Scotland Excel’s Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo ‘Building a Net Zero Scotland’ took place yesterday in Edinburgh, hearing from leading experts in the built environment and energy efficiency fields.

The event also showcased Scotland Excel’s recently-launched Energy Efficiency Contractors Framework - designed to help the public sector cut carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty and create warmer homes.

Hugh Carr, Scotland Excel’s head of strategic procurement, said: “Six months on from COP26 taking place here in Scotland, we were keen to bring together the country’s leading experts to explore how we advance the crucial work around energy efficiency and carbon neutral buildings, as we continue the journey to net zero.

“Scotland Excel is committed to supporting the local government sector as it works towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Our frameworks for energy efficiency contactors, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and new build homes provide direct support for creating net zero communities. It was a pleasure to speak about the work we’re doing at the event and to hear from our speakers about the innovation being taken forward across the country.”  

Patrick Harvie, minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel and tenants’ rights, said: “I was delighted to open Scotland Excel’s Energy Efficiency Conference and Expo, which highlighted the vital role that reducing emissions from our homes and buildings has to play in helping end Scotland’s contribution to climate change. This is a monumental but necessary task. We can, and must, make very significant progress towards eliminating these emissions over the next decade.

“Actions, such as the Scotland Excel Energy Efficiency Contractors framework, are so important in helping us achieve our net zero ambitions. The scale of the task is enormous and we must collectively find ways to increase the pace and scale of progress whilst ensuring we get the transition right for every community.

“We need champions within industry, and the public sector, to grasp hold of the challenges and opportunities presented by the vision set out in our Heat in Buildings Strategy. Together, we must drive forward the growth in skills, quality assurance and consumer engagement that’s vitally needed to ensure we make this transition whilst building a sustainable and prosperous supply chain for the sector.”

The other event speakers were:

• Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero at South of Scotland Enterprise.
• Professor Sean Smith, Professor of Future Construction and Centre for Future Infrastructure Director at the University of Edinburgh.
• David Pierpoint, Chief Executive Officer at the Retrofit Academy CIC.
• Stacey Dingwall, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).
• Catriona Jordan, Head of Retrofit Programmes at Built Environment – Smarter Transformation.
• Neil Kitching, Energy Specialist (Heat) at Scottish Enterprise.
• Craig Frew, Heat in Building Strategy, Scottish Government.
• John Renwick, Sector Manager Construction at ESP.