How personal circumstances are reflected in heat and energy efficiency regulation
Energy transition Energy consultancy Economics, policy and regulatory advice
An international review of how different countries have included personal circumstances in regulations through exemptions, extensions or abeyances to a mandated requirement.
Background
The Scottish government is committed to achieving Net Zero in the domestic housing sector by 2045. However, personal circumstances may act as a barrier for residents installing energy efficiency measures and new low-carbon heating systems in their homes to comply with regulations. This project followed on from a previous project for CXC, an international review of low-carbon heating and energy efficiency policy.
What the client needed and their key question(s)
Scottish Government, through ClimateXchange (CXC), commissioned a comprehensive review of international regulations that have made provision for personal circumstances, which include a broad range of vulnerable groups. The project aim was to provide learnings and insight on how personal circumstances have been incorporated into a broad range of regulations to ensure vulnerable groups are not unfairly disadvantaged.
Our solution
We completed this project using a mixed-methodology of desk-based study and interviews.
We initially focused our research on regulations mandating the implementation of energy efficiency and low-carbon heating measures in the home. However, as anticipated we found few examples of personal circumstances being considered within these regulations. Therefore, we also identified and assessed broader decarbonisation regulations in sectors such as transport.
We conducted interviews with stakeholders from several different countries, including from the housing sector, a government department, a policy NGOs and an independent consumer group. This ensured a broad range of views. The interviews were an opportunity to identify any regulations that may have been missed in the desk study. Additionally, we invited interviewees to give their views on the possible inclusion of personal circumstances in domestic decarbonisation regulation.
Our impact
Our final report to CXC confirmed that provision of personal circumstances within regulation is relatively rare, though some important provisions for those on a low outcome exist. We also identified concerns from several interviewees that including personal circumstances in regulations could potentially act as a barrier to upgrades. This was a concern as upgrades typically benefit residents and exemptions could result in upgrades not being progressed. CXC confirmed this provided additional value as this potential unintended negative consequence had not previously been considered. The report provides Scottish Government policymakers with valuable evidence when considering future regulations.
