Low carbon building standards strategy for Scotland
The ‘Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland’ (the Sullivan Report) was published in 2007 with recommendations on a range of subjects, including the construction of low carbon buildings in support of climate change objectives. With the economic downturn and more recent developments in the field, the strategy was reviewed and updated, with a later version published in 2013.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act was passed in 2009 and this set emission reductions targets, including a reduction of 42% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Ministers were also required to set annual emission reduction targets until 2050. In the UK, approximately 40% of carbon dioxide emissions come from buildings and so reducing emissions resulting from new and existing buildings is a vital part of achieving reduction targets.
The original Sullivan Report published in 2007 set out 56 recommendations on a range of topics to help deliver reduced emissions for new and existing buildings.
A progress report was published in 2011 that analysed the work undertaken in response to the 56 recommendations.
The 2013 update report A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland, 2013 update should be read in conjunction with the original 2007 document. The update considers three key topics:
- Eventual and staged standards – improvements recommended in the original 2007 document.
- Process – widening carbon compliance beyond site-related measures.
- Costings – Recognising the value of energy efficient new buildings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Achieving net zero in social housing.
- Carbon Neutral Islands.
- CICV Forum report on repair and maintenance and the COVID-19 green economic recovery.
- CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
- Climate change act.
- Climate Change Levy.
- Energy Act.
- Emission rates.
- Energy related products regulations.
- Energy targets.
- Environmental policy.
- Green deal.
- Scotland publishes plans to reach net zero targets with Heat in Buildings Strategy.
- Sustainability.
- Sustainable materials.
- Whole life costs.
- Zero carbon homes.
- Zero carbon non-domestic buildings.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.