Chances are, if you’ve heard that gas boilers are being phased out in the UK by 2025, you might be wondering how this could affect your business.
We’ve had several calls to our helpline from Scottish businesses that have heard the news and wondering what the impact will be.
Questions we are hearing include:
- ‘When are gas boilers being phased-out?’
- ‘Do I need to take my boiler out now? It was only installed three years ago.’
- ‘My boiler needs replaced, should I install a new gas boiler if there’s a ban coming soon?
So, let’s break things down.
And let’s just start by saying – don’t panic. There’s no requirement to rip your gas boiler out (though, spoiler alert, upgrading now might be the smart move).
Are gas boilers really being phased out in Scotland?
Yes, they are.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas have long been the primary sources of energy for heating our businesses (and our homes) in Scotland. Yet, their widespread use comes at a significant cost to the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change.
Recognising the urgent need to combat climate change, Scotland (like the rest of the UK) plans to phase out fossil fuels. As outlined in the Heat in Buildings Strategy, Scotland is aiming to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
It is estimated that we have around 220,000 non-domestic buildings in Scotland. Commercial and public buildings, including offices, schools, hospitals and factories account for a sizable portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Phasing out the fossil fuels used to heat these buildings is a crucial step towards meeting targets and building a more sustainable future.
When is it happening?
The Heat in Buildings Strategy focuses on reducing the energy used for heating our buildings. It outlines the steps Scotland will take to improve buildings and phase out gas boilers.
- No new build properties to have gas or fossil fuelled heating systems installed by 2025. (With the exception of hydrogen ready boilers – that’s a separate topic, and maybe one we’ll cover in another blog).
- In existing commercial buildings, the plan is to introduce regulations by 2025 to require owners to reduce demand for heat through energy efficiency improvements where feasible and install a zero-emissions heating supply.
- A series of phased targets so that all commercial buildings are improved by 2045. Starting with the most difficult buildings, like hospitals, being decarbonised by 2038. Then for all publicly owned buildings to meet zero emission heating requirements by 2038.
How will I heat my workplace in the future?
The Heat in Buildings Strategy defines ‘low and zero emissions heating systems’ as ones ‘that have zero direct greenhouse gas emissions’.
So, in the future we can expect to see our workplaces heated by heat pumps, heat networks and electric systems such as storage heaters. Or systems that have very low emissions such as those that use hydrogen.
But I don’t have to replace my boiler now?
That’s right. There’s no law mandating that you must ditch your current gas boiler.
If yours is fairly new and working well, there’s no rush to replace it. However, it’s worth noting that newer heating systems are more energy-efficient, so upgrading could be a smart move, especially if yours is getting on in years and you’re feeling the impact of rising energy costs.
If you’re looking for a system that will help you save money and cut your carbon emissions, a heat pump could be the ideal solution.
What’s more, while funds last, the Scottish Government’s SME Loan Scheme could help finance a new heat pump. The scheme offers eligible businesses an interest free loan and cashback grant of up to £20,000. It could be an ideal time for your business to make the upgrade to a heat pump.
Here’s a quick guide to heat pumps.
Further advice and support
If you’ve got a gas boiler and are thinking about upgrading, our team is here to help.
If you are an SME with a site in Scotland and would like help assessing what heating system is a good option for your business, we can arrange for a specialist to provide free and impartial advice. Get in touch today.
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