Achi news desk-
Last week, in a change to building standards – the regulations that govern the requirements for all new buildings in Scotland – he made a number of changes to the rules around heating and hot water.
This now means that all fossil and biofuel heating systems cannot be included in any new building.
That includes log boilers and solid fuel and wood burning stoves.
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Going to X, MACARC architects and planners in Oban, run by Alasdair MacMillan, said that while there was a clause allowing alternative heat sources as backup, this would not extend to stoves.
“This is a seismic shift, and one that has not been particularly publicized,” he wrote.
Although there is a clause referring to Emergency Heating (6.11.2) which allows alternative heat sources as back up, this will not extend to stoves. This is a seismic change, and one that has not been particularly publicized.
3/7— MACARC (@MacmillanArc) April 8, 2024
Mr MacMillan said they had previously been told that stoves would be allowed as a secondary heat source.
“Sensible, especially in rural areas where power cuts are not uncommon. However, there has now been a U-turn, and wood-burning stoves are history.
“What was until last week a sustainable, renewable source of heat will be banned.
“As well as removing a vital source of backup heat for many, off-grid properties will no longer be able to use wood stoves. Woodland farms will not be able to use their own wood.”
“Although the move towards zero direct emissions is to be welcomed, there has been little public consultation on this, and there has been no loud announcement about the wood stove ban. It also feels very much like a central belt-based policy, with little regard for the residents of rural Scotland,” he added.
The Isle of Eigg account X said the ban would be a “disaster.”
They added: “They are a key part of our net zero strategy by 2030. Practical and cheap to fit compared to heat pumps etc. They provide hot water in the winter when solar thermal cannot. Harvesting the island’s timber provides affordable local fuel and jobs.”
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Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch, said she was “seeking urgent clarification” from the Scottish Government.
“This has just been brought to my attention by more than a few concerned Nobles who heat their homes (as thousands do) using wood burning stoves, particularly older residents who rely on them during from huge increases in energy prices. I am urgently seeking clarification.”
The Scottish Government has received a request for comments.
