The Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme: Could it become the new BSR?

22 May 2026

Serving as the principal reference point for the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), the heat network technical standard (TS1) will mandate minimum technical requirements for existing and new heat networks. While it will likely be hugely positive for the industry, there are concerns the approval process could create substantial project delays – similar to what the built environment has seen with the Building Safety Regulator’s gateway process. Jason Tramontano, Technical Director at Whitecode Consulting, assesses the HNTAS technical standards and how they could impact the construction industry before questioning ‘could it become the new BSR?’

HNTAS was introduced to establish consistent, mandatory technical standards for the UK’s heat networks to improve energy performance and enhance consumer protection.

By ensuring consistent heat quality and performance, the standards address issues and challenges with underperforming, unreliable or existing networks while improving system efficiency to lower consumer energy bills.

The HNTAS aligns with the CIBSE Code of Practice (CP1). Updated in 2020, CP1 provides a series of fully integrated checklists that ensures a more stringent and structured compliance toolkit.

Substantial industry opportunities

While CP1 requirements were sometimes open to interpretation, HNTAS auditing ensures all requirements are assessable, with operators providing proof, such as design data, commissioning records and performance logs, to check against TS1’s measurable criteria.

KPIs and monitoring requirements will be incorporated upfront, enabling the integration of performance validation early in the design process. Clearly defined ‘key failures’ will help to set pass or fail thresholds – simplifying compliance management.

The mandating of regular reporting post-certification will promote ongoing transparency in operational performance while also helping compliance and refining burdens to avoid excessive implementation costs.

Having Ofgem as the statutory regulator for heat networks will also prevent tenants from paying over the odds for their heating.

What designers must be aware of

While the HNTAS will have a positive impact on heat network design, the multiple phases, extensive monitoring and additional certification steps may extend project timelines and inflate early-stage costs for designers and developers.

Technical specifications and assessment procedures also remain in draft and may be revised substantially before finalisation. Similarly, a reliance on pilot programmes for new build and existing networks means some practical adjustments are pending.

The heavy administrative and governance overhead means designers must navigate operator coordination, audits, ongoing compliance, data collection processes and certification procedures, and there must be careful consideration in regard to the resourcing and infrastructure needed to effectively manage these requirements without incurring additional expense.

Could it push all Stage 2 applications back?

HNTAS Stage One concept design aligns with RIBA Stage Two. However, while RIBA Stage Two is iterative and creative, HNTAS restricts design freedom through early performance obligations.

HNTAS describes Stage One as concept design. But it could be argued the information required is more commonly provided during developed design stage. With this stage being seen as an HNTAS assessment point, projects may not be able to proceed until all information is issued, feedback received and any non-conformities resolved.

If designers rely on old CP1-compliant but non-regulatory approaches, they may unintentionally produce a concept design that cannot gain HNTAS approval.

While these stringent standards will encourage consultancies to design heat networks to the same quality standards as RIBA, this level of regulatory assessment could push all Stage Two applications back, and it may take up to a year to agree a design.

Developers must also be aware the majority of design work takes place early and nothing can change once the design is approved. Consequently, they may look towards alternative technologies, such as exhaust air heat pumps located within individual units.

Who is responsible for assessing the heat networks?

For new build networks, eight phases of assessment will take place at four key stages of development – feasibility, design, construction and operation. While Ofgem will be the official regulator of heat networks, a Code Manager will register independent professionals to carry out the heat network assessments.

However, this could be a lengthy process. Three different validators could be checking one particular heat network, with the third signing off on the two validation reports from the previous assessors.

Additionally, are there enough assessors ready to start work on the substantial number of heat networks that need to be assessed? As the BSR has highlighted, a lack of knowledge or a shortfall in the number of people able to undertake the validations can cause significant backlogs.

Sharpening the focus on heat network quality standards will prove crucial for the construction industry in the coming months and years. However, those across the built environment must work together to ensure the HNTAS approval process remains streamlined and smooth to avoid the delays that have blighted BSR applications. This is where seeking advice and guidance from Heat Network consultants, such as Whitecode Consulting, will be critical.