06 August, 2024
From 1 January 2025, the Isle of Man will implement a ban on installing fossil fuel heating systems in new developments. The decisive step towards sustainability aligns with our island’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Regulations already commenced on 1 January 2024, meant all new developments (for example, hotels, lodges and holiday rentals) seeking building regulation approval must exclude traditional fossil fuel heating systems like oil and gas. Instead, businesses must adopt sustainable low-carbon alternatives.
Note, if you currently hold building regulation approval for your development (a new building or extension) you will not be able to proceed with installing a fossil fuel heating system from 1 January 2025, and you must resubmit your plans and approval for a permitted alternative.
Sustainable heating options:
- Any low emissions heating system including:
- Air or ground source heat pumps
- Heat networks (where the heat source is not powered by fossil fuels)
- Solar thermal and solar thermal storage systems
- Electric storage heaters
- Electric boilers
- Fuel cells
- Direct electric heaters (including electric panel heaters, electric fan heaters, thermal fluid-filled radiators, and electric radiant heaters)
- Biomass boilers (i.e. boilers that use renewable biomass fuels such a woodchips)
Read the Net Zero blog on Low Carbon Heating options here.
The following systems are still permitted after 1 January 2025:
- Systems designed for high temperature applications for commercial or industrial purposes.
- Freestanding heating appliances (e.g. electric oil filled radiators, gas heaters that house a small bottle of gas etc.)
- Components of heating systems that do not themselves burn fossil fuels e.g. internal pipework, radiators, valves (with the exception of supply and storage components).
- Open fires and multi-fuel/wood burning stoves, whether or not connected to apparatus that supplies heat or hot water. This includes AGAs and similar appliances that do not use oil or gas.
A helpful PDF on what is permitted and what isn’t permitted can be viewed here.
Benefits and opportunities of the ban:
- Financial support may be available for the installation of sustainable heating systems through the Business Energy Saving Scheme (note conditions and eligibility criteria apply)
- Cost savings: cleaner, sustainable heating systems often lead to long-term energy cost reductions as they are more efficient
- Market Appeal: Attract eco-conscious visitors by promoting your commitment to sustainability
Implementation steps:
- Plan Early: Engage with architects and builders to integrate sustainable heating from the outset of your development, they should be able the recommend the best options for your property
- Get help: Engage with Building Control and Net Zero Isle of Man should you have any queries on if your development (particularly in the case of extensions) will be affected – there is also useful flowcharts and information at netzero.im/heatingsystems
- Market Your Green Credentials: Highlight your eco-friendly practices in marketing materials to draw environmentally aware guests
Adapting to this regulation not only ensures compliance but also positions your business in sustainable tourism.
If you have any queries or concerns regarding the ban, please contact the Net Zero team at climatechange@gov.im
