Scotland mandates Passivhaus equivalent legislation

New build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard.

The Scottish Government has announced plans for all new build housing to meet a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard.

On 10 January 2023, Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, announced: "The Scottish Government will 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, to improve energy efficiency and thermal performance." 

The announcement gives effect to the final version of the Proposed Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill, a Private Member's Bill put forward by Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife. This development work will commence early in 2023, seeking the laying of amending regulations in mid-December 2024.

The Bill was developed in response to the Scottish Climate Assembly Recommendations for Action, in which 97% of the Assembly voted in favour of the Passivhaus standard or Scottish equivalent for new build projects in Scotland.