Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the Private Rental Sector in Scotland National Retrofit Hub consultation response
In July 2025, following the release of the Draft Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations consultation, the NRH conducted a workshop session with 41 stakeholders from the retrofit industry, more than half of whom were based or worked in Scotland, to gather their thoughts and insights on the consultation questions. This response is based on both their feedback, and our own previous research into the Private Rental Sector (PRS), published in two reports (Raising Standards in the Private Rental Sector and Delivering for Tenants) and to be included in an upcoming report, on the wider infrastructure and protections needed alongside MEES, to be published October 2025. This consultation on MEES in the PRS in Scotland closes on 29th August 2025, for further detail on the proposals, and to respond, follow this link. Below are the responses the National Retrofit Hub will make to the consultation. We encourage those within the retrofit industry to respond to the consultation, sharing their own insights, and amplifying the following messages where appropriate.
1. Do you agree that the PRS MEES should be EPC HRR band C? Yes ☐ No ☐ Don’t know ☒ MEES in the PRS must first and foremost, prioritise the safety, thermal comfort, health and wellbeing of tenants, which will also include reducing energy bills. This will mean that regulation can provide the biggest impact for those that are in fuel poverty, are older, have existing health conditions or might otherwise be at higher risk from poorly performing housing. In the absence of a health-based metric provided on an EPC we support the Heat Retention Rating being used to set this standard. Although we understand that the Scottish Government may not be ready to implement a health-based Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the Private Rental Sector in Scotland National Retrofit Hub consultation response
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