In April 2024, building regulations will change to prevent the use of โdirect emission heating (DEH)โ systems in new buildings, and some conversions. These are systems which use more than a โnegligibleโ level of greenhouse gas emissions.
In practice, this means that new buildings canโt use gas or oil boilers.
Instead, heating and cooling systems will need to be supplied from other zero DEH systems like a heat pump, solar thermal storage system or electric storage heaters. A zero DEH system connected to a heat network will also be allowed.
Bioenergy, where electricity or heat is generated from organic matter such as wood, is not considered to be a zero DEH system and therefore wonโt be allowed to heat new buildings.
There are some exceptions to the NBHS. It wonโt apply to:
- alterations to, or extension of, a pre-2024 building
- emergency heating โ a direct emission heating system could only be used when the heating or hot water service system normally used fails
- heating provided solely for the purpose of frost protection, for example heating to stop water pipes from bursting in cold weather or damage to equipment in commercial buildings.
Scotlandโs proposal to improve new building standards and end the use of Direct Emissions Heating (DEH). It proposes that from 2024, โnew buildings must use heating systems which produce zero direct emissions at the point of useโ
More information about the New Build Heat Standard can be found here...
If you are planning a New Build or need some advice, please contact us for an initial consultation and we'd be happy to help
