Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024

Overview

The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 would require a developer to submit an "energy and environmental design statement" alongside an application for a building warrant and an “energy and environmental construction statement” alongside a completion certificate. 

These statements must show how the building design, and ultimately the completed building, meet building standards requirements relating to:

• heating
• ventilation
• overheating risk
• energy demand
• building insulation envelope
• heating system
• insulation of pipes and ducts
• artificial and display lighting
• mechanical ventilation and air conditioning
• commissioning building services
• metering
• statement of sustainability
• electric vehicle charging.

The requirement to submit such statements would apply from 31 March 2028. The technical standards that will apply to those aspects of construction listed above in 2028 have yet to be established by the Scottish Government and will be the subject of consultation during 2025.

Questions

• what evidence is there that new-build homes do not meet current energy and environmental requirements set out in Building Regulations and associated technical handbooks?
   
• how will the introduction of energy and environmental design and construction statements drive up compliance with such energy and environmental requirements?
   
• how much it might cost to produce such statements and do they have the potential to slow down the construction of new homes?
   
• what benefits do you think the Regulations are likely to bring, for example through potential improvements to the environment or energy savings for residents?
   
• do local authority building standards departments have the expertise and resources required to analyse such reports and undertake reasonable on-site investigation to check their veracity?      
   
• any other reflections you may have on the Regulations. 

How to submit your views

Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below.

We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language. 

The call for views closes on 14 January 2025.