Further funding to improve energy efficiency in Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced further funding to support local authorities decarbonise heat and improve energy efficiency.

The funding is available to the nine local authorities who have not yet piloted strategies, with councils able to apply for funding to pilot Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies which aim to identify local solutions to reduce emissions from buildings and tackle fuel poverty.

Paul Wheelhouse, Scotland’s Energy Minister, said: “Earlier this year, the First Minister acknowledged that we face a global climate emergency, and the Programme for Government set out the next steps we will take to tackle climate change. Communities and local authorities are vital in helping us achieve our ambitious target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. These strategies will give local authorities and communities a real stake in planning how to reduce emissions from how we heat our homes and buildings.

“The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies, which have already been piloted by some local authorities, respond directly to the Committee on Climate Change recommendations and will empower communities to play an active role in reducing emissions.”

The funding is available to the following local authorities: Angus Council; Comhairle nan Eilean Siar; East Ayrshire Council; East Dunbartonshire Council; East Renfrewshire Council; Moray Council; North Ayrshire Council; South Ayrshire Council; and West Dunbartonshire Council.