We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Publication - Factsheet

New Build Heat Standard

Last updated
1 January 2025 - see all updates
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Energy, Housing

New homes and buildings must install climate-friendly heating systems instead of oil and gas boilers. Wood burning stoves and peat heating systems can be installed.

Building conversions

The New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) applies to some conversions of existing buildings. 

A conversion is a particular change in occupation or use of a building, for example changing an office to a hotel or an attic into a bedroom. Building regulations define and treat conversions differently to alterations and extensions. 

If you are converting a building, the NBHS will apply if:

  • you have a direct emissions heating system in the building or area of the building you are converting, and 

  • it is ‘reasonably practicable’ to install a clean heating system 

For more detail see the Building Standards Technical Handbooks. 

Local Authorities Building Standards are responsible for considering all building warrant applications.

Changes to the NBHS from 1 January 2025

We proposed changes to the NBHS in November 2024. These changes came into force on 1 January 2025. Under these changes, the NBHS will not apply if you are converting a building which already has a bioenergy heating system like a wood burner, or peat main heating system.

It may still apply if you are converting a building with other types of direct emission heating systems – this will depend on whether your project fits within the requirements set out by the Building Standards technical handbooks.

Building warrants applied for before April 2024 

The NBHS applies to building warrants applied for on or after 1 April 2024. A building warrant is legal permission to start building work or convert a property and lasts for 3 years.

A building warrant can be extended for an initial period of 9 months. Further extensions are at the discretion of the building standards officer. This means not all new buildings completed after 1 April 2024 will meet the NBHS due to developments being at different stages in the building process. 

New developments that applied for a building warrant before 1 April 2024 may continue to install direct emission heating systems for as long as the issued building warrant remains valid. 

Contact

Email: 2024heatstandard@gov.scot 

First published
22 December 2023
Last updated
1 January 2025 - show all updates

  1. Updated to reflect proposals coming into force.

  2. Explains proposed changes to the NBHS covering wood burners and peat heating systems.

  3. Updated following introduction of temporary ministerial direction allowing wood burning stoves to be installed in new build homes.

  4. Textual changes included updating text and adding information on solid fuel burning stoves.

  5. Minor text changes.

  6. Minor textual amendments to clarify points.

Back to top