Future Proofing your Home

1. Introduction

The MFNRA’s objectives are to safeguard and promote the interests of residents in the area on

matters concerning housing and the environment, and to help improve living conditions.

To achieve this, we have been looking at how our homes might be better prepared for the future.

Possible actions would include, for example, improving energy efficiency so less heat is required or

reducing our dependence on gas and oil.

There are also new regulations to be met such as requirements for homes that are rented out and

energy efficiency classifications when a home is sold. The Scottish Government requires all rental

homes to be EPC level E or above. And all homes to be classified as EPC (Energy Performance

Certificate) level C by 2033.

There’s a lot that could be done. However, the good news is that there is also a wealth of

information and activity already underway in Edinburgh. Some of this is from bodies such as the

Council, some from other public bodies such as Edinburgh World Heritage, and some is from

academic bodies. There are also other local groups that are looking at these issues.

The MFNRA is keen to share this information with residents. We are not making specific

recommendations as to what actions should be undertaken, nor are we endorsing any particular

approach or supplier. We are not qualified to make such recommendations, and would of course

recommend residents seek professional advice. What we can do is to share the wealth of

information and resources already available, so that residents are better informed on these issues.

Whilst we have done our best to ensure this information is up-to-date, we cannot be held liable for

any inaccuracies.

Please take a look at the list below which we hope you will find of interest. And let us know if you

come across any new information which could be added.

2. Relevant organisations

The following organisations may be of interest. We have included links to websites for these

organisations. Some of the key reports are also available in the next section.

A. City of Edinburgh Council

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/climate-2

As Scotland’s capital and economic centre, we want to make sure that a cleaner, greener

and fairer future for everyone is at the heart of our plans. We have set an ambitious target

for Edinburgh to become a net zero city by 2030. This means that by 2030, we want remove

the same amount of greenhouse gases that we, as a city, put into the air.

The Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy sets a plan for decarbonising heat in buildings in

Edinburgh and improving their energy efficiency. The report is available here:

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/climate-2/local-heat-energy-efficiency-strategy-lhees

B. Scottish Government

Heat in Buildings Scotland Strategy sets out the programme for delivering climate targets by

reducing our dependence on gas and oil for heating our homes.

It is available here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/heat-in-buildings-strategy-2022-update/

Expect all properties to meet EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) level C by 2033. Expect all

landlords to meet at least level E by 2023. Details available here:

https://www.gov.scot/publications/energy-performance-certificates-guide/

C. Edinburgh World Heritage

www.ewh.org.uk.

Working alongside our partners, Edinburgh World Heritage protects and champions this collective

identity for current and future generations. By respectfully restoring our buildings, sensitively

improving our shared spaces, implementing sustainable practices or recounting tales from our past,

we nurture a common sense of belonging while enabling essential repair.

Working alongside City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland, we are charged

with looking after Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. As external experts, we advise the City

of Edinburgh Council on the impact of change on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the

World Heritage Site. This relates to both the requirements of the World Heritage Convention and

local plan policy ENV1.

D. Historic Environment Scotland

www.historicenvironment.scot

Historic Environment Scotland is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for and promote

Scotland’s historic environment. They offer information on energy retro-fitting of old buildings.

They “also provide advice and guidance on the impact of planning and development on Scotland’s

historic environment. To support this, we:

 share and promote good practice in development planning and strategic and project-

level environmental assessment

 engage early in the planning process and provide clear advice on applications

 work with others in the planning system and development sector

 provide guidance on a range of historic environment issues

 report annually to the Scottish Government on our planning performance”

E. Home Energy Scotland

www.Homeenergyscotland.org.uk

This organisation provides some advice on their website e.g. how to keep your home warm. May

also be able to offer grants or loans for homeowners.

F. University of Edinburgh

Climate Change Institute www.edicentre.org. A leading centre for research, teaching, policy

and action on climate change. Vision is a resilient, just and climate neutral Scotland.

Edinburgh Futures Institute www.efi.ed.ac.uk. Focussed on tackling today’s increasingly

complex issues by bringing people and disciplines together to spark the unexpected and make better

futures possible

G. Edinburgh Building Retrofit and Improvement Collective

www.Homeenergyscotland.org.uk

“The city-wide collective supporting the development of resilient communities through community-

led improvement of buildings

EdinBRIC helps residents form into groups so they can tackle building retrofit & improvement

together. We then connect the groups with existing organisations.”

H. Historic Homes

www.historichouses.org

A not-for-profit organisation that represents independently owned and operated houses, castles and

gardens of major historical importance. Currently campaigning “for streamlining targeted elements

of the planning and heritage protection systems to improve their efficiency and effectiveness”.

Claim to work with both Westminster and Holyrood governments.