Heat Networks

Heat networks supply centrally generated heat or “coolth” to multiple end users. With careful design, they can facilitate the application of low carbon sources which may otherwise not be feasible for individual buildings or end users. This can include capturing waste heat that may otherwise be rejected to atmosphere. By reducing the number of individual heating systems (e.g. using domestic gas boilers) heat networks can also improve local air quality.

Heat networks broadly fall into two categories: district networks and communal networks. Either may accommodate heat and coolth from multiple sources.

• District heat networks serve multiple buildings with heating or cooling from centralized plant, normally via buried external pipework. District networks can be extended with new heat sources and end users added over time.
• Communal heating serves multiple end users from central plant within a single building.

Our heat network consultants are experienced in assessing early-stage feasibility and assessing the performance of existing networks. We are also familiar with the current Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014 and have supported several organisations in achieving compliance with this legislation.