Support for RPP2 Housing Futures

This report consists of an evidence review and recommendations on the future of housing (and some aspects of energy) to support the Scottish Government's second Report on Policies and Proposals (RPP2). The study was commissioned by SNIFFER on behalf of ClimateXChange Scotland, and conducted by the Dept of Construction & Surveying at Glasgow Caledonian University. A Summary for Policymakers, referenced to this report, is available as a separate document.
The purposes of this report are to: Identify what Scotland’s housing stock is expected to look like (in terms of energy demand) by 2020 assuming the emissions savings anticipated in delivery of Homes and Communities policies and proposals in RPP1. Scope how residents may be expected to have adapted to the low carbon agenda in their homes over the 10 years (2010 to 2020), taking into account drivers such as the UK and Scottish programmes, the rising cost of energy, growing awareness of climate issues and hassle factors. Describe and prioritise potential abatement policies, approaches or measures that could be implemented 2020-2030 and their expected impact. Describe key remaining abatement priorities in the housing sector after 2030. 
Sections 1 to 3 set the context for this report, i.e. the trajectories set out under RPP1, trends in household energy use, and the composition of the Scottish housing stock. Section 4 addresses the current policies and proposals for reducing energy demand and emissions from Scottish households. These are split into devolved and non-devolved issues, plus some common concerns, with some comment on those areas where greater devolutionary power may be beneficial in further reducing household energy demand. Sections 5 and 6 address the options for reducing emissions by decarbonising energy supplies, focusing on the opportunities and potential for micro and distributed generation, but also addressing large scale renewable and low carbon generation as the technological choices made at all scales will underpin the achievement of Scotland's emissions reduction targets across all sectors. Section 7 presents a range of evidence on behaviour change, adaptation, and community empowerment, including a summary list of common themes in the evidence of 'what works.' Section 8 presents the key conclusions and recommendations that have emerged from the study, and Section 9 provides summary lists of recommendations for 2022-2030 and beyond 2030 referenced to the main body of the report.
The evidence and input to this report was drawn from literature, experts at Glasgow Caledonian University and their networks of associates, and also from information provided by the Scottish Government, however the views expressed herein should be attributed to the authors. A full list of contributors is provided at the end.