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The UK Government has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, supporting global efforts under the Paris Agreement to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C pre-industrial levels.

The built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s total emissions with a significant portion attributed to space heating and domestic hot water production, which continue to largely use fossil fuel-based heating systems within buildings. To meet net zero targets, local authorities and other public sector organisations must transition their existing building infrastructure to low carbon and energy efficient heating systems. Therefore, it is important to have targeted means of reducing emissions within this sector.

A key part of this is understanding the current building stock and developing a clear pathway and strategy to remove carbon-based heating systems and replace with low carbon alternatives. A Heat Decarbonisation Plan (HDP) enables this process. A HDP is a critical step in achieving net zero. It provides a clear overview of the current building and its energy performance and sets out the most suitable low carbon and energy efficient technologies that can be implemented.

A HDP provides a structured, site-specific roadmap for transitioning from fossil fuel based heating to low carbon alternatives. It includes a review of the current building and existing building fabric, heating and hot water systems, electrical infrastructure, before appraising and recommending the most suitable low carbon and energy efficiency technologies. By presenting data on projected carbon savings, capital costs, risks and delivery strategies, a HDP provides clear evidence-based justification for investment and allows informed decision making.

A comprehensive HDP typically will include the following sections:

• Building(s) Information: This section will typically provide general information on the building(s), construction type and detail the current condition of the building(s) including building fabric, insulation, glazing and general condition.
• Heating Demand Assessment: The buildings heat loss will be modelled to determine actual building heat input requirements.
• Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions: This section provides energy consumption data and the associated carbon emissions, usually based on energy billing data.
• Heating and Hot Water System: This section will typically provide details of the current heating and hot water generation systems, the design of the heating distribution system and type of heat emitters present.
• Electrical Load Capacity: This will provide details of the current electrical capacity of the site and assess the impact of any additional loads that are proposed to be added, through for example the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump system. This allows assessment if the current electrical infrastructure would require any upgrades.
• Low Carbon Options Appraisal: This will conduct an appraisal into the most suitable low carbon heating technology that can be implemented on site, this will typically include assessment of technologies such as heat pumps, electric heating, biomass, solar thermal and district heating. This appraisal would consider technical suitability, carbon savings, and integration with the existing systems.
• Recommendations to Facilitate Low Carbon Heating and Energy Efficiency Projects on Site: This section outlines the proposed low carbon heating technology and any supporting energy efficiency measures, such as building fabric improvements (in line with a fabric-first approach), solar PV installations, or upgrades to the Building Management System.

Each recommendation is supported by indicative capital cost, projected carbon savings, and simple payback periods to inform investment decisions. A delivery plan is included to provide the required implementation steps and estimated timelines for each measure. Additionally, key risks and delivery challenges are identified, to allow mitigation strategies to be developed to ensure successful project delivery within the available funding window.

For organisations seeking to develop HDPs, the South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA) Framework offers an efficient route to procurement through their Retrofit & Decarbonisation (N9) Framework and Consultancy Services (CS1) Framework. These frameworks enable local authorities to engage pre-qualified suppliers with expertise in low carbon technologies and strategic energy planning. This support facilitates the development of HDPs, strengthening funding applications and supporting successful project delivery.

Arthian has extensive experience in developing high quality HDPs and supporting numerous public sector organisations in securing capital funding through schemes such as the former Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund (PSDS). Arthian has successfully partnered with over 41 frameworks across England and is working to deliver tailored decarbonisation strategies that align the individual requirements.

The Government has recently announced £6.8 million in funding for existing Local Net Zero Hubs located across England which will offer a free to use service for local authorities to access expertise and resource for clean energy projects. It is anticipated that further funding will be made available to support public sector organisations decarbonising their existing building infrastructure to meet their net zero targets. HDPs are expected to play a key role in providing the most appropriate pathways to decarbonisation.

Arthian has also provided clients with technical and project management following on from successful PSDS applications and other projects. Clients have reached out to Arthian as a trusted partner to ensure their project is delivered in accordance with the technical requirements of the grant offer, to time and within budget.

Sean Jardine, Energy Engineer for Arthian adds - “During my time with Arthian, I’ve had the opportunity to develop a number of HDPs for regional councils and other public sector bodies across the UK including the South West. My role has involved developing HDPs and supporting with Capital Grant Funded applications. This has included undertaking site visits, assessing building energy performance, identifying the most appropriate low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies, and working collaboratively with client organisations and on-site teams to produce technically robust and viable decarbonisation strategies."

"It’s particularly satisfying to see these projects succeed in securing Grant Capital Funding. Being involved from the early stages - developing suitable technologies and providing a clear decarbonisation pathway it is nice to see the projects get the funding approved that will allow the installations to progress. Knowing that the project I’ve contributed to will one day be installed on site, reducing carbon emissions and helping organisations to meet UK targets is something I find motivating within my role.”