Achi news desk-
The ASA for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said some clarity was needed regarding the “emergency” exception in the New Build Heat Standard.
READ MORE: Leading architect slams ‘insane’ ban on wood burning stoves
The former drugs and alcohol minister is to push the government on the issue during Thursday’s Social Justice questions at Holyrood.
Meanwhile, Tory Member of Parliament Rachel Hamilton has secured a timely question on the new regulations on Tuesday afternoon.
The rules require all new homes and buildings in Scotland to install “climate friendly heating systems” and ban the use of direct emission heating (DEH) systems in any house where an application has been made for the construction warranty after April 1.
Effectively, this means that new houses and alterations are not allowed to use gas or oil boilers, or any form of bio-energy where electricity or heat is produced from organic material such as wood.
Instead, housebuilders are expected to use so-called zero DEH systems such as heat pumps, solar thermal storage systems or electric storage heaters.
However, the new rules say there are exceptions for DEH systems that are allowed for emergency heating.
Those applying for the exemption will need to demonstrate the “risk that the failure of the normal heating system creates for occupiers and the probability of such failure (eg increased risk of loss of electricity supply in areas remote rural due to bad weather)”.
Ms Whitam told the Herald it was not clear how that would work in practice.
He said: “My constituency is a large, predominantly rural one with many off-grid dwellings in remote areas. My concern is that I want to explain and understand what is meant by ’emergency supply’ and how a new building will be able to demonstrate that it is needed.”
Ms Whitham added: “We have experienced power outages for days in parts of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley and people using stoves not only for heating but also for cooking.
“I am squarely behind the need to reduce emissions but I also represent an area that is depopulating and needs new housing that will remain fit for purpose over time in all weathers.”
Over the weekend, Kate Forbes, SNP Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch described the wording for “what amounts to a woolly crisis.”
Writing in our sister paper, The National, the former finance secretary added: “A power cut affects every home equally, no matter when the house was built.
“The modern, well-insulated home might last a little longer, but with multi-day power outages these days, they might even need to keep a fire going.
“You will be able to easily see the new buildings in a power cut – they will all be huddled around a big bonfire in the garden trying to keep warm.”
READ MORE: Scotland’s ban on wood-burning stoves in new buildings comes into effect
Responding to questions about the exemption previously, a spokesperson for the Scottish Government suggested that there could be a “review” of the guidelines.
They told the Herald on Sunday: “There is no ban on wood burning stoves.
“The New Building Heat Standard only applies to new buildings applying for a building guarantee from 1 April 2024. Under the Standard wood burning stoves can still be installed in new homes to provide emergency heating where needed.
“This recognizes the unique needs of Scotland’s rural communities.
“Proposals for the New Build Heat Standard were subject to full consultation in 2021 and again in 2022, and both consultations showed strong support.
“Heating our homes and buildings represents around a fifth of Scotland’s carbon emissions so tackling the climate crisis requires us to tackle these emissions.
“That is why the Scottish Government has recently finished consulting on plans for the introduction of clean heating systems in existing homes and buildings and is currently considering responses.
“This consultation recognized that bio-energy systems, such as wood-burning stoves, are a renewable, and in many cases, net-zero form of heating that could be the best solution for some homes – particularly in the countryside. Scotland.
“That is why we asked for an opinion on how to ensure a flexible approach that still enables the use of bio-energy heating systems as we move towards net zero.
“We will continue to engage with local authorities and support them to ensure that the regulations are implemented appropriately. This will enable us to identify any need to revise elements of the guidance if necessary – this is part of the regular implementation process.”
