Community heating
The London Plan, Published by the Mayor of London in March 2016, defines community heating as: ‘The distribution of steam or hot water through a network of pipes to heat a large area of commercial, industrial or domestic buildings or for industrial processes. The steam or hot water is supplied from a central source such as a heat-only boiler or a combined heat and power plant.'
Combined heat and power quality assurance (CHPQA) guidance notes, published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy in 2014, defines Community Heating (CH) as: ‘…the centralised provision of heat to a number of residential, institutional, commercial, industrial or other sector buildings, premises, sites and users typically for the purpose of providing hot water, space heating or cooling and can include the provision of process steam. CH Schemes may also provide heat users with associated electricity. Community Heating includes both of what are frequently referred to as district heating and communal heating.’
It defines Residential Community Heating (RCH) as: '...the centralised supply of heat, predominantly for Residential Users for space heating and domestic hot water. Residential Use is defined by the Finance Act 2000 and the term Residential User is defined in the CHPQA Guidance Notes.'
Approved Document L, Conservation of fuel and power, Volume 1: Dwellings, 2021 edition incorporating 2023 amendments, defines a community heating system as: ‘A system that supplies heat from a central source to more than one dwelling or premises within a single building.’
See also: Communal heating.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.