BEFS Bulletin 381: Places of Worship, Energy Efficiency, Heritage Conservation

 Consultation Responses

Collation of the results of the Aggregate minerals survey for Great Britain, 2023 (UK Gov 06/08/2025)

Proposal to designate two Historic Marine Protected Areas Consultation Report (Scot Gov 11/08/2025)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill
BEFS generally agreed that certain types of residential new construction should be subject to a levy, but that this should not apply to repair, maintenance, and retrofit as that would disincentivise works. BEFS position is also that the levy should be paid by medium and large-scale developments, rather than small scale and local schemes. Using the levy as to complement other investment streams in support of the nationwide cladding remediation programme is welcome, and BEFS would like to see more investment in data and cross-national sharing of outcomes and learning on levy development and implementation. (BEFS 15/08/2025)

Pre-Budget scrutiny 2026-27: funding for culture
BEFS responded that while there has been positive funding development for the sector, issues regarding flexibility, distribution, and communication remain. We raised that we are keen to see greater recognition of heritage within conversations around the value of culture. The sector needs reliable and consistent funding models with a wide impact net, and there are pre-existing models of leveraging further income for the sector to draw on. Critically, BEFS highlighted the key role of maintenance, reuse, and repair of the existing built environment in preventative spend as a clear and positive pathway for the culture budget, our national carbon targets, tourism, local and national economies, and the housing emergency. (BEFS 15/08/2025)

Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA)
A Scottish Government scoping consultation sought views on the introduction of HEETSA to support retrofit projects and investments. BEFS welcomed the potential of HEETSA, undertaken by appropriately qualified and skilled specialists, to improve building assessments prior to energy efficiency interventions. BEFS argued in favour of government regulation in a delivery model, and called for HEETSA assessors to be fully independent from those who undertake recommended works to avoid conflicts of interest and support consumer confidence. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the Private Rented Sector
BEFS produced a statement for a Scottish Government consultation on proposals to introduce MEES regulations in the private rented sector. In the context of 44% of the 300k privately rented homes in Scotland directly affected by fuel poverty, BEFS agreed that the regulations could play a considerable role in improving the energy efficiency of currently substandard and underperforming buildings, and help make serious progress towards a just transition in climate change. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

Environmental Standards Scotland Draft Strategy 2026-2031
BEFS responded to the ESS Strategy consultation with a statement. Environmental health and regulations are linked to re-use, adaptation, and reduction of construction waste. Therefore, BEFS highlighted that while the development of a circular economy as a key priority for ESS is positive, the scope of this priority needs to encompass the existing built environment and cultural heritage. BEFS also stated that it is a negative development to see “population, human health, and cultural heritage” being removed as a key priority in this iteration. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

National Marine Plan 2: Planning Position Statement Consultation Analysis Report (Scot Gov 29/08/2025)

 

Opinion & Comment

 

The Engine Shed – Conserving Scotland’s Stained Glass
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 September 2025; 9:30am-6:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
A day focussing on the historic use of decorative glass in Scotland’s traditional architecture, with a special focus on conservation best practice. Discover the variety of glass types, their physical characteristics and their use in Scotland’s traditional buildings. Recognise the key names in Scottish decorative glass production from the mid-19th century to present. Understand typical decay, defects and weathering issues affecting decorative glass and how best to address these issues according to current standards of good conservation practice. Learn about the materials and processes used to protect and preserve important examples of stained and decorative glass.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 & 16 September 2025;10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to take action. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

The Engine Shed – Reducing Carbon Emissions in Traditional Buildings – Heat Pump Guidance
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ/Online
Around 19% of buildings in Scotland are of traditional construction, understanding how buildings of this type can utilise clean heating solutions such as air source heat pumps is critical to meeting Government Targets. This event will launch new information commissioned by HES on the use of air source heat pumps in traditional buildings. Presentations will be given by the authors of this new information around installing air source heat pumps into traditional buildings alongside HES experts looking at the wider net zero context and considerations related to consents and planning. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option using Microsoft Teams is available. The joining link will be sent the week before the event.

C&BS – Individual Giving Essentials 
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location:  Online
Are you interested in developing your individual giving programme? David Nelson provides insight and advice into this increasingly invaluable income stream. This short course will explore the key role individual giving can have within your fundraising strategy and how to create a donor-centric giving programme.

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches – Cromarty East
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 10am-3:30pm
Location: Cromarty East Church, 51 Church Street, Cromarty IV11 8XA
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland? Caring for a historic building can feel like a never-ending task, but thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to keep your building in good condition and reduce the likelihood of large repair projects further down the line. In this introductory one-day course, you will find out how your historic faith building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your building with the course tutors and others attending.

C&BS – Introduction to being a Board Member 
Date & Time: Wednesday 17 September & Wednesday 24 September 2025; 4-7pm
Location: Online
Do you have new trustees on your Board or have you taken on a trustee role yourself? If so, this is an essential course for launching or refreshing your Board career. C&BS Head of Board Development, Catriona Reynolds, takes new trustees and Board members through their paces in two information-packed, hands-on sessions.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Making Natural Paints, Pigments and Limewash Workshop
Date & Time: Friday 19 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
In this workshop you will discover how many ancient / traditional / historical paints were made (and still are) and where to start to make your very own natural paints and mineral pigments at home. A perfect starting point to create your own simple, efficient, sustainable, plastic-free art materials and/or to beginning a journey into making your own interior paints… Or to scratch that itch and understand where these extra pigments we use in construction and conservation actually come from.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to plain lime plaster used for both lath and masonry backgrounds which abound our historic buildings for internal wall and ceiling finishes. The course is aimed at plastering, building and heritage professionals and home owners of traditional buildings, and will provide an introduction to the preparation, application and aftercare required for achieving traditional plasterwork schemes. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to recognise and appreciate the work required to successfully apply traditional 3 coat plain lime plastering as well as more vernacular 2 coat work.

C&BS – Introduction to Sponsorship 
Date & Time: Thursday 25 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Azets Edinburgh, Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
Are you considering corporate fundraising for the first time but not sure where to start? This introductory course, led by Alice Samtoy, covers the fundamentals of sponsorship. Designed to be a first step into corporate fundraising, this live classroom course offers an overview of essential sponsorship knowledge along with practical skills to help you develop successful sponsorships.

RICS – Global Building Conservation Conference 2025
Date & Time: Thursday 25 September 2025; 7:30am-5:15pm
Location: Online
RICS are delighted to announce the return of the RICS Global Building Conservation Conference, an invaluable event for all professionals operating within the built conservation landscape. In 2025, the conference asks: How to best preserve the technical skills needed by heritage professionals. Join the conference for industry-leading insights around: Collaborating with construction; attracting the next generation; uptake for traditional materials; placemaking under pressure and the realities of long costing long-term heritage projects; and harnessing new technologies. This year, global experts bring more examples of cutting-edge practice to life, illustrating the challenges they have faced, the lessons they’ve learned and the remarkable achievements they have made in sustaining and growing their practices. Attendees will leave with enhanced knowledge of case studies, as well as best-practice examples for the cutting-edge educational and professional programmes that are ensuring the transfer of skills from one generation to another.

SPAB – Pargeting
Date & Time: Saturday 27 September 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a unique opportunity to learn the endangered craft of pargeting from one of the country’s highest regarded pargeters, Bill Sargent. This workshop is brought to you in association with the National Trust. This introductory workshop is for anyone interested in learning pargeting skills for work, general interest or leisure. No prior experience is required.

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training
Date & Time: Wednesday 1 October 2025; 10am-3:30pm
Location:  Conference Room, Robertson House, 152 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4TB
Community Engagement Skills Training from Planning Aid Scotland gives professionals the tools to plan and deliver effective and meaningful engagement in planning and placemaking. Based on the SP=EED Framework, recognised in the Scottish Government’s Planning Advice Notes as a benchmarking tool, this practical workshop builds skills, confidence, and real-world know-how. Cost: £250

SPAB – Understanding your Old Building
Dates & Times: Monday 6 October until Sunday 30 November 2025: Access to pre-recorded presentations
Saturday 15 November 2025; 12:30-2pm: Live online Q&A session with the course tutors
Location: Online
Join SPAB for an introduction to the care and maintenance of period properties, ideal for homeowners and tenants of old buildings. This modular, self-paced online course features six pre-recorded presentations and a live Q&A session. It introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request. Prices: £100 early bird rate available when you book this course by 3 September 2025. Usual course fee is £120.

 

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