Laying the foundations
Scotland is laying the foundations for a greener future by ensuring all new build homes use climate friendly heating systems.
From April 2024 legislation comes into force prohibiting the use of direct emission heating systems – known as polluting systems – such as oil and gas boilers, and bioenergy.
Instead, new homes will need to use clean heating systems such as heat pumps and heat networks.
The new standard will also apply to building conversions if there is currently a polluting heating system in the building being converted or if it is ‘reasonably practicable’ to install a clean heating system.
Heat networks can be used regardless of their fuel source, including ones using direct emissions heat.
The move is part of a twin track approach by Scotland to meet its legally binding climate change goals to reach net zero by 2045, as well as to achieve a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040.
Whilst all buildings will have to have replaced polluting heating systems by 2045, they will also have to meet earlier targets of heat energy efficiency.
As well as reducing fossil fuel emissions, these steps will also reduce energy bills, address fuel poverty, make homes healthier and more comfortable to live in, and enable clean heating systems to run efficiently when installed.
The proposed heat energy efficiency timetable, currently out for consultation, will require private landlords to have met the minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2028.
Owner occupiers will need to have met this standard by 2033 and all building owners will need to have ended their use of polluting heating by 2045.
The exact detail of what the heat energy efficiency target will be is still to be confirmed but measures likely to be included are:
270 mm loft insulation;
cavity wall insulation (CWI);
draught-proofing;
heating controls;
80 mm hot water cylinder insulation;
Suspended floor insulation
It is a major undertaking, with the Scottish Government estimating that currently around 89% of homes and 49% of non-domestic premises are using polluting heating, while around 55% of homes do not meet what is considered a good level of energy efficiency.
And the rewards are economic as well as environmental. Studies suggest there are currently around 12,500 full-time equivalent jobs supported by the traditional heat and building improvement sectors in Scotland which would still be required in the new, clean energy sector.
In addition, the proposed changes will support an additional 16,400 jobs by 2030 if the timelines are to be met.
The good news is that grants are available for householders and businesses looking to improve energy efficiency in their homes and offices and for those looking to replace fossil fuel boilers with heat pumps.
For details of a wide range of green energy systems available to buy from Go Geothermal please click here.
For full details of the new and proposed Scottish legislation click here.