CIBSE and CHPA (the Combined Heat & Power Association) have formed a new partnership to develop a new code of practice for heat networks.
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 CHPA 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. As part of its support for the growth of heat networks, the Government has also called on the industry to set out standards.

The partnership aims 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.

Deputy director of CHPA, Ian Manders, said: 'CHPA looks forward to working with CIBSE to develop a code of practice, and we welcome the engagement with all parts of the district heating industry in this process'.

Phil Jones, chair of the CIBSE Combined Heat and Power and District Heating (CHP-District Heating) Group, added: '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.'

In addition, CIBSE president, George Adams, is supporting the initiative and sees it as an important part of the Cities Challenge outlined in his Presidential address.
The CIBSE-CHPA partnership aims to be inclusive and to consult widely in its work and welcomes views from across the industry. As part of this Phil Jones has initiated a LinkedIn discussion about heat network quality.

To find out more stakeholders can contact Dr Jacquelyn Fox, head of sustainability, CIBSE (JFox@cibse.org ) or Nicola Butterworth, policy and development manager, CHPA (nicola.butterworth@chpa.co.uk).