Formal Board Paper 1 Annex 1.15 - Heating and cooling

This document contains an evidence report for Schedule 15, focusing on heating and cooling within the Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan 2026. It highlights Scotland's ambitious goals to reach net zero emissions by 2045, which involves transforming how buildings are heated and cooled. A significant challenge in the Cairngorms National Park is the limited mains gas network, leading many homes to rely on oil or electricity. The report discusses various strategies, including new laws like the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021 and the New Build Heat Standard, which requires climate-friendly heating systems in new homes from 2025. Local authorities are developing Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies to guide the process of removing carbon emissions from heating and improving energy efficiency. While some areas are suitable for shared heating systems (called district heat networks), individual solutions like heat pumps are often more appropriate for the rural properties in the National Park. The report also considers how to make buildings more energy efficient, address fuel poverty, and integrate natural solutions like green roofs into building design, all while taking into account local community needs and concerns about practicalities and backup heating options.