New Build Heat Standard

Wood-burning stoves, bioenergy and peat heating will now be permitted in new homes and buildings following a review of the New Build Heat Standard.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will review a new law that effectively bans wood-burning stoves in new build homes after ministers admitted the regulations were “inflexible”.

The leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is seeking urgent clarification from the Scottish Government around regulations on wood-burning stoves, describing the new legislative amendments as "confused and confusing".

The second part of the Scottish Government's consultation on the forthcoming New Build Heat Standard has been launched. 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.