Government agrees to progress legislation for mandatory new-build Passivhaus standard

Passivhaus and pilot homes at Newfield Square, Glasgow

The Proposed Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill will “introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new-build housing to meet the Passivhaus standard, or a Scottish equivalent, in order to improve energy efficiency and thermal performance”.

Mr Rowley argues it will ensure greater levels of energy efficiency, lower energy bills and alleviate fuel poverty. It would also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In a letter to Mr Rowley, net zero minister Patrick Harvie said the Scottish government would fast-track the process of adopting the standards in law by using secondary legislation and bypassing the lengthy process of taking a member’s bill through Holyrood.

Mr Harvie said: “I am pleased to confirm that, following constructive discussions with Alex Rowley MSP, the Scottish government will be giving effect to Mr Rowley’s proposed Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill.

“Mr Rowley’s proposal fits well with the Scottish government’s objectives for new development. The Shared Policy Programme, published in September 2021 as part of the Bute House Agreement, includes our explicit support for Passivhaus and equivalent standards.

“So we have set out our aim to make subordinate legislation within two years, to introduce new minimum environmental design standards for all new-build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard.”

“I look forward to working with Mr Rowley – and with colleagues across parliament – to continue supporting improvements and enhancements to energy and environmental standards across our new housing stock, and delivering our vision to make all homes in Scotland warmer, greener and cheaper to run.”

Mr Rowley said: “I am very happy that the Scottish government has taken the opportunity to put my proposal into law.

“We have the knowledge and technology to build houses fit for the future, with occupant comfortability as a priority at a fraction of the heating costs of a standard build house now – it simply seems obvious to me that we should be doing this.

“While I appreciate the moves the Scottish government has taken so far to make new houses more energy efficient, I do not believe the action they are currently taking will get us to where we need to be quickly enough with regards to our net-zero targets, so it is very welcome that they will move forward with the higher standards required by the Scottish equivalent of Passivhaus that I have proposed.”