Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) executive summary

About the strategy

The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) sets out a long-term plan for decarbonising heat and improving energy efficiency in buildings across the Highland Council area.

The strategy is a statutory requirement under the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (Scotland) Order 2020.

Scope and objectives

The strategy aims to:

  • focus on energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation for domestic and non-domestic buildings
  • identify potential heat decarbonisation zones
  • highlight priority areas for investment
  • act as a prospectus for government and private sector funding

Strategic priorities

We have worked with stakeholders to identify key drivers:

  • decarbonisation
  • building repairs
  • energy efficiency in mixed-tenure, mixed-use and historic buildings
  • supply chain development
  • local development
  • community wealth building
  • resilience and adaptation
  • skills development and retention
  • fuel poverty
  • alignment with Net Zero Strategy, EESSH2 and local energy policies

Page last modified: 23 September 2025