Local heat and energy efficiency strategy for South Lanarkshire

Our local heat and energy efficiency strategy explains how we will make homes and other buildings warmer, cheaper to heat and lower in carbon emissions across South Lanarkshire. It sets out what we will focus on, why it matters, and how we plan to act over the next five years and beyond. This work supports lower energy bills, better living conditions and progress towards net zero.

The strategy covers homes, businesses and public buildings and shows how different areas will need different solutions. You can read the full strategy and delivery plan at the end of this page.

What the strategy aims to do

The strategy focuses on improving energy efficiency first and then changing how buildings are heated. This helps cut heat loss, reduce fuel poverty and lower emissions in a fair and practical way.

We have three main priorities.

Priority 1: Reduce heat demand

We will improve how well buildings keep heat in. This includes better insulation, windows and doors. Reducing heat loss makes homes warmer, cuts energy use and lowers bills. It also makes it easier to switch to cleaner heating systems.

Priority 2: Move to cleaner heating

We will support a move away from heating systems that create direct emissions, such as gas and oil. Over time, buildings will need cleaner options like heat pumps or other low‑carbon systems to help tackle climate change.

Priority 3: Support heat networks

In some areas, shared heat networks could provide affordable, low‑carbon heat to groups of buildings. We will explore where these could work and how they could be part of a fair move to net zero.

Challenges we need to overcome

We know there are real barriers to changing how buildings are heated. These include:

• higher electricity costs compared to gas
• uncertainty about new heating systems
• older or hard‑to‑improve buildings
• a limited number of trained installers and suppliers

We cannot solve all of these at once, but this strategy sets a clear direction for steady progress.

What the delivery plan covers

The delivery plan explains what we will do over the next five years to start putting the strategy into action. It helps us prioritise areas and projects and work with partners to deliver improvements.

The strategy looks ahead over a 20‑year period, but we review and update it regularly so it reflects new information, funding and technology.

Approval and status

Our executive committee approved the local heat and energy efficiency strategy and delivery plan on 26 June 2024. This means the documents are now formally adopted and guide our work on energy efficiency and heat.

Why we must have this strategy

Scottish law requires every local authority to prepare and keep a local heat and energy efficiency strategy and delivery plan. We must review and update it at least every five years. This ensures plans stay realistic, relevant and aligned with national goals.

Environmental assessment

We reviewed whether the strategy needs a full environmental assessment. At this stage, we do not expect any significant negative environmental effects. Most impacts are expected to be minor and positive.

Some parts of the strategy, such as possible heat network areas, are still at an early study stage. If any proposals move forward, we will carry out further environmental assessment at the right time.

You can read the full screening report and determination using the link below.

How you can find out more

You can read the full documents to understand what this means for buildings and communities across South Lanarkshire.

Take action

• Read the LHEES Strategy
• Read the LHEES Delivery Plan
• Read the Screening Report and Determination.