More needs to be done to make Highland properties more energy efficient
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Figures compiled in a new report show the Highlands has some of the least energy efficient homes in Scotland.
Homes are rated for efficiency on a variety of criteria, such as insulation and CO2 emissions, from the best – grade A – down to the worst – grade G.
Figures compiled by the BBC Shared Data Unit show that out of 35,322 Highland properties which hold an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 70 per cent were rated D to G.
D to G ratings across Scotland as a whole stand at 59 per cent.
John Finnie, Scottish Green Party MSP for the Highlands and Islands, agreed improvements need to be made.
He said: “It’s well known that energy rich Highlands and Islands has a particular problem with fuel poverty, in part the result of age and design of buildings, compounded by our weather.
“I’m delighted that, as part of our extensive budget deal with the Scottish Government, Greens secured an additional £25 million for energy efficiency and fuel poverty.”
A spokesman for Tulloch Homes said the firm built to some of the highest technical standards in Europe with carbon emissions now 75 per cent less than 1990 levels.
The spokesman added: “New homes with these strict standards can avert fuel poverty while another carbon-saver is that we are a major planter of trees to create attractive open spaces round developments.”
