An Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration (EEM) Strategy for Scotland has been published for consultation today.

Ministers have also allocated an addition £2 million for the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) to help support the rapidly growing market for small-scale energy projects such as solar panels and rooftop wind turbines.

The draft EEM Strategy also outlines a range of measures proposed for individuals, businesses and the public sector which include:

• A further £2 million in loans for Small and Medium-sized business to invest in energy efficiency
• Continuing advice and support for householders and businesses - but easier to access and better targeted
• Introduction of new building regulations and the requirement of energy performance certificates for buildings

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise Nicol Stephen said:

"Last month saw us make a significant announcement of more than £13 million for marine energy projects and the early achievement of our 2010 target on renewable energy. This is an exciting time for Scotland as we seek to become the renewables powerhouse of Europe.

"However, while we are producing more clean, green energy for Scotland, these efforts will not have the impact we want on carbon reduction unless Scotland becomes more energy efficient. This applies to businesses, the public sector and individuals at home - we all have a role to play.

"Measures within our Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration Strategy will help address the problem.

"In recent years, wind turbines and solar panels have become an increasingly common sight on top of buildings and I want to see this trend continue. Last year I announced an additional £3 million for the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) grant scheme and there has been no let up in demand since then.

"Today's announcement of a further £2 million will allow hundreds more small scale energy projects to get off the ground in homes and communities across the country.

"In addition we are making £2 million available to businesses for loans to small and medium-sized businesses to invest in energy efficiency measures including boiler replacements and some renewable technologies such as biomass boilers.

"We will also make more advice available to businesses, promote awareness in schools, introduce more ambitious building regulations and make sure the public sector leads by example."

Environment Minister Ross Finnie added:

"We are committed to tackling the causes and impacts of climate change and energy efficiency is a key element of the Executive's agenda.

"Recent figures show that Scotland's net emissions of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, have fallen by 14 per cent since 1990, more than any other part of the UK and most EU Member States.

"However, there is still much more we can do. Improved energy efficiency is a cost effective way of reducing energy demand and benefiting the environment through reduced greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel generation.

"The action we are taking shows that we are taking an international lead in tackling the biggest environmental threat facing future generations."

Commenting on the changes to planning, Communities Minister Rhona Brankin said:

"As well as our proposals to set a minimum standard for on site renewable energy generation in new developments, new building regulations will build on the progress already made and help make Scotland's housing increasingly energy efficient.

"The Executive is currently reviewing planning guidance for renewable energy, but we are keen to encourage further uptake of small scale renewables projects, such as solar panels and wind turbines.

"The measures into today's strategy should be seen as a significant step forward for tackling climate change and reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland."

Mr Stephen concluded:

"The measures being announced today will make a real difference in the drive to make Scotland more energy efficient. I look forward to seeing the responses to this consultation."