As part of Scotland’s contribution to tackling climate change and meeting its target for ‘net zero’ by 2045, the way we heat our homes needs to change. The draft Heat in Buildings Strategy sets out actions and proposals for transforming our homes and the systems that supply their heat, ensuring all buildings reach zero emissions by 2045. It recognises the role of electricity in heating people’s homes through the use of technologies such as heat pumps and heat networks, but the regulatory proposals have not assessed the preparedness of domestic electrical systems. Whilst new build homes can and must plan for the electrification of heat, existing housing stock will prove a bigger challenge, particularly older housing which is more likely to contain outdated electrical systems. This could create an unintended consequence of the policy and additional financial implications for homeowners. Electrical safety must be considered in policymaking towards achieving net zero homes.
This content is created by the open source Your Priorities citizen engagement platform designed by the non profit Citizens Foundation