Heat networks, commonly known as district heating, are a cost effective way to distribute heat to multiple buildings or industrial processes, and many local authorities are considering how to initiate city centre networks. CIBSE and the Combined Heat & Power Association (CHPA) have formed a new partnership to underpin the quality of heat networks with the drafting of a code of practice. The partners believe that the development of a widely recognised code of practice for heat networks will support the spread of the technology by increasing the confidence of developers and investors. Government, as part of its support for the growth of heat networks, has also called on the industry to set out standards.
The partnership will aim to follow the code of practice with training, accreditation and registration of engineers to enhance the quality of heat networks from design through to operation.
Phil Jones, Chair of the CIBSE Combined Heat and Power and District Heating (CHP-District Heating) Group said: “A code of practice will provide confidence for both specifiers and clients and can be included in the tendering and contracting process. The Code will provide a foundation for training and differentiate those with specialist skills, through the accreditation and registration of heat network designers and engineers. “
CIBSE President, George Adams, has given his support to this initiative and sees it as an important part of the Cities Challenge outlined in his Presidential address.
CHPA
