Glasgow Caledonian research informs Scottish Government’s new home energy assessment plans

Research by Glasgow Caledonian University is helping to shape the Scottish Government’s approach to improving home energy efficiency, with a new public consultation launched on the proposed Home Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA).

Developed in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian researchers, HEETSA aims to enhance the quality and relevance of energy advice available to householders and landlords across Scotland. The proposed assessment is intended to complement – rather than replace – existing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which remain a legal requirement for property sales and rentals.

While researchers say EPCs offer generalised ratings, HEETSA would provide more tailored, in-depth assessments based on the specific condition of a building and the needs of its occupants.

At the heart of HEETSA are two guiding principles:

• “Maintenance first”, which prioritises repairs to a building’s structure and fabric before recommending new technologies.
• “No regrets”, which ensures that suggested improvements remain appropriate and effective regardless of future changes in technology or policy.

Unlike EPCs, HEETSA would involve a trained assessor carrying out a comprehensive evaluation of the property, alongside a structured discussion with the occupants. This holistic approach considers a wide range of factors including heating systems, upgrade suitability, and lifestyle needs – helping ensure that any changes are both practical and beneficial.

Dr Keith Baker, Research Fellow at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: “Our research showed that EPCs often fall short in delivering meaningful, actionable advice – particularly for Scotland’s older and traditional buildings. HEETSA addresses this by offering a more flexible, technically appropriate assessment process.”

According to Dr Baker, as of 2023, around 45% of Scottish homes were in disrepair affecting key elements such as roofs and external walls – something he says is a longstanding issue in energy efficiency policy.

He added: “Fixing the basics first allows households to get the full benefit from energy efficiency upgrades and renewables. It also reduces the risk of costly mistakes – such as installing insulation in damp walls or having to redo work later.”

The HEETSA model also proposes a future framework of support roles – including assessors, advocates, and project managers – to help households navigate the retrofit process. Initially, only the assessor role would be regulated, but further regulation may follow as the system matures.

The proposals are based on extensive stakeholder engagement, including input from more than 100 organisations across the housing, construction and energy sectors.

The consultation is open to the public and interested stakeholders until August 29, and can be accessed at here.