Some 80% of Scotland's social housing is now compliant with energy efficiency standards first introduced in 2014.

A new standard, launched today, will build on this success and sets an even higher standard of energy efficiency for social housing to meet by 2032.

The Scottish Government has also announced £17.6 million loan funding to support householders in 2019-20 to make their homes more energy efficient.

Last year, 15,000 Scottish households saved more than £4.6 million on fuel bills as a result of energy efficiency measures installed through the Scottish Government's schemes, such as insulation, double glazing and heating controls.

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Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "A warm, safe home gives people a greater sense of wellbeing and saves them money.

"Importantly, by achieving the new standard social landlords will reduce poor energy efficiency to reach our fuel poverty targets and contribute to achieving the Scottish Government's ambitious climate change emissions reductions targets.

"Social landlords are making excellent progress towards achieving the first energy efficiency milestone and I am confident that they will continue to lead the way in making our homes warmer and greener.

"The additional £3.5 million funding provided through the second round of the Decarbonisation Fund will help further landlords' progress, encouraging innovative approaches and ideas."

(MH/JG)