The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
How Scotland’s third sector is future‑proofing community buildings
Practical insights from The Gathering 2026 on creating buildings that are resilient, affordable and ready for a changing climate.
Introduction
At The Gathering 2026, people from across Scotland’s voluntary sector came together to explore a challenge many organisations share: how to make their buildings easier to run, more resilient, and better prepared for a changing climate.
The conversation reflected the open, practical tone found across Growing Climate Confidence Stories, where organisations share the real steps they are taking to reduce costs, improve comfort and cut emissions.
We began with a clear idea: future‑proofing buildings is not simply about coping with climate impacts. It is about ensuring the spaces we rely on continue to support our services, staff and communities.
What is a climate‑ready facility?
A climate‑ready facility uses energy efficiently, keeps people comfortable, avoids unnecessary waste and can withstand and adapt to become more resilient to the changing climate. Importantly, it evolves over time. As organisations learn more about their space, new improvements become possible.
Future‑proofing facilities is about creating spaces where organisations can continue to thrive, not simply survive, in a changing climate.
What we learned from the speakers
Community Energy Launchpad
Jenni Marchant, Community Energy & Technical Officer for Community Energy Scotland, showed that progress starts with understanding how your building uses energy. Community Energy Launchpad works with community groups exploring community energy for the first time, providing advice and tailored support to develop practical, technically realistic plans and apply for funding.
Community energy tackles climate change and rising energy costs in a way that fits local priorities. Locally owned projects delivered 'by people, for people' empower communities to benefit from climate action through inclusive engagement.
Prioto
Campbell Millar, Director at Prioto, highlighted that small changes in behaviour and heating controls can deliver significant savings before major upgrades are needed. Better visibility of how a building is used can cut waste and improve comfort quickly. For example, Drymen Village Hall cut its electricity by 42% in 3months by making data visible and changing how it is managed.
Small changes in behaviour and better control of heating and lighting can significantly reduce energy waste before major upgrades are needed.
Glasgow Women’s Library
Annika Norrvik, Facilities Management Officer, shared how the Glasgow Women’s Library is improving a heritage building through a phased, fabric‑first approach. By focusing on insulation, airtightness and manageable stages, the team has created a clear, achievable path.
A phased, fabric‑first approach allows organisations to improve their buildings in realistic, manageable steps.
Development Trusts Association Scotland / Community Ownership Support Service
Andrew Aldous, Facilities Management Advisor, encouraged organisations to plan for the long term. Strong governance supports good decisions and ensures buildings remain resilient and affordable well into the future.
Strong planning and governance help ensure buildings remain resilient and affordable long into the future.
Seven practical steps organisations can take now
- Start with a simple energy audit - a basic audit helps identify where energy is being lost and where quick improvements are possible.
- Make low‑cost changes first - adjust heating controls, draughtproof doors and windows, switch to LED lighting and reduce unnecessary equipment use. These actions deliver immediate benefits.
- Use smart controls and better management - improved controls help prevent waste and ensure heating and lighting match actual building use.
- Explore options for improving your building fabric - explore what a phased plan could look like. Insulation and airtightness can reduce long‑term running costs and increase comfort however solutions need to be tailored to your site.
- Explore renewable options when your building is ready - Solar PV, battery storage and other renewable technologies perform best once energy demand is reduced. Contact the Community Energy Launchpad for further details.
- Conduct a site survey to identify climate risks and hazards - schedule a site walk with a printed floor plan or map to identify areas vulnerable to climate hazards such as flooding, extreme temperatures, storms, or drought. Find a checklist here. COSS also has some useful facilities management resources which can be accessed here.
- Check if your premises is in an area of flood risk - visit SEPA Flood Map here.
Closing Reflections
Future‑proofing a building does not have to require doing everything at once. Many organisations across Scotland are already taking small, manageable steps that make their buildings more comfortable, easier to run and more resilient. Each improvement, even a modest one, strengthens an organisation and supports the people who depend on it.
