Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has expressed "significant concerns" over the potential costs of new build homes using the the Scottish Government's equivalent to Passivhaus standard.

While beneficial in creating very low energy demand, reducing emissions and keeping fuel bills low, it is estimated building to Passivhaus standard, which was developed in Germany, adds between four to eight percent to the cost of each home.

"We fully support efforts to improve the standard of new homes and welcome alignment of standards across tenures," said Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager at CIH Scotland.

"Everyone should be able to expect the same high standards regardless of whether they are a private tenant, a social tenant or a homeowner.

-- Advertisement --

"However, we have significant concerns about the potential costs associated with delivering this new standard and the impact this could have on a sector that is already struggling to build the new homes we need."

The Scottish Government proposes introducing a new voluntary equivalent standard from 2026 with mandatory implementation from 2028.

The first of two consultations set out the general principles for a Scottish standard with a second consultation scheduled to follow in the new year considering technical specifications.

"The Scottish Government has declared a national housing emergency, acknowledging significant housing pressures across the country," said Ms Campbell.

"The latest homelessness statistics show more households coming into the system and new build statistics show housebuilding in decline across the private and social sector.

"Inflationary costs continue to pose challenges, the affordable housing supply budget has been cut and some social landlords have already withdrawn from new development."

She added: "We would urge the Scottish Government to think carefully about the timing of any new standards which could have a negative impact on new housing delivery or provide reassurance as to how any additional development costs will be covered."