Owners of granite homes in Aberdeenshire must wait for more details on insulation help
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A warning has been made that North East granite homeowners face "astronomical" insulation bills, as the Green Minister for zero carbon buildings didn’t have “the precise data” to answer Holyrood questions today.
Scottish Conservative MSP Liam Kerr asked Patrick Harvie to outline whether there will be assistance for traditional granite builds to meet the EPC “C” standard for emissions — by 2033 for owner-occupied homes, and rented accommodation by 2028.
The North East MSP’s question followed an exchange with Mr Harvie from December, where the Minister indicated that £10,000 loans are available from Home Energy Scotland “to help meet the cost” of solid wall insulation.
He did not repeat that statement during portfolio questions today, and offered to write to Mr Kerr “in detail” about options for those living and renting granite properties, which are notoriously difficult and expensive to insulate.
Mr Kerr said: “In December I asked what was the best and most cost-effective way to insulate traditional granite homes such as are found in the North East and Aberdeen.
"The minister responded that Aberdeen homeowners could install solid wall insulation and suggested loans of up to £10,000 are available.
“I assume the minister researched the answer before giving it so can you give me an indicative ballpark price of installing solid wall insulation to a traditional granite home in Aberdeen?
"And given the extreme disruption and building work required, how long roughly does it take?”
Mr Harvie responded: “I'm afraid I don't have that precise data with me at the moment, but I'll write to the Member and see if we can answer the question in detail.”
Commenting later Mr Kerr said: “Patrick Harvie is in charge of this brief and should know this is an emerging issue for traditional properties across the North East.
“Stone-built traditional homes in Aberdeenshire, and some housing association-owned properties, face astronomical costs within the next few years to update to EPC C standards.
“Owners, social landlords and tenants need assurances now that they won’t be left chasing loans which might not scratch the surface, might not meet legislation, and will need to be repaid.”
