How can ground source heat pumps help with Part L compliance?

Ground source heat pumps have significantly lower CO₂ emissions than traditional fossil fuel heating systems due to their high efficiencies. Using figures produced by the BERR (formally the DTI) in conjunction with BRE, a ground source heat pump can show up to a 43% saving in CO₂ over gas and 57% saving over oil.

SAP 2005 now uses a dwelling’s CO₂ emissions as a standard methodology for assessing the energy consumption in new domestic dwellings and proving compliance with Part L. The lower the CO₂ emission the more energy efficient the building is. Therefore installing a ground source heat pump will increase a building’s SAP rating and help the building meet current Building Regulations.

If cost is an issue, by installing a ground source heat pump it might be possible to reduce the levels of insulation that would be required to meet Building Regulations if a traditional heating system is used. Obviously we would always advocate insulating as much as possible as this will reduce the running and capital costs.

Click here for our fact sheet on Ground Source Heat Pumps, Building Regulations and CO₂ emissions.

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