Changes at home can make a big difference in helping Scotland to reach net zero. By having conversations about the changes you can make to reduce your emissions from heating and energy use in the home, you can help increase awareness and understanding of the changes that we will all need to make over the coming years. This guide helps with practical tips on starting discussions about how we can reduce emissions from our homes to help combat climate change.
Around 20% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from our homes and buildings. This is often due to the burning of oil or gas required to heat our homes through our radiators which generates carbon emissions.
Many of our homes use natural gas as their primary heating fuel (approx. 2 million) and only around 11% of households have a renewable or very low emissions heating system, such as a heat pump, biomass boiler or electric storage heating.
Change often starts with conversation. The below talking points can help you discuss the changes you can make in your own home with those you live with. Once you’ve decided on the new routines and habits you might try, why not tell your friends and colleagues about what you’ve done? This can be a good way to start a conversation about climate change, and may inspire your peers to try some of the changes themselves.
The Scottish Government has set a pathway to zero emissions buildings by 2045. This means that by 2030, up to 1 million homes and the equivalent of 50,000 non-domestic properties in Scotland will need to have decarbonised their heating.
Support for people to go greener at home and reduce their bills is provided by Home Energy Scotland, which is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.
Find more information and resources on Home Energy.
What other climate conversations can you have?