HOLYROOD has passed new legislation on heating that could be “crucial” in Scotland’s response to the climate change emergency. MSPs unanimously approved a bill that aims to “accelerate significantly” the number of properties covered by heat networks. Such systems see networks of pipes transport hot water or steam to buildings, with this then being used to heat them. Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said heating buildings, which typically relies on gas or electricity, currently accounts for 21% of greenhouse gas emissions, the third largest source of these in Scotland. And he said there needed to be a “transformational change” in how homes and businesses are supplied with heat. The Scottish Government has set the target of having a million homes heated by low carbon or renewable sources by 2030 – with Wheelhouse adding that heat networks will have “a strong role, perhaps the predominant role to play, in achieving this”. Currently just 34,000 properties across Scotland benefit from such systems – which can save people almost a fifth in annual fuel bills, he said.
The National 24th Feb 2021 read more »