S6W-26812

Asked by: Regan, Ash (Alba Party - Edinburgh Eastern)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government whether it is the case that, from 1 April 2024, fossil fuel and biofuel heating systems will not be permitted in newbuild construction; whether, in addition to oil and gas heating systems, (a) log boilers and (b) solid fuel and woodburning stoves have been banned, and, if so, what assessment it has made of any impact that this may have on (i) rural economies, (ii) resilience for properties during periods of power cuts and (iii) energy costs for properties. 

Answered by McAllan, Màiri - Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition

The New Build Heat Standard (NBHS)means new homes and buildings constructed under a building warrant (applied for on or after 1 April 2024) will not be allowed to use any fixed direct emission heating systems like oil and gas boilers and bioenergy.

The NBHS does not apply to the installation of ‘emergency heating’. This is in direct response to feedback from rural communities and concerns about interruption of supply. This means that the NBHS permits fixed systems which may include woodburning stoves where this is justified.

New buildings are already required to meet high standards of energy efficiency which result in lower heat demand and can help reduce energy costs. Impacts of the NBHS on cost and on island communities were considered in the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) and Islands Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) published alongside the regulations. These have been informed by consultation feedback and wider stakeholder engagement.

All impact assessments and accompanying research can be accessed at: New Build Heat Standard - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) .

Mentions:
1: Johnstone, Alison (NPA - Lothian) The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-13015, in the name of Gillian Mackay, on the Abortion - Speech Link
2: Gulhane, Sandesh (Con - Glasgow) zone, and they clearly said that they were not the thought police.We need to consider residential and business - Speech Link
3: Maguire, Ruth (SNP - Cunninghame South) The decision to terminate a pregnancy is deeply personal for a woman, and it is only the business of - Speech Link
4: Minto, Jenni (SNP - Argyll and Bute) I represent a rural constituency, and I can understand and reflect on the importance of safe and confidential - Speech Link

Mentions:
1: None Of course, suicide prevention is everybody’s business—in Scotland, we have been using that as a strapline - Speech Link
2: None fundamental.As for learning and education, I genuinely believe that suicide prevention is everyone’s business - Speech Link
3: None Government level, especially if our motto—I firmly agree with this—is that suicide prevention is everyone’s business - Speech Link
4: None I will come in on the remote and rural aspect. - Speech Link

Apr. 30 2024

Found: • Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) • Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) • Business

Apr. 30 2024

Found: Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills

Mentions:
1: Mountain, Edward (Con - Highlands and Islands) We are cracking on and accept your business impact assessment that there is no cost involved in it”? - Speech Link
2: None There was no business impact assessment associated with the regulations. - Speech Link
3: Lumsden, Douglas (Con - North East Scotland) stick approach, we have to recognise that the car will still be very important to some people in our rural - Speech Link
4: Ruskell, Mark (Green - Mid Scotland and Fife) I am interested in where that would sit within a new emerging model of rural services, and whether there - Speech Link
5: None SPT was awarded grant funding of £155,000 from the Scottish community bus fund to consider rural transport - Speech Link