Response to commission's findings

Existing Homes Alliance Scotland has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government's Just Transition Commission’s (JTC) final report and its call for a “national mission with justice at its heart”.

The alliance is a coalition of housing, environment, anti-poverty and consumer groups arguing for greater investment in Scotland’s existing housing stock to make it fit for the 21st century.

The JTC report said that creating a net-zero economy means a fundamental transformation of the nation’s economy, and that while this offers great opportunities, it must be implemented fairly.

The commission makes 24 recommendations aligned to four key messages to ensure the transition is made "by the people of Scotland, not done to the people of Scotland.”

These are: pursue an orderly, managed transition to net-zero; equip people with the skills and education they need to benefit from the transition; empower and invigorate communities and strengthen local economies; and share the benefits of climate action.

EHA chair, Lori McElroy said: “The commission rightly acknowledges the major challenge and opportunity of reducing carbon emissions from our homes to zero.

“Improving the energy efficiency of our homes should be the cornerstone of a just transition to zero carbon homes, helping to reduce energy bills and cut fuel poverty.

“With a quarter of Scots living in fuel poverty and with this figure at risk of increasing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, investing more in insulation can both help those in fuel poverty and create quality green jobs. Maximising that job creation potential should be at the heart of ensuring a just transition right across the country.”