MEMBERS of the public are being invited to share their views on on proposed new laws on heating systems in Scotland.

The Scottish Government is launching a consultation as part of efforts to move the country towards 'net zero'.

The government says that in order to meet that aim, heating systems in the "vast majority" of Scotland's buildings will need to change.

It says heating of homes, workplaces and other buildings is the third largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

Two online sessions are being held this month to allow the public to share their views and help shape the government's planned new Heat in Buildings Bill.

The online sessions will take place at 2pm on Sunday, February 25 and 6pm on Thursday, February 29.

They will be open to homeowners or tenants of privately owned homes, as well as any owner or tenant of a non-domestic building. 

It is not open to social housing and new build homes, as they are subject to separate guidance and regulations.  

Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie, Scotland's zero carbon buildings minister, said, “Heat from our homes and buildings represents around 20 per cent of Scotland’s carbon emissions.

"There is no route to meeting our legal duty to be a net zero country by 2045 without making the heat transition.

"Making this transition can also liberate households and businesses from volatile fossil fuel prices.

“We’ve put forward ambitious proposals that represent a step change for how we heat our homes and buildings.

"We want to hear from homeowners, tenants, landlords and businesses about how we can shape the Heat in Buildings Bill that we will bring forward shortly.” 

The consultation will continue until March 8.

The 65-minute session is being delivered by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful (KSB), on behalf of the Scottish Government to support the consultation and allow people to engage further with the process.

Katie Murray, KSB's environment and place services manager said, “Our journey to net zero has begun, and we all have a role to play in learning more about the action we can take to combat climate change, as well as identifying actions we can take. 

"Heating our homes, especially at this time of year, and during a cost-of-living crisis, is something we all care about. 

“We look forward to welcoming people to the sessions as we host them across Scotland.”

To register for the Heat in Buildings consultation events search Heat in Buildings consultation events on Eventbrite.