In a letter to the cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, net zero and energy Màiri McAllan, businesses highlight the pressing importance of advancing the Heat in Buildings Bill, originally proposed last October, and ensuring there are no further delays to this important programme of government policy.

While acknowledging the recent consultation on the bill’s proposals as a positive step forward, the signatories stress the need for accelerated action in light of Scotland’s lagging progress against its climate goals, highlighted by the Climate Change Committee in its recent report.

The Heat in Buildings Bill is pivotal in addressing Scotland’s climate goals by upgrading homes with improved energy efficiency and clean heating solutions.

The adoption of energy-efficient measures and the widespread implementation of heat pumps and district heat networks are essential steps toward decarbonising Scotland’s existing housing stock.

Recognising the challenges ahead, the signatories underscore the importance of providing certainty to businesses to stimulate investment and growth in the sector. Delays in implementing mandatory standards for zero emissions heating and energy efficiency have already impacted supply chain’s ability to scale up their operations, exacerbating issues such as fuel poverty and stifling skills growth.

Mark Wilkins, technologies and training director at Vaillant Group, said: “Businesses stand ready to contribute to the transition to net zero emissions, creating thousands of green jobs and making homes more energy-efficient and affordable to heat.

“Vaillant has heavily invested in the low carbon transition and has expanded its training services in Scotland for existing and new heating engineers to help ensure we have the right skills in place to accelerate and scale up quality heat pump installations. The Heat in Buildings Bill will provide the certainty to persuade heating installers to reskill so they can meet the growing demand for clean heat.”

Gordon Nelson, Scotland director of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Local building companies across Scotland stand ready to contribute to the transition to net zero emissions, creating thousands of green jobs and making homes more energy-efficient and affordable to heat. However, decisive action from policymakers is imperative to provide the necessary certainty for businesses to plan and invest in the transition.”

The letter urges the Scottish Government to introduce the Heat in Buildings Bill to Parliament in the autumn, with the group’s aim to complete the parliamentary process by the end of 2025. Only if this is achieved will businesses be able to scale up operations, meet growing demand, and play a pivotal role in Scotland’s journey towards a sustainable future.

Signatories of the letter include:

• AC Whyte & Co Ltd
• The Association for Decentralised Energy
• Aberdeen Heat & Power
• Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group
• Changeworks
• Diversity Energy Solutions
• Energy Agency
• FarSight GreenTec
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Federation of Master Builders
• Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA)
• KensaGroup
• Loco Home Retrofit
• The MCS Foundation
• Mitsubishi
• MP Group UK
• Renewable Heat
• Scarf
• Scottish Renewables
• SNIPEF
• Snugg
• STAR Renewable Energy
• UK GBC
• Heat Pump Federation (HPF)
• Vaillant