New Scottish buildings will soon be among the most carbon efficient in Europe, Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson said today.

New building standards for homes and non-domestic buildings will reduce carbon emissions by 30% beyond current standards.

The moves, to be introduced in October next year by the Scottish Government, flow from the Sullivan Report which looked at ways to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.

The new standards will reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and could save many householders and businesses money.

There will be a detailed consultation this summer on the best way to implement the new standards.

Stewart Stevenson said: "Energy use in buildings makes up over 40% of all carbon emissions and improving even further the carbon performance of new homes offices, factories, schools, and hospitals is crucial.

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"Scotland already leads the UK in both carbon emission standards and thermal insulation for new buildings and the improvements I am announcing today will give us some of the best standards in Europe."

The climate change minister said revising energy standards will create new jobs and cut energy bills to householders and businesses.

He believes there will be increased demand for small scale renewables technologies, like heat pumps and solar panels, as developers look at ways to meet the new standards.

Cutting out energy waste will save the building occupier money on fuel bills.

"The Sullivan report recommended a 50 per cent reduction in carbon for non-domestic buildings in 2010 and I recognise there will be a cost associated with these improvements.

"In light of the economic situation, I have taken the view that a 30 per cent reduction is an appropriate level that strikes the right balance as we look to ensure our long term climate change targets are met," he ssaid.

Ken Ross, Chairman of the Scottish Property Federation and member of the expert panel which produced the Sullivan report, added: "The Scottish Property Federation welcomes the Minister's decision.

"The SPF acknowledges that our industry has an important role to play in delivering reduced carbon emissions from new non-domestic buildings. But we must have realistic targets in view of the current economic circumstances and this is a welcome step by the Scottish Government."

(GK/JM)