Heat in Buildings consultation events scheduled

People invited to share opinions on proposed new laws on heating systems

The third-largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland is the way we heat our homes, workplaces and other buildings. Scotland aims to become a net zero nation but to do this the heating systems in the vast majority of our buildings need to change.

People across Scotland are being invited to share opinions on proposed new laws on heating systems outlined in the Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Bill at one of 13 online and in-person sessions taking place between now and 5 March 2024.

A consultation, ongoing till 8 March 2024, provides the opportunity to comment on the proposals to make new laws around the heating systems that can be used in our homes and places of work to help Scotland reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach legally binding net zero targets. 

These sessions, which we are facilitating on behalf of the Scottish Government, will support the consultation and allow people to learn more about what is being proposed in the Heat in Buildings Bill and share their opinions to help shape what the final Bill might look like.

The scheduled sessions include:

30 January, 10:30 – 11:35 – Perth & Kinross, AK Bell Library

30 January, 13:30 – 14:35 - Dundee, Hilltown Community Centre

5 February, 10:00 – 11:05 – Stirling, The Mayfield Centre

5 February, 13:30 – 14:35 – Falkirk, Falkirk Stadium

9 February, 10:30 – 11:35 – Clackmannanshire, Tullibody Civic Centre

9 February, 13:30 – 14:35 - Fife, Carnegie Library Dunfermline

13 February, 10:30 – 11:35 – Edinburgh, Central Library

14 February, 10:30 – 11:35 – Glasgow, Mitchel Library

14 February, 13:30 – 14:35 – West Dunbartonshire, Clydebank Library

16 February, 13:30 – 14:35 – North Ayrshire, Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine

25 February, 14:00 – 15:05 – online (open session for those within one of the 11 areas of Scotland identified)

29 February, 18:00 - 19:05 - online (open session for those within one of the 11 areas of Scotland identified)

5 March, 11:00 - 12:05 - online (for Orkney and Shetland residents, or anyone within the local areas of Scotland identified above, who meet the criteria below)

To be eligible to take part in one of the sessions, people need to be:

• A homeowner or tenant of a privately owned home, or any type of owner or tenant of a non-domestic building. *
• Within one of the areas of Scotland covered by the sessions
• Aged 18 years, or above.

Please note that while these sessions are in specific locations, anyone within the 11 areas of Scotland who meet the criteria can attend any event.

Katie Murray, our Environment and Place Services Manager, said: “Our journey to net zero has begun, and we all have a role to play in learning more about the action we can take to combat climate change, as well as identifying actions we can take.  Heating our homes, especially at this time of year, and during a cost-of-living crisis, is something we all care about. 

“The sessions we are facilitating on behalf of the Scottish Government, will give people the chance to learn more about proposals being made in the Heat in Buildings Bill and to voice their opinions.

“We look forward to welcoming people to the sessions as we host them across Scotland.”

Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said, “Heat from our homes and buildings represents around 20% of Scotland’s carbon emissions. So there is no route to meeting our legal duty to be a net zero country by 2045 without making the heat transition. Making this transition can also liberate households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

“We’ve put forward ambitious proposals that represent a step change for how we heat our homes and buildings. We want to hear from homeowners, tenants, landlords and businesses about how we can shape the Heat in Buildings Bill that we will bring forward shortly. Please let us know what you think by completing the consultation and join us at one of our events.” 

Registration for all events is now open on Eventbrite.

*Please note that social housing and new build homes are not within the scope of this consultation as they are subject to separate guidance and regulations.