Answer first
Freeze performance requirements early: room temperatures, heat loss, hot water, flow temperatures, sound, electrical demand, controls, metering and access. Coordinate plant and distribution with architecture, civils, electrical, landscaping and sales information.
In Scotland, the New Build Heat Standard applies to new buildings and relevant conversions with warrants applied for from 1 April 2024. It requires climate-friendly main heating, but compliance alone does not guarantee a comfortable, efficient or maintainable heat-pump design.
Scottish New Build Heat Standard warrant-date threshold
View sourceHeat loss, emitter and commissioning evidence remains property-specific
View sourceResident support and seasonal review belong in the delivery plan
View sourceBring FLO into the project before plant space is fixed
Tell FLO about the building, present heat source, use pattern and project stage. The first conversation can identify the surveys, data and decision-makers needed for a credible proposal.
Coordinate space before layouts are fixed
Reserve external airflow and service zones, cylinder and hydraulic space, distribution routes, condensate drainage, electrical boards and safe lifting access. Avoid placing bedrooms or neighbour windows beside an afterthought plant location.
Standard house types still face plot-specific orientation, exposure, boundaries and sound assessment positions. Track deviations through design change control.
Protect low-temperature performance
Set fabric, airtightness, ventilation and room temperatures, then calculate plot heat loss. Select emitters at the intended flow temperature and coordinate floor finishes, radiator walls and joinery.
Value engineering that shrinks emitters or cylinder coils can raise temperature and energy use for the building’s life. Require technical approval for substitutions.
Plan electricity and controls at site scale
Aggregate heat-pump, EV, cooking and other loads affect network and substation decisions. Engage the network process early and avoid treating each plot as isolated.
Choose controls occupants can understand and facilities teams can support. App-only access, inconsistent models and undocumented installer codes create defects and complaints.
Commission, meter and learn
Use plot-level checklists for flow, balancing, sensors, weather compensation, hot water, backup heat, sound and documents. Sample or monitor real winter performance rather than relying on factory start-up.
Provide resident demonstrations, quick guides, warranty contacts and a triage route. Feed recurring faults and questions back into later phases and house types.
What to read next
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Questions people also ask
Does New Build Heat Standard require a heat pump?+
It requires climate-friendly main heating for buildings within scope, but is technology-neutral; use the official current guidance for the project.
Can one heat-pump size be used for every plot of a house type?+
Only where property-specific heat loss and design conditions demonstrate it; orientation, exposure and options can change loads.
When should the DNO be consulted?+
Early enough for aggregate electrical demand and site infrastructure to influence design and programme.
Evidence used for this answer
Figures are explained in context and links go to the independent source. Prices, tariffs, scheme rules and standards can change, so check the source again before making a financial or technical decision.
- Scottish Government: New Build Heat StandardOfficial scope of the clean-heating requirement for new buildings and relevant conversions from April 2024.
- MCS heat-pump design standardTechnical requirements for heat loss, equipment selection, domestic hot water and system design.
- MCS domestic heat-pump guideConsumer guidance covering design, installation, controls, handover and maintenance.
- Energy Networks Association: connecting heat pumpsThe national low-carbon-technology notification and network assessment process for domestic installations.
- Carbon Trust: heat pumps guide for businessesBusiness-focused guidance on heat-pump applications, system selection, financial assessment and efficient operation.