Outlawing Wood Burning Stoves? Scottish Building Regulations 2024

This is a long read – but the topic is one which I think is worth highlighting.

Earlier this month the latest edition of the Scottish Building Regulations Technical Handbook was released, which includes a new section entitled ‘6.11 Heating and hot water – direct emission heating system’

In one of the opening paragraphs it outlines the aims of the new Regulations:

?‘This standard addresses the greenhouse gas emissions associated with delivering space heating, hot water and cooling in new buildings and certain conversions by prohibiting the use of Direct Emission Heating (DEH) systems.’

Direct Emission Heating system, in relation to a building, means a fixed combustion appliance installation… the purpose of which is to produce thermal energy by which space within the building is heated or cooled, or by which hot water is made available in the building.’

This new Standard has caused considerable confusion over the past few weeks, as there appears to be different interpretations of the wording, especially when it comes to Emergency Heating and what constitutes suitable and appropriate justification. I have spoken to a whole range of people in relation to this, including the Local Authority Building Standards Department, Architects, Local Councillors and those with access to the Scottish Government.? The messages coming back are contradictory.? The situation is muddled.?

Are residents in rural areas still allowed to install wood burning stoves in new properties, or has this effectively been outlawed?? I would welcome feedback on this.? Our Clients are shouting out for clarity. ?

There are many facets to this discussion.? One of the most important for us, being as we are located on a remote/rural island is the ongoing issues with an intermittent power supply.? This may [or may not] improve when the new Interconnector Cable goes ‘live’, but at the moment Shetland is prone to power cuts.? Take last winter for example, parts of the island were subject to power cuts which lasted several days, with homes genuinely struggling to keep warm.? I personally heard reports of properties where the internal temperature was barely above freezing.? Having a fire was a huge benefit – in fact it was allowing people to remain in their homes when otherwise they would have been forced to seek refuge elsewhere.?

Now, there will be the argument that homes built from 2024 onwards will be highly insulated.? This is true, and it will certainly help to retain heat during a power failure.? However, even with the best will in the world, if you’ve experienced a harsh Shetland winter you will understand the weather conditions which we are facing.? Power cuts often coincide with [or are directly caused by] inclement weather, be that severe wind, heavy snow, or both.? Such conditions make it particularly difficult to retain heat. ?Having a small log burning stove makes a tremendous difference in this type of situation.? Even just the opportunity to boil some water and make a hot drink can be hugely beneficial.

Looking at this from a completely different perspective, the act of lighting a fire, of collecting around a fire, this is something which is primal, it is powerful and symbolic.? Shetland is located at 60 degrees north; we face long dark winters which can be difficult navigate.? Incidents of mental ill health are on the increase, with a whole range of complex and intertwined drivers.? Work related stress, loss of community and personal connectivity, an increased use of screen time being just a few.? Personally speaking, I find comfort in being able to sit down in front of a fire.? A moment of peace and calm in an increasingly hectic world.? I don’t think I am alone in this.?

Furthermore, Shetland has a long tradition of cutting and burning peats.? There are benefits to this process which will be lost in future generations.? Getting outside, fresh air, exercise, community engagement and teamwork, a sense of achievement.? Switching on an Air Source Heat Pump, whist perhaps more energy efficient [depending ultimately on how the electricity was generated] negates all of these personal benefits. It completely disengages the user from the process, which incidentally had disastrous implications in the food industry.

Overall I would classify myself as being environmentally conscious and generally a supported of ‘green’ policy.? However, this feels like a step to far, and an example of the State overstepping the mark and attempting to micro-manage our lives.? Let’s hope that clarity on the new regulations is published soon, and that the Government will fully consider the negative impact Standard 6.11 [and the interpretation / implementation thereof] will have on rural communities across Scotland.?