The Stove Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed the announcement by Alasdair Allan, Minister for Climate Action in Scotland, that wood burning stoves will be permitted for installation in new build homes.
A statement said that the ministerial direction, which comes after months of campaigning by the SIA on behalf of its members and the wider stove industry, has now been issued to all councils in Scotland.
It permits, for domestic buildings, the installation of bioenergy heating (biofuels and biomass) and peat heating systems. The Scottish government stated that it “is akin to the position before the New Build Heat Standard (NBHS) came into force on 1 April 2024, where no restrictions were placed on the use of either of these fuel types”.
The SIA said it has spearheaded the campaign for a review of the NBHS, arguing that modern wood burning stoves are among the lowest carbon-emitting heating options available, significantly reducing carbon intensity compared to direct electric heating.
The association stated that it raised concerns that the ban left many Scottish households, especially in rural areas, vulnerable to heat loss during power outages and exacerbates fuel poverty by limiting heating choices. The SIA also highlighted the economic impact on the stove industry, which employs around 2,000 people in Scotland and contributes £60m annually to the economy.
Andy Hill, SIA’s chair, said: “We commend the Scottish government for taking this common sense and progressive step. The SIA strongly supports this direction as it aligns with our mission to advance the use of sustainable and renewable heating solutions. Bioenergy heating systems, such as wood burning stoves, offer a viable alternative to fossil fuel-based heating methods. This direction not only promotes the use of renewable energy sources but also provides homeowners with more options for efficient and sustainable heating.”