The Scottish government has temporarily suspended its ban on wood-burning stoves in new homes and conversions, following concerns about the impact on rural communities. This decision reverses a key element of the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) which came into effect in April 2024, sparking debate and highlighting the complexities of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The New Build Heat Standard and Initial Ban
The NBHS, introduced in April 2024, aimed to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner heating solutions by prohibiting direct-emission heating systems like oil and gas boilers, and initially, wood burners, in new buildings. The goal was to encourage the adoption of more sustainable options like heat pumps and heat networks, aligning with Scotland’s ambitious climate targets. However, the inclusion of wood burners in the ban proved controversial.
Concerns and Opposition
The ban on wood burners faced immediate and widespread criticism, particularly from rural residents and politicians representing those areas. Many argued that they relied on eco-friendly wood burning stoves as a primary or secondary heat source, especially during power outages, which are more frequent in remote areas. They also pointed to the lack of access to mains gas infrastructure in many rural locations, making alternatives like heat pumps less viable. The Scottish Conservatives actively campaigned against the ban, highlighting its potential negative impact on rural communities and labelling it as impractical and insensitive to the specific needs of these areas. Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister, also voiced concerns about the ban’s effect on older residents in her constituency, emphasising the potential for increased fuel poverty.
Temporary Suspension of the Ban
Responding to the mounting pressure and concerns, the government put the regulations under review in May 2024. A ministerial direction now allows the continued installation of wood burners and other biofuel systems, including peat, while the review is completed. This temporary reprieve offers a window for further consultation and assessment of the ban’s impact. Alasdair Allan, Climate Action Minister, has confirmed this temporary suspension to local councils, stating that the review’s outcome will be implemented by the end of December 2024, providing a timeline for a final decision.
Reactions to the Suspension
The Scottish Conservatives welcomed the decision, describing it as a “humiliating U-turn” for the government and a victory for common sense and rural communities. They plan to continue pushing for a permanent lift of the ban, arguing that it is fundamentally flawed. The Stove Industry Association (SIA) also praised the move, emphasising that modern wood-burning stoves, with improved efficiency and reduced emissions, offer a lower-carbon alternative to direct electric heating and can play a role in a sustainable energy mix.
The temporary suspension of the wood burner ban reflects the complex challenges of balancing environmental goals with the practical needs of diverse communities, particularly in the context of a just energy transition. The ongoing review will determine the future of wood-burning stoves in new Scottish homes, considering both environmental and social factors, and seeking a solution that addresses both the climate crisis and the needs of all residents.
