New heating regulations

REGULATIONS have come into effect requiring that all new buildings constructed with a new building warrant must be fitted with clean heating. The regulations also apply to building conversions and climatefriendly systems such as heat pumps and heat networks will be used instead of traditional systems.

The ‘ Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023’ – also known as the New Build Heat Standard - were approved by Parliament in late 2023 and will mean that direct emissions heating systems - like gas boilers - will no longer be installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings.

Zero carbon buildings minister Patrick Harvie said: “This is an important step on our journey to moving all buildings in Scotland to clean heat by 2045. Heating our homes and buildings represents about a fifth of Scotland’s carbon emissions so there is no route to deliver Net Zero without making this change.

“We will continue to work closely with the construction sector to support the smooth implementation of the Standard.”

Scottish Tory rural affairs spokesperson Rachael Hamilton said warned that new legislation must not hamper the rural sector.

She said: “Our agricultural sector are already playing a huge role in helping in reducing emissions. Patrick Harvie’s drive towards Net Zero must not have a detrimental impact on them and hinder progress.

“Rural communities are reliant on gas boilers and they must not bear the brunt of the costs for getting rid of them.

“The Green minister must be upfront about what these plans will mean for them and what support they will get to make these significant changes.”