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
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.