The government is developing regulations which will, from 1 April 2024, prohibit the use of direct emissions heating systems in new buildings: both domestic and non-domestic.

The consultation has been developed using feedback received from responses to the initial Scoping Consultation in 2020-21, alongside findings from a number of independent research projects commissioned to support the development of the New Build Heat Standard.

The introduction of the New Build Heat Standard will signal a significant shift away from what has long been considered ‘business as usual’, with an increased deployment in systems which are considered to be ‘zero direct emissions heating’ technologies: paving the way for the introduction of similar requirements in existing buildings from 2025 onwards.

As a result, the Scottish Government is using this opportunity to formally seek views from all stakeholders on a number of key issues to ensure that regulations, to come into force from 1 April 2024, are effective and deliver the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions needed.

Views can be given here until October 20.

To launch the consultation, zero carbon buildings minister Patrick Harvie visited Saughton Park and Gardens in Edinburgh, where two ground source heat pumps provide the buildings’ heat.

Mr Harvie said: “Scotland’s homes and buildings account for approximately a fifth of all our emissions, and we know that we need to take bold, ambitious steps to ensure we meet our climate obligations.

“New buildings will lead the way in cutting emissions, and earlier this year we published new energy standards that will cut emissions of all new-build homes by nearly a third.

“The proposed regulations are another major change to achieve our climate targets and make our homes and buildings warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

“We have been working with industry to inform the development of the proposed new regulations and I would urge individuals and organisations to share their views to help shape and inform their delivery.”