CIBSE tasked with creating UK non-domestic heat pump guidance

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has been awarded a contract by BEIS to produce new guidance on effectively introducing heat pumps to non-domestic buildings.

A decision to award the contract is expected to address what CIBSE calls a lack of UK-focused technical guidance to support heat pump use in larger buildings.

A cross industry steering group will work alongside CIBSE and the design consultancy Arup on producing the guide for introducing lower carbon heating systems in line with recently announced government commitments to expand heat pump use nationally.

Contract aims

The proposed new guidance will look to advise industry on how to most effectively install large-scale heat pump systems in both new and existing buildings.

Other major aims will include setting out how to ensure an installation can suitably address the need for more efficient heat pump use at the design, commissioning, operation and maintenance stage of a system’s life.

CIBSE said that it will also take responsibility to increase overall industry awareness about the issues and challenges the industry will face in introducing heat pump systems to larger buildings and limit possible system inefficiencies.

Arup will serve as the technical authors of guidance, following on from its work in developing CIBSE’s AM16 guidance for heat pump use in apartment blocks.

CIBSE’s technical team will work with Arup and a specially commissioned steering group that will include developers, landlords, installers, designers, system manufacturers and occupants to understand the need and requirements of the industry.

CIBSE technical director Dr Hywel Davies welcomed the announcement by BEIS.

He said, “We are delighted to be appointed to lead this project, which aligns with our drive to link knowledge development and best practice to support the technical improvement and through life performance of low carbon commercial and industrial buildings.”

Mike Edwards, associate director at Arup said the contract reflected the important of expanding UK heat pump use to meet the country’s net zero carbon targets.

He said, “We are very pleased to have been appointed to lead the authoring of this best practice guidance, continuing our strong working relationship with CIBSE and other industry partners.”

“Arup have been designing heat pump systems for large non-domestic buildings for several years- serving developments from Lords Cricket Ground to our own London offices. Our in-depth knowledge of these systems, and experience of their real-world operation will enhance our authoring of AM17”.