Lessons From Local Scottish and Dutch Building Decarbonization Strategies - Spring

Team Members: Clarisa Marambio, Charlotte Giff, Abby Austin, Shubhi Arora, Yini Cui, Sonali Deshpande, Charlotte Giff, Abby Jordan, Fiona Laird, Clarisa Marambio, Kate McCarthy, Mikelison Womack, Yazan Zafar

Decarbonizing the building sector is critical for meeting New York’s climate goals, as space and water heating account for a significant portion of the state's emissions. This project examined building decarbonization strategies in Scotland and the Netherlands to provide actionable insights for NYSERDA. Research included 19 expert interviews and an analysis of international funding mechanisms. The team’s findings highlight that both regions have moved beyond simple boiler replacement to "neighborhood-scale" thermal energy networks. In the Netherlands, scientific analysis shows that a phased "gas-free" mandate for municipalities has driven innovation in district heating and high-efficiency heat pumps. The report identifies that Dutch funding mechanisms, such as the "EIA tax scheme" and 9% VAT for insulation, provide the financial predictability needed for large-scale retrofits. In Scotland, the research focused on the "Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies" (LHEES), which require local authorities to map heat demand and identify zones for heat networks. Technical findings indicate that thermal infrared imaging and detailed building stock data are essential for identifying the most cost-effective areas for intervention. The research concludes that for New York to succeed, it must transition from an individual building approach to a coordinated, area-based strategy. Recommendations emphasize the need for "one-stop shops" that guide homeowners through the technical and financial hurdles of electrification, combined with targeted subsidies for low-income residents to ensure an equitable transition to carbon-neutral heating.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.