Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Forest-Master-Sales
In a bid to combat climate change, Scotland has taken a decisive step forward by implementing new regulations affecting the heating systems of new buildings. From April 1st, 2024, the landscape of home heating in Scotland underwent a significant transformation, particularly about wood-burning stoves.
The crux of this change lies in the April 2024 version of the Domestic Technical Handbook issued by the Scottish Government, (Mandatory Standard 6.11), which mandates that every new building must be designed and constructed to eschew direct emission heating systems. However, this prohibition comes with nuances. While wood-burning stoves are not outright banned in Scotland, the new rules exclusively target new-build homes, disallowing the installation of wood-burning stoves therein.
“Every building must be designed and constructed in such a way that the means by which space within the building is heated or cooled and by which hot water is made available in the building is not by means of a direct emission heating system. Limitation: This standard does not apply to: a) alterations to, or extension of, a pre-2024 building; b) emergency heating; c) heating provided solely for the purpose of frost protection.“
Domestic Technical Handbook issued by the Scottish Government, April 2024
Moreover, even existing buildings undergoing substantial conversion work are not spared from scrutiny. The regulations dictate the removal of wood-burning stoves in such cases, especially if the existing heat source is located within the portion of the building undergoing conversion.
Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie underscores that exemptions exist for emergency heating systems, albeit sparingly. The regulations outline stringent criteria for exemption, making it unlikely for a typical dwelling to meet the bar. Emergency heating via wood-burning stoves becomes a consideration only under specific circumstances, primarily in larger or more complex buildings where portable solutions are unfeasible.
But what about existing homeowners? Those fortunate enough to own homes built before April 1, 2024, need not fret. The new regulations do not apply to such homes, except in cases where the building was initially constructed or converted to meet the 2024 New Building Heat Standard. Hence, existing homeowners in Scotland retain the liberty to install wood-burning stoves.
However, there’s a caveat. Developers should be cognisant of future requirements, especially concerning zero direct emissions heating (ZDEH) systems. The regulations hint at a potential future mandate to install ZDEH systems before 2045, prompting consideration for cost-effective installations during alterations or extensions of pre-2024 buildings.
In response to speculations regarding the ramifications of these new regulations, the Scottish Government issued a comprehensive statement. Emphasizing the need to address carbon emissions from heating, the government highlighted the consultation processes that preceded the implementation of the New Build Heat Standard. This standard aims to eliminate climate emissions from new buildings by prohibiting the use of polluting heating systems, including wood-burning stoves.
Importantly, existing homes remain unaffected by the new standard, ensuring that homeowners can continue to use wood-burning stoves.
In essence, Scotland’s wood-burning stove ban marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards sustainability. While it imposes restrictions on new buildings, it also signals a concerted effort to mitigate climate change and transition towards cleaner heating alternatives.
