Scottish Government Reverses Ban on Wood-Burning Stoves in New Homes

The Scottish government has confirmed its decision to remove restrictions concerning the installation of wood-burning stoves within newly constructed homes and converted properties. In April, ministers from the SNP, during their power-sharing arrangement with the Scottish Greens, had implemented regulations prohibiting the use of direct-emission heating systems, such as gas or oil boilers, in new homes and buildings. These regulations were temporarily suspended in September following expressions of concern that a prohibition on wood and peat burners could adversely affect residents in rural regions. The government has since modified the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) regulations to permit “the installation of bioenergy and peat main heating systems – and any type of secondary heating systems”. The prohibition on mains gas and oil boilers serving as primary heating systems will continue to be enforced. According to the Scottish Conservatives, the government’s initial proposal was “ill-thought-out from the start,” and its abandonment represents “a victory for common sense.” Conversely, certain health campaigners have expressed criticism of this change, asserting that wood burning contributes to air pollution both indoors and outdoors. Asthma and Lung UK Scotland, a charity, has additionally urged the Scottish government to provide the public with further details regarding the health implications of wood-burning. The government’s initial proposals aimed to incentivize builders to install clean heating systems, including heat pumps or heat networks. Ministers had stated at the time that they anticipated this measure would contribute to reducing air pollution and addressing climate change. Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan stated that the government withdrew the initial plans after considering concerns from rural and island communities “about resilience in times of bad weather or power outages.” He also mentioned that the government had acknowledged arguments concerning “the wider use of bioenergy and peat for other reasons.” Allan further commented: “These changes address these concerns whilst retaining the spirit of the original legislation, which aims to eradicate polluting gas and oil boilers from new homes and buildings.” The minister indicated that the revised New Build Heat Standard would play a vital role in assisting the reduction of emissions from new constructions. He added that it would eliminate the necessity for future retrofitting and “ensure a cleaner and greener Scotland.” Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had previously expressed reservations regarding the ban, referencing its potential impact on elderly individuals within her Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency. Jamie Halcro Johnston, the Scottish Conservatives’ spokesman for agriculture, connectivity, and the islands, asserted that a prohibition on wood-burning stoves “would have had a devastating effect on our rural and island communities.” He further stated: “SNP ministers who are completely detached from the realities facing these areas failed to recognise their importance, especially in periods of extreme weather.” He concluded: “I applaud people living and working in rural and island Scotland for making their voices heard and forcing the SNP into confirming this humiliating U-turn at long last.” The Scottish Islands Federation conveyed its “delight” that its concerns had been addressed. Vice chairman Luke Fraser commented: “We believe there is a need to help sustain and support the resilience of households in rural and island communities through the use of wood burning stoves and burning of peat, and the changes to the NBHS announced today have taken this on board.“ He continued: “While we are in support of the need for climate action, progress must be made in tandem with developing and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of our communities, not at their expense.” He concluded: “This change is a positive step in that direction.” The Scottish Land & Estates group, an organization representing rural businesses and landowners, also expressed approval of the government’s revised plans. Policy adviser Anna Gardiner stated: “Due to the lack of infrastructure in many rural parts of Scotland, there are few low-carbon options for people to heat their homes other than through wood burners or biomass heating systems.” She added: “This is a welcome and common-sense approach by government, particularly at a time when fuel poverty continues to be an acute issue in rural Scotland.” Nevertheless, the charity Asthma and Lung UK Scotland indicated that burning wood in residential settings could be both detrimental to health and inefficient. Joseph Carter, the group’s head, remarked: “The idea of cosy wood burning stove in the winter might sound appealing, but burning wood in our homes could be putting ourselves and our neighbours at risk.” He further elaborated: “The vast majority of stoves are being installed in area with access to mainline gas supplies for secondary heating sources. Most people see them as a green alternative to coal or gas, and are unaware of the dangers, both for them and for their neighbours, of the air pollution it can cause.”