Proposed Scottish Passivhaus Standard Up for Review

The Scottish Government is seeking public feedback on the proposed Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy, with a Stage 1 consultation now open for input. This initiative aims to explore how the principles and processes of the Passivhaus standard can be integrated into national minimum standards under building regulations to enhance the construction of very low energy buildings with high levels of environmental comfort.

Housing minister Paul McLennan MSP highlighted the importance of this consultation in shaping the future design of buildings in Scotland. He emphasised the significant progress made in energy standards over the years, leading to a remarkable 80% reduction in emissions since 1990. The introduction of the New Build Heat Standard further advances the transition away from direct emission heating systems.

The impetus behind this consultation was a Bill Proposal introduced by Alex Rowley MSP, prompting a review to consider a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard. By learning from best practice voluntary standards like Passivhaus, Scotland aims to achieve greater energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and performance assurance in new buildings.

Recognising the economic challenges and housing emergency, the government is committed to identifying practical solutions that deliver tangible benefits across all new constructions in Scotland. The consultation has been welcomed by the Passivhaus Trust, which will provide a detailed response to ensure the proposed standards align closely with the aspirations of a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent.

The Passivhaus Trust outlined three key requirements to achieve this equivalence. Firstly, it stressed the importance of accurate modelling tools, advocating for the use of tried and tested software like the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) until new Scottish-specific tools demonstrate comparable precision. Secondly, the Trust recommended setting absolute targets based on heating demand, peak heating load, and energy use intensity (EUI) for improved performance outcomes. Lastly, it emphasised the need for robust quality assurance processes, including monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

As the consultation progresses, stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their perspectives by responding to the outlined proposals. The goal is to strike a balance between ambitious environmental objectives and practical implementation strategies that can be scaled up effectively across Scotland. By collaborating and engaging with the consultation process, all stakeholders can play a role in shaping the future of sustainable building practices in the country.