With the Holyrood election upon us, Scotland is at a critical moment. With 693,000 households in some form of housing need, the country faces a challenge that extends far beyond construction. The national housing emergency is affecting health outcomes, widening inequalities and limiting economic opportunity in every part of Scotland.

After all, housing is not just about where we live, it shapes almost every aspect of life, from children’s wellbeing and learning to the long-term health and economic resilience of communities. Initiatives such as the Homes Build Futures campaign are right to elevate this issue.

VELUX wholeheartedly supports this focus and believes Scotland must adopt a broader vision of what “good housing” really means. This is reflected in our new leadership structure which strengthens our ability to work with partners, policymakers and organisations like sector body Homes for Scotland to drive positive change.

Research on how the indoor environment influences wellbeing is clear: poor daylight, inadequate ventilation and dampness are all linked to respiratory conditions, lower productivity and increased stress. With around three quarters of Scottish homes over 40 years old, this connection is especially relevant in terms of modern health and sustainability expectations.

The housing emergency is therefore not only about the number of homes Scotland has, but also how healthy and resilient those homes are. Lowering long-term public spending on healthcare and energy systems, such dwellings represent a foundational investment in the future.

No single individual or organisation can fix Scotland’s housing system. Planning constraints, policy uncertainty, workforce shortages and affordability challenges all require coordinated action. The public must also be empowered to understand the scale and urgency of the crisis to allow them to engage with their local decision-makers at whichever level of government.

Scotland needs cross-sector partnerships between government, industry and advocacy groups to create a long-term, stable pathway for delivering the homes this and future generations need.

For decades, VELUX has focused on improving indoor environments, supported by strong research into how light and air affect human health. Our goal is to contribute to the creation of homes that are sustainable, comfortable and supportive of long-term wellbeing.

We will soon have a new Scottish Government, presenting the opportunity to set a new direction for Scotland’s housing future. I believe Scotland must focus on three priorities:

    1. Policy clarity and long-term planning

• Stable, consistent policy is essential to give developers, local authorities and investors the confidence to deliver homes at scale.

    2. A stronger emphasis on quality and health

• Building more homes matters but ensuring they enhance health, sustainability and quality is just as important.

    3. Public engagement that keeps the pressure on policymakers

• Only when housing is seen as a shared civic responsibility can we expect the level of political ambition needed.

At VELUX, we believe that homes really do build futures – healthier, happier, more resilient ones. Contributing data-driven insights and practical solutions, we look forward to helping Scotland achieve this goal.