The Scottish government has unveiled plans to outlaw direct emissions heating systems, including oil and gas boilers, from spring of next year. The move is part of a range of measures contained in the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) on reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.
If the proposal is passed in Scottish Parliament, buildings will have to be built with technologies that are considered “zero direct emissions heating’, such as heat pumps, electric boilers and direct electric heaters.
Hydrogen-ready boilers will not be exempt from the ban in Scotland, as they currently operate on 100% natural gas, and will continue to produce emissions even if the UK decides to blend 20% hydrogen into the gas network.
The ban would specifically target appliances that produce “more than a negligible amount of greenhouse gas emissions” at the point of use and will apply to all new buildings – both domestic and non-domestic – constructed under a building warrant applied for on or after 1 April 2024. Existing buildings undergoing a conversion could also be affected in certain circumstances.
The NBHS only extends to the provision of space heating, cooling and hot water. Any other ‘processes’ which use or generate heat or hot water for any other purpose are not within the scope of these regulations.
Green party MSP and Minister for zero carbon buildings, Patrick Harvie, comments: “Along with transport, heating Scotland’s homes and buildings is one of the biggest contributors to our carbon emissions and we know we have to take bold action to meet our climate obligations. These regulations will mean that direct emissions heating systems – like gas boilers – will no longer be installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings. Instead, they will be replaced by climate-friendly alternatives like heat pumps and heat networks.
“This change is essential to deliver our commitment to make buildings zero carbon by 2045. It will also mean that people who buy new homes will know that their home is future-proofed against the need to have to switch heating systems in the future.
“It is another example of Scotland leading the way in addressing the big challenges that we need to solve to meet our net zero targets and making sure we have buildings that meet the needs of the 21st century.”
