SFHA calls for investment in energy efficiency to create jobs and tackle fuel poverty

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has responded to two major energy consultations by calling for long-term investment in the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes. (1)

The energy consultations ask for views on the Scottish Government’s long-term plans for energy and for funding energy efficiency and renewables as the government develops a strategy to meet Scotland’s world leading climate change targets.

Sarah Boyack, SFHA Head of Public Affairs, said:

“We welcome the ambitious targets set out in the consultations which seek to have 50% of Scotland’s heat and energy produced from renewables by 2050. We believe, however, that home energy efficiency needs to be given a higher priority in the government’s plans in order to cut fuel bills and create jobs.”

Ms Boyack continued:

“The Climate Change Plan has an ambition that the vast majority of homes will be heated by low carbon technologies by 2032. While this is admirable, we believe that it has to be matched by an ambitious programme of investment in home energy efficiency to insulate consumers against the higher prices of renewable and low carbon heating. 

“Fuel poverty levels are unacceptably high in Scotland at 31% of households, and while housing associations have the most energy efficient homes in Scotland, the fact that tenants tend to be on lower incomes mean that fuel poverty levels are 27%.” (2)

The SFHA believes that housing associations are ideally placed to lead on programmes to increase home energy efficiency and develop community renewable energy schemes.

Ms. Boyack concluded:

“Housing associations have a strong track record of leadership and innovation in this area. They have invested significantly in the energy efficiency of their homes, developed community energy schemes and even set up their own not for profit energy company – all with the goal of providing affordable warmth to their tenants.

“Supporting housing associations to invest in the energy efficiency of their homes makes social and economic sense – research shows that investing in energy efficiency creates jobs and stimulates the economy as well as having health benefits.” (3)

Ends

For further information, please contact Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk

Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk

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NOTES: 
1. ‘Scottish Energy Strategy – the Future of Energy in Scotland’ and ‘National Infrastructure Priority – Scotland’s energy efficiency Programme’
2. Fuel Poverty Levels Scottish Government (2016) – Scotland’s House Condition Survey 2015 – Key Findings. 
3. Investment in Energy Efficiency creating jobs/stimulating the economy. Consumer Futures Scotland (2014) – The Economic Benefits of Investing in Energy Efficiency in Fuel Poor Households
4. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 116 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 200 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland www.sfha.co.uk
5. The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA members own and manage 80% of the 280,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
6.  Over 11,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland. 
7.  Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.