Energy efficiency in Scottish homes - interactive local authority map
During our investigation into the low-carbon heating sector we analysed data about home energy efficiency and fuel poverty rates. This interactive map allows you to explore the data by local authority area. A detailed explanation is provided below.
About the map
This map shows data about home energy efficiency and fuel poverty rates in Scotland. Hovering the mouse over a local authority area will show you data about that area, which you can compare to the Scotland-wide figures provided. On the map, dark blue represents poorer outcomes, and bright yellow represents better outcomes.
You can switch between layers using the check boxes in the top right.
- The 'Average SHD' layer shows the average space heating demand for homes in each local authority area
- The 'High SHD' layer shows the percentage of homes with a space heating demand over 120kWh per sq.m per year
- The 'Fuel Poverty' layer shows the fuel poverty rate in each local authority area.
See below for an explanation of these terms.
Definitions and sources
Space heating demand (SHD) measures how much energy a home requires to achieve a given level of comfort. It is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) per square metre per year. A home with 100 square metres of floor space, with a space heating demand of 120 kWh per sq.m per year, would need to use 12,000 kWh of energy over a year to achieve the given level of comfort. We have used the 120kWh threshold here to be broadly consistent with the Scottish Government's proposed Heat Retention Rating (HRR) measure. HRR is a similar measure to SHD, but does not take account of the impact of local climate as SHD does. The Scottish Government has determined that a HRR of less than 120 kWh/sq.m/year is a 'good level of energy efficiency. A detailed explanation of these matters can be found in the full investigation report.
A household is in fuel poverty if costs required to heat the home to a comfortable level are more than 10% of its net income and, after certain deductions, the remaining income is less than 90% of the UK Minimum Income Standard. A more detailed definition is available here.
The data displayed in the Average SHD and High SHD maps is drawn from Consumer Scotland analysis of the Scottish EPC register, 2017 - 2024
The data displayed in the Fuel Poverty map is taken from the Scottish House Condition Survey Local Authority Analysis, 2017-2019