THE Scottish Government has confirmed that a ‘revised’ Heat in Buildings Bill will set a new target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045.
Acting minister for climate action Alasdair Allan said in a statement that the intention is to bring forward a revised bill for consideration by the Scottish Parliament later this year, to include:
- A target for decarbonising heating systems by 2045, sending a ‘strong’ signal to building owners on the need to prepare for change while outlining collective actions to help do this.
- Provisions to boost heat network development by developing requirements for large, non-domestic premises, including powers to require public sector buildings to connect to district heating when available.
- Powers to set minimum energy efficiency standards for owner/occupier and non-domestic properties, subject to further consideration. Regulations will be progressed under existing powers to introduce a minimum energy efficiency standard in the private rented sector.
Dr Allan said, “It is vital that we find the right balance both to reach net zero by 2045, and reduce fuel poverty. Many households, families and businesses are facing difficult circumstances right now and it is simply unaffordable for many building owners to make great changes in the near future – particularly for those in rural and island locations, whose needs and circumstances we must continue to consider carefully.
“Our plan to deliver a revised bill responds to the legitimate reservations and concerns raised since our consultation completed, including the risk of exacerbating fuel poverty and burdening every individual householder with an overly onerous responsibility as we decarbonise.
“Instead of placing prohibitions on every homeowner, we will establish targets for government to reach. Rather than looking at action through the lens of decarbonising alone, we will also commit to doing everything within our power to reduce costs for people.”
The government said the proposed bill will remain ‘technology-neutral’, reflecting that different properties and people will require different solutions.
Dr Allan also welcomed the second report by the independent Green Heat Finance taskforce, which has been published. This focuses on options for financing place-based solutions, heat networks, and social housing retrofit.
He added, “This report makes a very important contribution to our understanding of the work we need to do to boost clean heat demand amongst consumers and instil market confidence to develop new products, including financing solutions. It also identifies key steps the UK Government needs to take to stimulate the clean heat market and reduce fuel poverty, in particular emphasising the importance of rebalancing relative gas and electricity prices, which we continue to push for.”
Prior to the statement, the Scottish Greens said any moves to ‘further dilute, delay or drop’ the Heat in Buildings Bill would be an act of ‘climate vandalism’ and a blow for household budgets, green jobs, and the environment, say the Scottish Greens.
The comments were made by the party’s co-leader, Patrick Harvie. The bill was under development by Mr Harvie in his time as a minister, and was on track for introduction in November last year.
