Heat in buildings: future plans
Draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill published to provide clarity to industry and stakeholders.
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing made a statement to the Scottish Parliament on 18 November 2025 about the draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland Bill). She set out that the draft Bill would support the decarbonisation of heat in buildings (moving away from fossil fuel heating like gas boilers).
Our commitment to decarbonising heat
We are committed to decarbonising heat in buildings by 2045. We restated this commitment in our draft Climate Change Plan, published in November 2025.
We have led the way by requiring new homes to install clean heating and through work to promote investment in heat networks.
Bill timings
We had intended to introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill in this parliamentary session, based on proposals announced to Parliament in April 2025.
We wanted Parliament to scrutinise the Bill with the latest information, including the UK Government's Warm Homes Plan. That plan has been delayed and, with little time left in this parliamentary session, we therefore concluded that the Bill should be paused.
What happens next
Timeline for Bill introduction
We intend to introduce the Bill once the Scottish Parliament returns after the Scottish Election in May 2026. In accordance with democratic processes, plans will need to take into account the outcome of the 2026 Scottish election.
What’s being published now
We are publishing the draft Bill and draft Explanatory Notes now to provide clarity to industry and stakeholders. These are in the 'supporting documents' section.
Ongoing engagement
We will engage with stakeholders on the draft Bill during this Parliamentary session. This will include a consultation in early 2026 on heat network installation and maintenance licences.
