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
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.