Low carbon standards coming for new homes

All new homes in Scotland will use renewable or low carbon heating from 2024.

Scottish ministers have announced that new regulations will be developed to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions for new build homes.

The move will run alongside a £30m investment in renewable heat projects.

Renewable and low carbon heating systems will also be phased in for non-domestic buildings given consent to build from 2024.

The Scottish Government has a target to reach net zero emissions by 2045, with an interim target of a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse commented: “It’s becoming increasingly clear that the pace of decarbonising Scotland’s domestic and non-domestic buildings has to increase significantly to achieve those aims, and emissions from our buildings will have to fall close to zero.

“We will ensure that new homes and buildings across Scotland meet the challenge of the climate emergency, combining the action we need to take on climate change with our ambition to provide affordable, warm homes.”