A blueprint for the future – CIBSE
The concept of heat networks is not new. There are many systems that have been providing an efficient source of heat and hot water for decades. With increasing pressure on our energy supply systems and doubts about the long-term security of our energy provision, there is a growth in the implementation of heat networks and a rapidly rising number of schemes in planning stages.
This rising level of activity is a very positive step but CIBSE recognised that network users have sometimes suffered through poor installation, inappropriate usage and inconsistent measurement. If networks are to take their rightful place in energy supply, then there is an urgent need to establish clear standards for every aspect of the procurement, design, specification and commissioning of the systems.
CIBSE and the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) took the initiative to develop a comprehensive Code of Practice to cover all of these areas. The code sets out a series of minimum standards right across the supply chain in order to avoid previous problems.
The resulting document represents a very successful partnership between the body representing the trade organisations and a professional institution – a partnership that will continue in this important area.
CP1 Heat Networks: Code of Practice for the UK covers the whole development process from feasibility through design to construction and commissioning. It addresses the whole supply chain and is intended to support the client so that they can tender correctly and understand better what they and the end users will be getting at the end of the process.
The need for this document is clearly illustrated by the fact that several local authorities have already been using the Code in its draft form in order to help them in the initial stages of planning schemes and putting them out for tender.
Overall, the Code is built around a plan of work to deliver a heat network. Each section sets out objectives and then expands on those with minimum requirement to meet the code. The responsibilities of each organisation involved in the process are clearly set out ensuring there is no room for misunderstanding and the client is also given guidance on what their expectation for the scheme should be.
It is a new approach for a CIBSE document in that it is prescriptive in its tone and terminology, setting out clear minimum standards for the sector as a whole.
Alongside the Code CIBSE has developed two training courses.
CP1 is available to download, free to CIBS members via the CIBSE Knowledge Portal. Training courses are now also available to be booked on the CIBSE website.
To read the full article see the latest November/December edition of EiBI.
