Ministers set out path to ending fossil fuel heating

Proposals to achieve the replacement of fossil fuel heating with clean heating systems in all Scottish homes and buildings by 2045 have been published for consultation by the Scottish Government.

Ministers propose to introduce legislation in 2025 which will start taking effect later in the decade, which would mean that 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 purchase.

Other measures would encourage the development of heat networks, to encourage investment by providers on the basis that there will be sufficient demand.

The proposals would also mean that:

• private rented homes will be required to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard no later than 2028;
• owner-occupied homes will be required to meet the same minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2033;
• all homes and non-domestic buildings will be required to end their use of polluting heating by the end of 2045.

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.

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.

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said that if the bill is passed, regulations will start to apply from 2028, "with many more buildings moving away from fossil fuel through the 2030s", putting Scotland on "by far the most ambitious path within the UK". 

He commented: "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."

Find the consultation here for heat in buildings, and here for social housing. Responses to both are due by 8 March 2024.