NEW buildings in Scotland will not be permitted to have gas boilers in them from the spring of next year under new rules put forward by the Scottish Government.
The regulations would prevent the use of heating systems which produce “more than a negligible level of greenhouse gas emissions” during normal operation.
If passed by Holyrood, the rules will come into effect from April 2024, and would apply to both houses and business properties.
The move directly meets a commitment made in the Bute House agreement, the power-sharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens.
Green co-leader and minister for zero carbon buildings Patrick Harvie said switching to more environmentally friendly heating systems was “essential to deliver our commitment to make buildings zero carbon by 2045”.
READ MORE: Performer dies 'suddenly' at Scottish music festival
Harvie said: “Along with transport, heating Scotland’s homes and buildings is one of the biggest contributors to our carbon emissions and we know we have to take bold action to meet our climate obligations.
“These regulations will mean that direct emissions heating systems – like gas boilers – will no longer be installed in new homes and non-domestic buildings. Instead, they will be replaced by climate-friendly alternatives like heat pumps and heat networks.
“This change is essential to deliver our commitment to make buildings zero carbon by 2045.
“It will also mean that people who buy new homes will know that their home is future-proofed against the need to have to switch heating systems in the future.”
The minister hailed the regulations as “another example of Scotland leading the way in addressing the big challenges that we need to solve to meet our net zero targets and making sure we have buildings that meet the needs of the 21st century”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel