A revised Heat in Buildings Bill will set a new target for
decarbonising heating systems by 2045 alongside continuing work
to reduce fuel poverty.
Acting Minister for Climate Action today confirmed the Scottish
Government's intention to bring forward a revised Bill for
consideration by the Scottish Parliament later in 2025, to
include:
- A target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, sending a
strong signal to homeowners, landlords and other building owners
on the need to prepare for change while outlining collective
actions to help do this.
- Provisions to boost heat network development by developing
requirements for large, non-domestic premises, including powers
to require public sector buildings to connect to district heating
when available.
- Powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for
owner/occupier and non-domestic properties, subject to further
consideration. Regulations will be progressed under existing
powers to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard in the
private rented sector.
Dr Allan said:
“It is vital that we find the right balance both to reach net
zero by 2045, and reduce fuel poverty.
“Many households, families and businesses are facing difficult
circumstances right now and it is simply unaffordable for many
building owners to make great changes in the near future –
particularly for those in rural and island locations, whose needs
and circumstances we must continue to consider carefully.
“Our plan to deliver a revised Bill responds to the legitimate
reservations and concerns raised since our consultation
completed, including the risk of exacerbating fuel poverty and
burdening every individual householder with an overly onerous
responsibility as we decarbonise.
“Instead of placing prohibitions on every homeowner, we will
establish targets for Government to reach. Rather than looking at
action through the lens of decarbonising alone, we will also
commit to doing everything within our power to reduce costs for
people.”
The proposed Bill will remain technology-neutral, reflecting that
different properties and people will require different solutions
– for example, clean heating solutions in some remote and rural
areas may vary from urban areas.
The Bill would accompany related work on a Social Housing Net
Zero Standard and reform of Energy Performance Certificates under
existing powers.
Dr Allan also welcomed the second report by the independent Green
Heat Finance taskforce, published today. This also takes a
collective approach, focusing on options for financing
place-based solutions, heat networks and social housing retrofit.
He added:
“This report makes a very important contribution to our
understanding of the work we need to do to boost clean heat
demand amongst consumers and instil market confidence to develop
new products, including financing solutions.
“It also identifies key steps the UK Government needs to take to
stimulate the clean heat market and reduce fuel poverty, in
particular emphasising the importance of rebalancing relative gas
and electricity prices, which we continue to push for.”
Background
Responses to consultation
on proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill undertaken in
2023-24
Green Heat Finance
Taskforce Report: part 2
