The Scottish Government have taken another stride towards energy-efficient living, with changes coming to the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) in 2024. These changes will heavily impact those looking to implement heating systems in new homes across Scotland.
We know as a self-builder; regulation changes can be quite daunting. As self-build experts, we believe these changes are a major positive in the pursuit of heating efficiency and the Fabric First approach.
AC Architects are here to break down the new heat standard, and how it could impact your self-build.
WHAT THE CHANGES MEAN
‘From April 2024, changes to building regulations will mean new homes and buildings will not be allowed to use direct emission (or polluting) heating systems like oil and gas boilers, and bioenergy.
Instead, they will need to use climate-friendly alternatives like heat pumps and heat networks (also referred to as clean heating systems). Heat networks can be used regardless of their fuel source, including ones using direct emissions heat.’
New Build Heat StandardFrom April, heating and cooling systems will need to be supplied from other zero Direct Emission Heating (DEH) systems, such as a heat pump, an electric storage heater or solar thermal storage. A zero DEH system connected to a heat network will also be permitted under these new regulations.
These changes will have a huge impact on the heating options available to self-builders and will push the cost of running a home with like-for-like thermal specifications. As a comparison, the current average rates are 7.49p per kWh for Gas as opposed to 28.6p per kWh for electric (based on comparative average prices across the UK at the time of publishing).
At AC Architects, we focus on Fabric First Principles and Passive House Planning Package (PHPP). These principles improve the efficiency of your home and reduce the overall heat demand on the overall dwelling. Understanding and implementing these principles will help meet the new NBHS in the most efficient manner.
The NBHS is applied to all new buildings where a building warrant is applied for from 1st April 2024. If you’re at the stage of submitting a building warrant, try to have it complete before this date.
The NBHS will not apply to buildings either altered or extended before 2024. It will also not apply to emergency DEH systems or systems solely used for frost protection in the winter.
According to the IEA, Heat pumps currently available on the market are three to five times more energy efficient than natural gas boilers.
This New Heat Standard will guarantee an increase in environmentally friendly heating systems in Scottish homes, decreasing the country’s contribution to the ongoing climate crisis.
Alongside this, DEH systems can deliver a more reliable source of heat and create cleaner indoor spaces in your home.
At AC Architects we strive to create homes with energy and heating efficiency at the forefront, and as specialists in low-energy Fabric First buildings, we welcome these changes.
If you would like to discuss the implications the new NBHS will have on your project or would like to understand more about fabric energy efficiency improvements to help, contact us here for a consultation.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for general information on how to effectively heat your home, view our guest blog by heating expert David Hilton.