A GREEN transformation of homes and buildings could create at least 9,000 jobs and boost the Scottish economy by £8 billion, according to an environmental charity.

WWF Scotland argues that improved insulation and a shift to renewable energy for heating could be a cornerstone of a green recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

The charity’s plan for a “green new deal” includes bringing all homes up to a minimum standard of energy efficiency, building many new low-carbon heat networks over the next five years and switching hundreds of thousands of homes to heat pumps.

However, WWF Scotland has warned that a lack of awareness of the technologies involved and the proposals’ economic benefits could be holding the country back.

Head of policy Fabrice Leveque said: “A sustained programme of investment in energy efficiency for our homes would create thousands of jobs and boost GDP by at least £8bn.

“We’re also calling for clear ambition from government on deploying tried and tested heat network technology in towns and cities across Scotland.”