Direction issued to accompany the implementation of the New Build Heat Standard.

The Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan, has now written to Local Authorities to issue a Direction to accompany the implementation of the New Build Heat Standard.  

This Direction permits, for domestic buildings, the installation of bioenergy heating (biofuels and biomass) and peat heating systems. It is akin to the position before the New Build Heat Standard came into force on 1 April 2024, where no restrictions were placed on the use of either of these fuel types. Please note that peat is not classed as bioenergy and is considered alongside fossil fuels. In the context of the SAP methodology used to demonstrate compliance with standard 6.1 (Energy demand) of building regulations or to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), a heating appliance which uses peat would be classed as a ‘dual fuel appliance (mineral and wood)’. 

The relaxation of the standard applies to the installation of both main and secondary systems using bioenergy and peat. Any main or secondary systems which use direct emission heating, and are not classed as bioenergy or peat would not meet standard 6.11.  

Further information is available at New Build Heat Standard: factsheet - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) 

The Ministerial letter can be found at www.gov.scot/publications/new-build-heat-standard-direction 

This Direction will be revoked once the outcome of the current review is implemented via an amendment to building regulations. The review is now concluding with an amendment scheduled as soon as possible and by December 2024.