HEAT NETWORKS | REVISED CODE OF PRACTICE HEAT GAIN A major update to the Heat Networks Code of Practice includes key performance outputs that allow clients to check their networks are performing as designed. Here, the authors highlight the major revisions, including minimum requirements and more emphasis on low return temperatures W e have spent much of 2018 working on an update to CP1 CIBSE/ADE Heat Networks Code of Practice and the revised draft is now out for public comment. This draft is also the result of considerable work by a wide-ranging steering group and other experts in the sector, for which we are very grateful. CP1.2 is a significant update to the 2015 version, CP1, which has been highly successful in establishing minimum standards to improve the quality of district heating projects. CP1 has also started to have a strong influence on the procurement of heat networks and underpins much of the work by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It was always recognised, however, that the code would need to be updated at intervals to reflect new experience, understanding and feedback from the sector. Probably the most important update has been to make compliance with CP1.2 easier to verify and check. It is our ambition that this code will contribute to the future regulation and decarbonisation of the heat sector. Compliance and performance The existence of the code begs the question: How does the client check that it has been met? CP1.2 includes a series of key outputs in each of the objectives and these are used as checks to demonstrate compliance. Code checklists allow clients to assess on a stage-by-stage basis that outputs have been produced and expected performance met. They are signed-off by the lead designer/contractor and the client, and this approach helps build an evidence pack across all stages of development, to help integrate the supply chain. The checklists include performance measurement throughout the development process, by clients setting initial targets and monitoring against these at each stage, including in operation. Audits, checklists, an evidence pack and performance measurement should result in better So whats new? 50 February 2019 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Feb19 pp50-51 CP1 Heat networks.indd 50 Client sets initial performance targets Stages The overall structure of the code remains the same, but several objectives have been added. There are also a lot of new minimum requirements, with some previous best practice becoming minimum requirements. The key themes around delivering efficient, costeffective and low carbon heat to customers remain broadly the same, but with more focus on achieving customer satisfaction. They include correct sizing, achieving low heat losses, low return temperatures and optimising the use of low carbon heat sources to provide affordable heat and a reliable service. Client briefing has been strengthened significantly to ensure the right questions are asked and appropriate targets set at the beginning of projects. It focuses particularly on outcomes, the sort of system they are trying to achieve, and customer satisfaction. Continual performance monitoring and use of the evidence pack Performance monitoring 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Evidence pack An evidence pack that builds throughout the project 1 Preparation and brief 2 Feasibility 3 Design 4 Construction 5 Commissioning 6 Operation and maintenance 7 Customer expectations/obligations 25/01/2019 16:03