A new energy efficiency standard that is expected to help tenants save money on their energy bills has been launched in Scotland.

Raising energy efficiency ratings from the existing standard to the new Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) is expected to save a total of £130 million in fuel costs in Scotland every year – or £210 a year for tenants.

It is also expected to cut annual carbon emissions from housing by 760,000 tonnes.

The EESSH will replace the minimum energy efficiency ratings included within the Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) that social housing must meet by April 2015.

Scotland’s Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “In addition to helping to reduce fuel poverty, the EESSH will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute towards ambitious climate change targets.

“While we have managed to help thousands of households in Scotland to have warmer, more energy efficient homes, with independence we would be able to change the way energy efficiency is funded to help even more people.”