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Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 (HECA).

in 2010 The Scottish Government took the decision to dissolve the Home Energy Energy Conservation Act (commonly know as HECA), and in it's place Local Authorities were asked to integrate targets for climate mitigation and energy efficiency within their 2012-17 Local Housing Strategy (fuel poverty targets are also to be included as part of this strategy).

The 2012-17 Local Housing Strategy is currently being developed, to view the 2006-11 LHS please see the  Local Housing Strategy page.

Although HECA legislation is now no longer current, it played a major part in driving down home energy consumption, and saving carbon. In Aberdeen 31% savings in consumption were achieved in the domestic sector (HECA target was 30%).

HECA came about primarily as recognition of the principles agreed at the Earth Summit in Rio. It is recognition of the need to reduce energy consumption and the emission of the various greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

Housing is responsible for around 25% of all emissions of CO2, the principal greenhouse gas, and finding ways of reducing these emissions in the domestic sector, is essential in delivering the overall reductions to which the Government is committed.

What was HECA about?

  • Gave Local Authorities the status of Energy Conservation Authority (ECA)
  • Required an ECA to report on energy consumption and CO2 emissions from the total housing stock
  • Required an ECA to identify cost effective and practical measures which will result in a target reduction of 30% in home energy consumption (with resultant reduction in CO2 emissions), over a ten-year period (1997 to 2007).
  • Required an ECA to report on the costs of implementing the measures
  • Required an ECA to produce regular reports on their progress in achieving its targets.

What Aberdeen City Council aimed to deliver

Aims through HECA were:

  • to encourage householders to use energy in such a way that a greater proportion of energy consumption became useful heat, light and power.
  • through direct intervention and partnership, to enable householders across all tenures to have access to affordable warmth and a healthy home, whilst reducing the use of energy by 30% and CO2 emissions by 2007.

What did we strive to do to reduce meet the target?

  • Improve levels of insulation in all homes, in particular: Loft insulation to a thickness of 200mm, Cavity wall insulation, where applicable, Insulation of hot water tanks and pipes
  • Ensure the installation of efficient heating system and controls in all homes
  • Double glaze and draught proof all homes
  • Install low energy lighting and energy efficient electrical appliances
  • Provide good quality advice to householders

HECA Documents and Reports

Back to Home Energy Savings.