Energy Efficiency
This page will provide information on how the Council is investing to make homes more energy efficient
What are we doing?
West Lothian Council is committed to improving the energy efficiency of housing across the region to provide tenants and homeowners with reduced energy bills while also lowering the carbon footprint of their homes. We are proactively working on projects that support those living in fuel poverty by helping to reduce fuel costs through energy efficiency improvements. This aligns with the council's broader strategy and commitment to addressing poverty in West Lothian.
To save energy, reduce carbon emissions, lower fuel costs, and enhance overall comfort in social housing, it is crucial to focus on the building fabric, heating demand and use, and ventilation. To successfully decarbonise social housing in West Lothian, we must first reduce energy demand by retrofitting the existing housing stock. This process should begin with improving the building fabric, promoting behavioural change, and installing low or zero-carbon renewable technologies.
A single dwelling can lose approximately:
- 25% of its heat through the roof,
- 35% through the walls,
- 10% through the windows,
- 15% through draughts,
- 15% through the ground floor.
A shared vision ensures consistency and cohesion in the actions taken by different sectors and entities. Policies, initiatives, and projects can be designed to complement each other, creating a unified approach that addresses various aspects of the climate crisis.
The West Lothian Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 aligns with and contributes to several key local strategies, including:
- West Lothian Council Climate Change Strategy (PDF, 4 MB)(opens new window)
- West Lothian Council Corporate Plan 2023-2028 (PDF, 415 KB)(opens new window)
- West Lothian Local Development Plan
- West Lothian Anti-Poverty Strategy
- West Lothian Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan
- Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2025-2030 (PDF, 310 KB)(opens new window)
- Housing, Customer and Building Services Improvement Plan 2023/26 (PDF, 448 KB)(opens new window)
- The West Lothian Integration Joint Board Communication and Engagement Strategy 2023-2026 (opens new window)
- West Lothian Outcomes Improvement Plan (PDF, 3 MB)(opens new window)
How to Improve Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Homeowners are encouraged to take steps to enhance the energy efficiency of their properties, leading to reduced energy bills and a lower carbon footprint. Simple actions to boost energy efficiency include:
- Upgrading insulation in lofts, walls, and floors
- Installing double or triple glazing
- Using energy-efficient appliances (Class A) and lighting (LED lighting)
- Implementing smart heating controls
- Reducing draughts and improving ventilation
- Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps
West Lothian council is committed to upholding the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) and the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH). West Lothian council undertakes a range of improvements, including:
- Roof repairs
- Upgrading insulation in lofts, walls, and floors
- Replacing windows and doors
- Upgrading heating systems and installing heating controls
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps
Our goal is to exceed the SHQS by delivering high-quality improvements that create comfortable, sustainable living spaces for all our tenants.
For further details, visit How are properties selected for the programme?
For further help and advice on taking control of your energy bills and making energy-saving improvements, contact the Advice Shop or explore the following resources:
- West Lothian Advice Shop
- Home Energy Scotland (opens new window)
- Energy Saving Trust Scotland (opens new window)
- Citizen's Advice Scotland (opens new window)
By working together, we can make homes in West Lothian more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable to heat, while also contributing to Scotland's net-zero ambitions.
