Council extends deadline for public consultation on energy efficiency

Residents have two weeks left to share their views on a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving energy efficiency throughout Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) sets out a strategic approach which addresses all buildings in the Edinburgh area, from the Council’s own estate to private homes and workplaces.

The Delivery Plan, which concentrates on actions between 2024 and 2028, sets out short to medium term actions associated with the implementation of the Edinburgh LHEES.

Among the actions are piloting the installation of heat pumps in specially selected areas of Edinburgh, formally designating “heat network zones” in Edinburgh, and increasing solar installations across the city.

The consultation, which closes on Sunday 3 March, will build on the engagement and consultation carried out to date.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve extended the deadline for our consultation to make sure everyone has their say on our exciting plans to decarbonise the heat supply of buildings and improve energy efficiency.

“We’ve set the ambitious target to become a net zero city by 2030 and, although we’re making good progress, this plan will help us continue to lead the way in our efforts.

“The plan is relevant to all owners and occupiers of Edinburgh’s buildings so it’s important that everyone has their say. I would urge everyone who is yet to do so to visit our website and follow the necessary steps to share their feedback.”

Find out more and share views.

Edinburgh residents urged to give their views on energy efficiency

The City of Edinburgh Council is asking residents to give their feedback on a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving energy efficiency.

With six weeks to go until the consultation closes on 3 March, residents across the capital are being asked to share their views on the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) and Delivery Plan. Available to take part in online, the results will be used to build on the engagement and consultation carried out to date.

The Council has prepared the Edinburgh LHEES, along with a Delivery Plan, in response to the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2022. The policy requires all Scottish local authorities to publish a LHEES, and a Delivery Plan, by the end of 2023.

The Edinburgh LHEES sets out a strategic approach which aims to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonise the heat supply of buildings. It also plans to eliminate poor energy efficiency as a driver of fuel poverty.

Using an area-wide approach, the plan addresses all buildings in the Edinburgh area, not just the Council’s own building stock.

The Delivery Plan, which focuses on actions between 2024 and 2028, sets out short to medium term actions associated with the implementation of the strategy. It prioritises areas where actions may be easier, cheaper, or have a known outcome. For example, adding loft insultation means less heat escapes through the loft.

Councillor Cammy Day, Council Leader, said: “My thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to share their views with us so far. The unfortunate reality is that we are in a climate emergency.

“There is still time to avert disaster if we take bold and immediate action at the speed and scale necessary. That’s why we have set the ambitious but necessary target for Edinburgh to become a net zero city by 2030.

“Whilst we continue to lead the way in our efforts, we still have a long road ahead to reach our goal in addressing the climate and nature emergencies. As part of our work, I am pleased to welcome the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan which sets out how our buildings can move to net zero.

“The plan is relevant to all owners and occupiers of Edinburgh’s buildings, but it can only be delivered by the combined effort of all of us.  I’m very keen to engage with our residents on this important plan and hope this consultation allows them the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

The consultation closes on Sunday 3 March. Find out more and share views here.