The SNP’s commitment to taking the action required to meet to improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s homes was reaffirmed after a vote at the party’s conference over the weekend.

Members backed a resolution to combat climate change which included the Scottish Government’s pledge to make improving energy efficiency a national infrastructure priority and to set out how it will accelerate use of renewable heat.

The resolution also committed a re-elected SNP government to continue delivering carbon reductions in energy generation, transport and the food sector.

The Climate Justice Fund, which seeks to mitigate the impact of climate change on the world’s poorest communities, has also been doubled by the Scottish Government.

Climate change minister, Aileen McLeod, said: “There is no doubt that Scotland leads the way on climate change – something acknowledged by a senior UN climate change authority just last week who said our progress has been ‘exemplary’.

“We are on track to meet and exceed Scotland’s world-leading target of a 42 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

“Latest figures also show that in 2014, Scotland sourced almost half of its electricity needs from renewable sources – something recognised by the UN as ‘very impressive’.

“And we have doubled the innovative Climate Justice Fund, a global first that is supporting some of the world’s poorest communities to deal with the impact of climate change.

“But to keep up this momentum, to further reduce carbon emissions and grow our renewables industry, people must vote both votes SNP and re-elect a government that is committed to moving Scotland forward.”

WWF Scotland director, Lang Banks, said: “It’s great to see the SNP commit to continuing strong action to combat climate change. We now look forward to seeing more detail in their manifesto on the policies they will set out to help Scotland secure the benefits of a low carbon economy.

“Scotland has made great progress on increasing the amount of renewable electricity it uses. But, we’ve much more to do in other areas such as renewable heat, transport and reducing overall energy use.

“In the run up to next May’s election voters will be keen to learn how each of the political parties will use their plans for tackling climate change to create jobs, improve health and reduce inequality.”