Space heating demand
LETI Climate emergency retrofit guide, How existing homes can be adapted to meet UK climate targets, published by LETI in October 2021, defines space heating demand (SHD): The amount of energy per m2, over the course of an average year, which is needed to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. This is directly related to the thermal performance of the building and is therefore a good proxy for fabric efficiency.’
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit, published by the City of London Corporation in March 2024, defines space heating demand as: ‘A metric used to describing the amount of heat required to heat a building, maintaining the inside environment to a particular heating profile for a given set of weather conditions. Usually expressed in kWh/m^2/yr.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.

















