David McKenzie, Secretary of Glasgow Kelvin Branch, has told us why the motion on Domestic Energy Savings is so important.

The Glasgow Kelvin branch of the SNP covers an area where over 90% of the properties are multi-owner tenements. Energy efficiency, with consequent savings, is clearly a key focus for people who live and work in the area.

The Kelvin SNP branch decided to take forward a resolution on energy efficiency to encourage the Scottish Government and Parliament to accelerate the rollout of selected technologies and processes which could contribute to the climate emergency and give an impetus to initiatives which could benefit domestic properties including tenements.

This resolution refers to Quick Hits, four of which can be achieved by regulation and one by secondary legislation. It calls on the Scottish Government to make these changes mandatory for new construction or major refurbishments and to introduce substantial encouragements, including financial, for existing properties, including tenements.

READ MORE: Tories are no longer the safe custodians of economy

Firstly, to have Solar PV panels on every available roof space, with associated domestic battery storage to maximise use of all available power.

This electricity can be used by the property to reduce demands of power from the grid, or, in certain circumstances, surplus power generated by these panels can be sold to the grid to produce a revenue stream for the property owners.

Secondly, to have pressurised water systems. Many properties in Scotland still have water tanks in the roof or attic which feed all or part of the water supply. The use of these tanks dates from regulations introduced in the 19th century. Burst pipes in winter and the use of electric showers are among the inefficient and expensive consequences of the low water pressures due to water tanks.

Thirdly, under-floor heating and a ban on any future radiator installations. To heat a room with radiators needs water to be heated to around 65°C; to heat with an underfloor option requires 45°C. Also, heat pumps are increasingly seen as a fossil fuel replacement, and they are most efficient when producing water heated to around 45°C.

READ MORE: Europe has the door open for an independent Scotland, German MEP tells SNP conference

Another quick hit is triple glazing. It is common practice in much of Scandinavia and could reduce heat loss through glazed areas by up to 50%.

Finally, we are calling for modification to the Tenements Act 2004 to give factors the ability to install energy efficiency measures in tenement properties if a majority of proprietors are supportive; and the ability to collect the appropriate financial contribution from all proprietors including any minority who may have opposed the installation.

This is already the case for essential maintenance and for security systems. This facility should be extended to energy efficiency measures such as solar PV panels, electric vehicle charging, communal heating systems, etc.

The technologies identified are ones that many European countries have been using for years if not decades.

It is understood that work is underway in Government on these initiatives but, by bringing forward this resolution, it is hoped that the normal processes of committees, panels and consultations can be bypassed and / or accelerated so that benefits can be realised faster.