Showcasing our expertise: the role of heat networks for decarbonising public buildings

This piece was originally published in Energy Manager Magazine, April 2024 

Author: Davide Natuzzi, assistant director energy, carbon and technical

Heat network for UK Decarbonisation: the role of heat networks for decarbonising public buildings

While the imperative is to stop climate change, heat networks emerge as a requirement in the pursuit for decarbonising public buildings.  

At Salix we consider heat networks as playing a pivotal role within the framework of the low-carbon solutions grant funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. This is just one of several schemes we administer on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Other funding mechanisms managed by Government such as the Green Heat Network Fund also focus on heat network projects based on low carbon heat generation. 

Heat networks: a catalyst for building decarbonisation 

At the forefront of the transition to decarbonise heating, heat networks serve as a tool for reducing carbon emissions of public buildings. By aggregating heat generation and distribution, they enable the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, thereby mitigating direct carbon emission from fossil fuel source such as gas. Moreover, the scalability and flexibility characteristic in heat networks facilitate the adoption of energy storage solutions, supporting resilience and efficiency in the face of fluctuating demand and supply dynamics.  

Heat network designers and constructors play an important role in improving the efficiency of the whole system and with some specific focus on the distribution and reduction of losses during the transmission of heat supplied to buildings within the district area. This is a challenge given the dimension of these connections and the complexity of managing different building demands.  

Underpinned by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, a cornerstone funding initiative managed by Salix, public sector entities are empowered to embark on ambitious decarbonisation endeavours, including the deployment of heat networks. By leveraging Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funds, numerous good projects have happened, highlighting the important impact of local low-carbon infrastructure applied to public buildings. These initiatives are reinforced by fabric improvements, one major Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme criteria, and other energy efficiency measures aligned with the principles of a holistic building approach. 

Within the purview of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, funds have been allocated to numerous projects involving both connection to existing district heat networks or the establishment of connection of on-site heat networks. While the former streamlines energy distribution minimises infrastructure duplication, the latter creates bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of individual sites such as hospitals or universities.  

Our own energy and carbon technical team, supported by technical partners with expertise in heat networks, have reviewed funding submissions of excellent projects since Phase 1 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to Phase 3c. 

More than £130 million in total capital value of heat network projects have been partially supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding from Phase 1 to Phase 3b. This emphasises the resounding commitment to low-carbon solutions aimed at decarbonising buildings. 

This substantial investment not only signifies the scale of support for heat network projects but also attests to the enduring viability and efficacy of these initiatives in driving the energy transition. Good work has been achieved by policy makers to promote and support this solution. 

In recognition of the priority to decarbonise district heat networks, governments have also instituted dedicated funding mechanisms such as the Green Heat Network Fund supporting investment in low carbon heat source infrastructure and emissions reduction initiatives.  

In tandem with governmental initiatives like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and the Green Heat Network Fund, compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the CP1 Code of Practice for Heat Networks stands as a requirement in the endeavour to decarbonise district heat networks. CP1, shaped by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), sets out complete guidelines for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of heat networks. 

By highlighting accurate heat metering, system monitoring, and customer engagement, CP1 ensures the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of heat network operations. This adherence not only fosters regulatory compliance but also enhances the reliability and sustainability of heat network projects, thus synergising with broader objectives of energy efficiency and decarbonisation. This synergy ensures a higher level of confidence and value for money when allocating government capital funding for these projects, as demonstrated by our practices here at Salix. 

As public authorities handle with the dual challenges of climate change and energy transition, heat networks emerge as essential in the pursuit of heat decarbonisation. Through initiatives like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and funding mechanisms such as the Green Heat Network Fund, stakeholders are stimulated to invest in transformative infrastructure projects. By embracing storage energy solutions, monitoring, metering technologies, and stringent UK regulations, heat networks are ready to catalyse the transition to a low-carbon future and increase their presence in the government capital funding budget.