Scottish Government temporarily halt ban on wood-burning stoves in new builds

There has been an update to Scotland’s New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) today (19/09/2024), with the Scottish Government adjusting aspects of the NBHS, temporarily reversing the ban of ‘direct emission’ heating systems in new build homes.

This means that wood-burning stoves, multifuel stoves, and pellet stoves will now be permitted for installation in new build properties across Scotland. The original legislation prohibited these installations, except in specific exemption cases such as when they were deemed as ‘emergency heating’.

Calvin May, Head of Technical and Certification at HETAS, commented on the announcement: 

It’s positive news that the Scottish Government have listened to industry and concerned homeowners and chosen to temporarily reverse their decision on the restriction of the installation of solid fuel and biomass appliances in new homes under the New Build Heat Standard, and we look forward to longer term revisions to strategy.  

With the Direction temporarily enabling the installation of varying types of bioenergy and peat heating appliances, it is important that our industry maintains focus on improving air quality and reducing carbon within Scotland.  

Initiatives such as the HETAS Cleaner Choice certification scheme and the introduction fuel quality schemes, such as Ready to Burn, promote the cleanest, safest ways to burn, and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government on such initiatives and more.

Find the full fact sheet on the Scottish Government’s website.

What caused the temporary change? 

This temporary reversal has come about following feedback from industry, stove owners, and concerned rural communities. The ambiguity of the ban was raised when the NBHS came into force on 1 April 2024, and rural communities were pinpointed as being disproportionately affected. 

Scottish Government listened to the voices of those the ban would affect most – such as installers, manufacturers, and homeowners – and announced a review on 28 May 2024. The aim of this review was to assess how the NBHS could remain adaptive and avoid any unintended consequences. 

Scottish Government intend to conclude this review by the end of September 2024 and have chosen to temporarily enact that the NBHS will not apply to a number of heating systems. The new Direction will apply to any warrant applications for domestic buildings made since 1 April 2024, allowing for potential adjustments to be made.

Further information can be found in a letter to councils from Alasdair Allan, Minister for Climate Action.

Where the NBHS does not apply 

Scottish Government have released the following list of systems that the NBHS does not apply to: 

• “wood burners and other bioenergy (and peat) heating systems (under the temporary direction) 

• heating systems used in industrial processes  

• emergency heating systems  

• heating the sole purpose of frost protection 

• alterations or extensions to buildings built under a warrant applied for before 1 April 2024″

It is important to note that ‘wood burners and other bioenergy’ are listed with the caveat that the NBHS does not apply ‘under the temporary direction’. The reversal and all other actions included in the Direction will be revoked following the completion of the review by September. Whether this will result in a permanent reversal of the ban or a different direction is currently unknown.

Calls for a permanent reversal 

Rachael Hamilton MSP requested for the First Minister to ‘commit to a permanent ban’ on this policy’s effect on solid fuel heating systems. There was also a call for compensation to be considered for businesses affected by the initial policy, such as through job or sales losses. 

Looking to the future 

With heating season starting up, it is positive to see the review finalised earlier than the expected December date. We will continue our work with government as the situation progresses to find pragmatic solutions, enabling the use of the cleanest technologies, working towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment.