New Build Heat Standard

Where the New Build Heat Standard applies

The New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) requires new buildings to install climate-friendly heating systems instead of oil and gas boilers.

Where the NBHS applies 

The NBHS applies to: 

• all new buildings and some conversions where a building warrant was applied for on or after 1 April 2024 
• systems used for heating and cooling, and hot water 

Where the NBHS does not apply

The NBHS does not apply to: 

• bioenergy, including wood burners, and peat-burning systems in new homes (under a temporary direction) 
• heating systems used in industrial processes 
• emergency heating systems 
• heating for the sole purpose of frost protection
• alterations or extensions to buildings built under a warrant applied for before 1 April 2024

In addition, heat networks are considered clean heating regardless of the fuel used to power them.

Proposed changes – not yet law

When the NBHS was introduced in April 2024 some people in rural and island communities raised concerns about the use of wood burning stoves and bioenergy. We took this on board and reviewed the standard, working with others to find solutions to these concerns. As a result, we have introduced an amendment in Parliament which: 

• allows the use of bioenergy, including wood burners, and peat-burning systems in both home and buildings – this makes the current temporary measure in place permanent and extends it to all buildings, and
• limits the Standard to apply only to the main system being used – this means the use of all secondary heating systems is allowed

A main heating system is a system which can meet the demand for space heating and hot water during normal operation of the building. A secondary heating system is a system which provides heating and hot water in addition to the main system – for example, any type of stove.