Gas boilers will no longer be allowed to be installed in new-build homes in Scotland as of today, 1 April. This is a game-changer for renewable energy ambitions and cheaper bills, according to a national charity. 

The MCS Foundation, which works to achieve a carbon-free future for all UK homes, said that Scotland is leading the way by ruling out gas boilers under the Scottish New Build Standard. Instead of gas boilers, heat pumps, which run on electricity and so produce no carbon pollution, will be installed in the majority of new homes. 

David Cowdrey, Director of External Affairs at the MCS Foundation, said “Gas and oil heating systems in new homes should be a thing of the past, and the new building regulations in Scotland are addressing that today. 

“Heat pumps are the only viable solution for getting homes off fossil fuels at scale, and will have the benefit of reducing energy bills in all new-build homes.  

“The Government in Westminster should now follow the lead of Holyrood and make heat pumps the default heating systems for all new homes in England, as Scotland is leading the way.” 

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Notes to editors 

Last year was a record year for certified heat pump installations in Scotland. Heat pump installations soared by 113% between 2020 and 2023, with grants of up to £9,000 available for households to install them. https://mcsfoundation.org.uk/news/record-year-for-heat-pumps-and-solar-panels-in-scottish-homes-and-businesses/