- Proposals to replace fossil fuel heating with clean heating
and improve energy efficiency
Clean heating systems will replace polluting heating systems in
Scotland’s homes and buildings by 2045 under proposals published
today.
Under legislation to be introduced in 2025 which will start
taking effect later in the decade, those buying new homes or
buildings would be asked to move to a “clean” heating system,
such as a heat pump or connection to a heat network, within a
fixed period of time following that purchase.
Of the UK nations, Scotland continues to have the most generous
funding package of grants and loans available to households who
are seeking to switch to clean heating systems.
Minimum energy efficiency standards for Scotland’s homes could
also be introduced to make them warmer and less expensive to
heat.
Zero Carbon Buildings Minister said:
“Heat from our homes and buildings represents around 20% of
Scotland’s carbon emissions. So there is no route to meeting our
legal duty to be a net zero country by 2045 without making the
heat transition. Making this transition can also liberate
households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.
“There will be no ‘one size fits all’ approach to what we’re
proposing – we recognise that different types of buildings in
different areas need different solutions – but today we are
giving certainty to households to plan and clarity for businesses
to invest, with a pathway which recognises the cost pressures
that so many of us are currently facing.
“We’ve already passed regulations for new buildings, to apply
from next year. If Parliament passes our Bill in 2025, then
regulations will start to apply from 2028, with many more
buildings moving away from fossil fuel through the 2030s. That
will see Scotland on by far the most ambitious path within the
UK, with a deployment of clean heating systems at a scale and
pace very much faster than at present.
“The UK Government has the opportunity to match our ambition by
using its reserved powers to take urgent action to reduce the
price gap between gas and electricity, and by regulating energy
companies to play their full part in this
transition.”
The consultation also includes measures to encourage the
development of heat networks – giving those constructing these
vital systems the confidence they need to invest on the basis
that there will be sufficient demand.
The proposals follow this year’s introduction of a new build heat
standard which means that any buildings constructed under a new
warrant from April 2024 must have a clean heating system.
Background
The Scottish Government is asking for
views on proposals to form part of a Heat in Buildings Bill as
set out in the Programme for Government.
Proposals include:
- That private rented homes will be required to meet a minimum
energy efficiency standard no later than 2028;
- That owner-occupied homes will be required to meet the same
minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2033;
- That all homes and non-domestic buildings will be required to
end their use of polluting heating by the end of 2045; and
- In order to create a smooth trajectory towards 2045, that
those purchasing a home or non-domestic property before 2045
would be required to end their use of polluting heating systems
within a specific period following that purchase.
Also published today are proposals for a new Social Housing Net
Zero Standard that would require social landlords to meet an
energy efficiency standard between 2033 and 2040 and install
clean heating across their stock by 2045 where it is technically
feasible and cost-effective to do so.
Consultation on proposals for a
Heat in Buildings Bill
Social Housing Net Zero
consultation
