Question reference: S6W-01907
- Asked by: Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 27 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 16 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it plans to ban the use of fossil fuels in replacement heating systems in (a) off-gas grid homes and (b) homes connected to the gas grid.
Answer
The draft Heat in Buildings Strategy sets out that the Scottish Government will legislate to require the installation of zero emissions heating systems in existing buildings, subject to the Scottish Parliament having devolved competence to do so.
The draft Strategy proposes that such legislation would begin to take effect from 2025, with the intention that all building owners are regulated to meet the requirement for zero emissions heating by 2045.
The exact phasing and operation of the proposed regulations is still to be determined, but as set out in the draft Strategy, and where within competence , could include requiring certain buildings to install zero emissions heating systems earlier than 2045. This may include those buildings using high emissions fuels (which are more prevalent in off-gas grid areas), or those buildings which reach a natural trigger point (such as the replacement of an existing fossil fuel heating system).
The Scottish Government plans to consult on detailed proposals on this issue in 2022.