The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement by Alasdair Allan, Minister for Climate Action in Scotland, that wood-burning stoves will be permitted for installation in new build homes, heralding it as a 'common sense and progressive step'.
The Ministerial Direction, which comes after months of campaigning by the SIA on behalf of its members and the wider stove industry, has been issued to all councils in Scotland now.
Bioenergy heating
It permits, for domestic buildings, the installation of bioenergy heating (biofuels and biomass) and peat heating systems. Scottish government states that it 'is akin to the position before the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) came into force on 1 April 2024, where no restrictions were placed on the use of either of these fuel types'.
Legislative amendments
SIA's commitment to promoting low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable heating technologies
The legislative amendments required to support this Direction are expected to be in place by the end of 2024, following the conclusion of a review of the NBHS and the associated technical guidance which includes an examination of the role of wood-burning stoves and bioenergy systems in Scotland.
This significant development marks a positive step towards sustainable heating solutions and aligns with the SIA's commitment to promoting low-carbon, efficient, and sustainable heating technologies.
Carbon-emitting heating options
The SIA has spearheaded the campaign for a review of the NBHS, arguing that modern wood-burning stoves are among the lowest carbon-emitting heating options available, significantly reducing carbon intensity compared to direct electric heating.
The Association raised concerns that the ban left many Scottish households, especially in rural areas, vulnerable to heat loss during power outages and exacerbated fuel poverty by limiting heating choices. The SIA also highlighted the economic impact on the stove industry, which employs around 2,000 people in Scotland and contributes £60 million annually to the economy.
Sustainable and renewable heating solutions
Commenting on the news, SIA Chair, Andy Hill, said, "We commend the Scottish government for taking this common sense and progressive step. The SIA strongly supports this Direction as it aligns with our mission to advance the use of sustainable and renewable heating solutions."
He adds, "Bioenergy heating systems, such as wood-burning stoves, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based heating methods. This Direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating."
Key highlights of the Direction
- Relaxation of Standard paragraph 6.11 (Heating and hot water) within Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004. This relaxation permits the installation of bioenergy or peat heating systems in new domestic buildings.
- Peat is not classed as bioenergy and is considered alongside fossil fuels.
- The relaxation of the Standard applies to the installation of both main and secondary systems using bioenergy.
- Bioenergy encompasses biofuels and biomass, the latter of which includes wood, wood pellets, and woodchips.
- Applicability: The direction applies to any building warrant applications for new domestic buildings made before and after April 1, 2024, where standard 6.11 applies and which are yet to be decided. It also covers applications to amend building warrants issued after this date.
- Emergency Heating Provision: Bioenergy heating systems installed under this direction do not require justification as emergency heating. Provisions for emergency heating using other fuels or in non-domestic buildings remain unaffected.
