Future Homes Standard – Why Heat Networks Solve High-Rise Challenges

The FHS predominantly focuses on the use of individual technologies like PV solar panels and individual air source heat pumps to lower carbon emissions, but these are often not viable for high-rise developments where an air-source heat pump and/or solar panel on every flat would be logistically challenging and aesthetically detrimental.

Our Managing Director, Neil Fitzsimons, says: “Heat networks are the perfect solution for the low-carbon heat and hot water needs of the UK, and they are the only feasible and cost-effective solution for high rise buildings.

The Future Homes Standard has given a longer timescale than was expected, or than we wanted, but our advice to developers is not to wait. Low carbon solutions are available now and they are cheaper than the traditional options if they are networked to provide for whole communities.”

Tried and Tested Solutions

We have been delivering tried and tested solutions to assist in meeting net zero targets for complex, high-rise and high-density developments for some time. These include Community Heat Hubs and Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps. We already have more than 20,000 homes contracted to our heat networks solutions, with more being added all the time.

Low Carbon at Low Cost

With the timeframe for the Future Home Standard now in place, the industry needs to embrace the transition to net-zero. We want to ensure that high-rise, high-density residential developments not only comply with the FHS but also deliver long-term value to developers and residents. Heat network technology is an investment in a clean, more efficient and more cost-effective future, bringing considerable savings compared to individual air source heat pumps.

Two Proven Heat Network Solutions

Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps (NGSHPs)

NGSHPs are an ideal solution for high-rise, high-density developments. They extract naturally stored thermal energy from the ground to provide highly efficient heating, hot water, and passive cooling to each building. Each heat pump is installed inside the building, connected to a network of underground pipes, eliminating the need for bulky external units.

Benefits for developers include the electricity grid capacity requirement being reduced by as much as 50%, compared to individual air source heat pumps, meaning less off-site grid reinforcement, lower cost and less time to get sites away. Consequentially, fewer substations are required on site, further reducing cost to the developer and easing site build out. Often more capital-efficient than individual air source heat pumps, all of this adds up to an improved margin and greater simplicity for the developer. NGSHPs help meet the FHS, with carbon emissions reduced by 75-80% from day one and the inclusion of passive cooling helps compliance with Part O of the Building Regulations. Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps offer up to five times the efficiency of gas and higher, stable year-round efficiencies when compared with individual air source heat pumps.

Benefits for residents include low energy bills, saving circa 40% on whole-home energy costs (in a FHS home when combined with other measures such as solar PV and when compared to an average UK, gas-heated, three-bed semi-detached home). Stable year round ground temperature reduces any seasonal fluctuation of efficiency and energy costs that come with an air source heat pump. Residents set their heat and hot water requirements through their easy-to-use smart thermostat.

Community Heat Hubs (CHHs)

Community Heat Hubs (CHHs) provide an efficient and sustainable solution for high-rise, high-density residential developments. By utilising large-scale air source heat pumps and thermal stores, Community Heat Hubs centralise the production of heating for an entire site. This approach eliminates the need for individual external heat pumps and internal hot water storage for each apartment, simplifying installation and maintenance.

Benefits for developers include cost savings of up to £1,000 per plot and up to 15% lower overall peak site electrical demand, compared to fitting individual air source heat pumps. No hot water tank is required, freeing up vital internal space and connection to each plot is simple. CHHs meet the FHS by reducing carbon emissions by 75-80% on day one.

Benefits for residents include circa 40% savings on whole-home energy costs (in a FHS home when combined with other measures such as solar PV, when compared to an average UK, gas-heated, three-bed semi-detached home). With no cumbersome outside equipment, no space is required in balconies and external aesthetics are maintained.

Regulated and maintained

All heat networks (including both NGSHPs and CHHs) are regulated by OFGEM. This makes sure residents gain additional protections, transparent pricing, and confidence that their heating is safe, future-proof, and professionally managed. It’s effortless, low-carbon comfort with no hidden responsibilities. Power On’s sister company, Metropolitan, owns and manages the heat networks built by Power On. This means residents are free from having to maintain or replace equipment or manage breakdowns – everything is covered as part of a single billed service. Metropolitan has over 15 years of experience managing heat networks with more than 10,000 customers, and its Customer Contact Centre is based in Cardiff.

Start planning your high-rise heat network today.

Speak to our team to explore the most cost-effective, Future Homes Standard-ready solution for your development.