Scotland abandon ban of log burners in new builds
The Scottish Government have published an amendment today – 8 November 2024 – announcing that the controversial New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) will now permit the installation of wood-burning stoves in new-build homes. This follows a temporary halt to the effective ban in September, where industry, stakeholders, businesses, and consumers voiced their concerns surrounding the NBHS’s ambiguity and impact on rural communities.
Scotland to continue allowing the installation of wood-burning stoves
Scotland have reversed their decision from the NBHS to ban the use of wood-burning stoves and other solid fuel appliances in new-build homes. The initial announcement was met with feedback from parties across the UK, and was criticised for having unclear, ambiguous exceptions.
The amendment to the NBHS that was announced today references the ‘complexity of providing different geographical solutions’, resulting in a universal reversal of the previous requirements.
Calvin May, Head of Technical Services at HETAS, commented on the reversal:
This reversal is welcomed by all of the team at HETAS and will allow for industry to continue its hard work to minimise its emissions. Rational approaches where homeowners, especially those in rural areas, are supported is essential and we look forward to continuing our work with Scotland to find effective, supportive approaches that help create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment
Best approach to overcome the issues faced by island and rural communities
In the amendment, the Scottish Government stated how the other two options considered in the NBHS review were deemed to be insufficient for Scotland’s island and rural communities. Frequent electrical outages and a high number of off-grid properties means that many of these communities rely on their wood-burning stoves or other solid fuel appliance to heat their homes during the harsh winter months, and this is acknowledged by the reversal.
Ban on mains gas and oil boilers to remain
The amendment has kept the ban on mains gas and oil boilers in new builds, strengthening the role that solid fuel appliances play in rural Scottish communities and those in fuel poverty following years of soaring energy prices.
Importance of responsible burning practices
The news on the initial NBHS announcement, temporary pause, and now the reversal has been met with criticism across the country
It is as important as ever that stove users burn responsibly: using fuel with a moisture content of 20% or less, a Cleaner Choice appliance, and regularly maintaining your installation will ensure that your emissions are minimised and your home is kept warm during the winter months.
Calvin May commented:
It is vital that in the UK’s efforts to minimise pollution and improve air quality that we take effective approaches that take into account the wellbeing of every individual that may be affected. We have heard many homeowners and stove users across Scotland voicing their concerns about the NBHS, and it is positive that the Scottish Government listened to their voices.
“HETAS works with all UK governments and devolved administrations and is a trusted, expert voice in industry. We help guide legislation towards the most effective approaches that will help reduce emissions and will continue our work across the solid fuel industry to promote the best practices and behaviours.
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