy that we use. For example, we are looking at replacing the heating system in St Andrew's house and are carrying out similar activities elsewhere in our estate. We are actively engaged in stepping up to the mark on this important issue.