Popular policies for a fairer, healthier, greener Scotland

Enable all homes to meet a minimum standard of energy efficiency by 2033, by rolling out support for homeowners to install home insulation within the next parliamentary session

This goes hand-in-hand with the transition to clean heating and is vital for ending fuel poverty. Scotland has a shocking amount of poorly insulated buildings, wasting heat and adding to bills. Improving energy efficiency by itself could reduce average energy bills and carbon emissions by around 15%³*.

Programmes to install clean heating and retrofit homes must be fairly funded, including mechanisms to protect and support those with low incomes. The proposed East Lothian Heat project “No heat is wasted, no home is cold” is a great example of how community-owned renewable heat can be delivered at scale and with a focus on public value and community benefits.

Working with the UK Government to rebalance the electricity and gas price ratio is fundamental to delivering more affordable warmth and powering the transition to clean heat. In addition, a fair funding model must be developed to fairly distribute the costs of transitioning from oil and gas heating systems to clean heat sources. To be just, this must include full grant support to protect low-income households, alongside jargon-free and clear communication.

For further information:

• Affordable warmth: next steps for clean heat in Scotland, WWF Scotland, 2023
• No home left behind: Funding a just transition to clean heat in Scotland, IPPR Scotland, 2024
• How to make electricity cheaper, Nesta, 2025