Proposed Changes to Legislation Around Electric Heating Systems in New Build Properties

In the midst of it’s efforts to tackle the global climate emergency and meet the targets committed to within the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, the Scottish Government is proposing to prohibit the use of direct emissions heating systems (DEH) is any new building applying for a building warrant from 1^st April 2024 onwards.

Here at EHC, we have already identified the need for wider education and increased awareness of electric heating systems, including air source heat pumps, and have taken steps to address this. We ensure to provide customers and users with education and training on new technologies and how to operate these to achieve maximum efficiency.

Studies have shown that the continued use of DEH systems is not compatible with Scotland’s net zero targets, therefore, a ‘business as usual’ approach is no longer viable. It has been identified that changing building regulations and standards is an appropriate point of intervention and a good place to start to stimulate the wider adoption of ZDEH systems.

As of 1^st April 2024, new buildings applying for a building warrant will be prohibited from using direct emissions heating systems to meet their space and hot water heating and cool demand. Instead, the use of zero direct emissions heating (ZDEH) technologies will be required. This will mean an increase in the deployment of ZEDH systems, such as heat pumps and heat networks, in new buildings across Scotland.

The technologies confirmed in the research that do not produce direct greenhouse emissions and would be compliant are:

• Electric boilers
• Direct electric heaters (including panel heaters, fan heaters, thermal fluid filled radiators and electric radiant heaters)
• Electric storage heaters
• Heat pumps
• Heat networks
• Solar thermal and solar thermal storage systems
• Fuel cells

This legislation will apply to both new domestic and non-domestic buildings, as well as the conversion of existing buildings. It refers to any installed heating system within the curtilage of the building, including main systems and any other additional fixed heating solutions.

Also included in the proposal are reforms to the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Currently, an EPC is required for any new building. This will remain the same, however, to ensure EPCs align with net-zero targets EPCs will be reformed to indicate whether or not the heat source installed in the dwelling is ZDEH-compliant.

Should you wish to talk to us about any of our Electric Heating products, please call 01698 820533 or email info@electric-heatingcompany.co.uk.