The group announced today (January 5) that free insulation is part of a ‘bold three-pronged approach’ set out in response to a Scottish Government consultation on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Action Plan which ends today.

According to the WWF Scotland ‘urgent’ action is needed as by its own admission the Scottish Government states current policies will deliver at best only a 9% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 – far short of the 42% it’s aiming for.

The group’s three-pronged approach calls for a Scotland-wide, local authority-led street by street, house by house eco-refurbishment schemes in addition to existing fuel poverty programmes.

And, free loft and cavity wall insulation for all, and attractive and accessible financial packages for more expensive measures

As well as a commitment to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for private housing within five years, starting first with the private rented sector.

Senior policy officer at WWF Scotland, Elizabeth Leighton, said: “Home energy use accounts for over a third of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, so if we are to meet the targets set out in the Scottish Climate Change Act of 42 per cent reductions by 2020 the Scottish Government must act urgently to make all Scottish homes low-carbon.

“Worryingly, as it stands now, existing government policies will deliver less than 9 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020 – far short of what is required.

“This bold package of measures is now essential to achieving the improvements required. Our research shows that a local authority-led street by street approach is the most cost-effective means to get the job done.”

Luke Walsh

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