The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has unveiled a new Code of Practice for surface water source heat pumps.

The Code was created by the Heat Pump Association (HPA) and the Ground Source Heat Pump Association (GSHPA), with support from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

Surface water source heat pumps (SWSHP) have been identified by the UK Government as a 'key part' of its strategy to reduce the amount of used energy by 80% by 2050.


The new guidelines have been launched in a bid to help the UK meet its carbon emissions targets.

Phil Jones, Chairman of the CIBSE Energy Performance Group, said: "This new Code is exactly what is needed to give developers and investors the confidence to recognise the potential of surface water heat pump technology, ensure that they do what it says on the tin, and give a serious boost to the UK's carbon emissions aims.

"The technology has long shown its usefulness as a way to reduce the cost of heating and cooling, save space and cut emissions, but its historically low profile has often seen it overlooked. Now, as a result of this comprehensive Code setting out best practice and minimum requirements, we have a strong case for the potential benefits based on clear standards that investors can have confidence in."

To view the new Code, visit here.

(LM)