Current Topics
Heat in Buildings Bill
The Scottish Government has consulted on its plans for heat decarbonisation in residential, commercial & public sector buildings. Ministers want to end fossil fuel heating by 2045 - as well as impose stricter minimum energy-efficiency standards (MEES) for both owner-occupied homes and privately-rented accommodation. The 72-page consultation is here although it closed on 8 March 2024: https://consult.gov.scot/energy-and-climate-change-directorate/proposals-for-a-heat-in-buildings-bill/
In a nutshell, new laws are sought to:
- prohibit the use of polluting heating from 2045 in all buildings;
- require owner-occupied homes to meet a MEES by the end of 2033;
- require landlords of privately-rented homes to a MEES by the end of 2028;
- require buyers of homes or business premises to end their use of polluting heating within a fixed period after purchase;
- require people and businesses to end their use of polluting heating when a heat network becomes available that they can connect to.
In setting a MEES, the materials & products likely to be on a future list of approved measures are listed on page 20 - notably insulation of various types & heating controls. Homeowners who have installed these - or as many of them as are feasible for their home - will be considered to have reached a good level of energy efficiency and met the new standard. N.B. it is not intended to apply this legislation to gas cookers or portable heaters used in emergencies.
Water, Wastewater and Drainage Policy
The Scottish Government has consulted on its proposed strategic principles & policies for the future of the water industry (esp. regarding climate change). Ministers sought views on (a) drinking water (b) wastewater and (c) drainage services.
The set questions were (among others) on proposals relating to:
- managing catchments to identify & minimise risks to drinking water from pollution;
- water use per person per day that is higher in Scotland than the other home nations;
- plans and procedures to have ready to use in emergencies to restrict water use;
- the presence of lead within pipes in people’s homes and associated risks;
- reducing the impact of rainfall on new developments and SuDS drainage systems;
- private wastewater systems that are not connected to the public network
The 31-page consultation is here although it closed on 21 February 2024: https://www.gov.scot/publications/water-wastewater-drainage-policy-consultation/
Low Emission Zones
In May 2022, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow City Councils introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZ) to tackle roadside nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Low Emission Zones in Scotland are complete bans on polluting vehicles that no do meet minimum emission standards of Euro 4 for petrol or Euro 6 for diesel. There is no option to pay a daily charge for non-compliant vehicles to go into designated zones. Penalty Charge Notices will be issued to operators who send such vehicles into a LEZ. Penalties are on a sliding scale, starting at £60 but rising to £420 (cars & vans) or £900 (HGVs) for a fourth offence.
These cities have a 2-year grace period during which enforcement will not happen to allow private motorists and businesses time to prepare. Full enforcement using Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and financial penalties will come into effect in June 2024. More information about financial assistance, exemptions and zone maps is here: www.lowemissionzones.scot
Your first point-of-contact is Brett Amphlett on (020) 7451 7316 or [email protected]