New CIBSE Guidance Focuses on Electrification in Buildings

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03 December 2021 | Updated 06 December 2021

New guidance on the design and operation of building electrical services that focus on the electrification of buildings in the drive to net-zero carbon has been published by CIBSE.

The UK's drive to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is seeing a shift in buildings to electric heating and increasing demand for electric vehicle charging points.

According to the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), greater electrification of building services will have significant implications for the design and operation of buildings and their building services, because electricity is much more expensive than fossil fuels at the point of use.

Without well-considered design, this could result in big increases in energy bills and issues with grid capacity.

 CIBSE Technical Memorandum 67 Electrification of Buildings for Net-Zero

CIBSE Technical Memorandum "67 Electrification of buildings for net zero" has been written to provide guidance for all engineers involved in the design and operation of building electrical services that focus on the drive to net-zero carbon. The document outlines best practice and the emergence of new technologies, systems and protocols to facilitate the effective and safe design and operation of buildings.

The guidance includes advice on: overarching strategies and performance metrics; connection to and interaction with the network; new opportunities and challenges in operation; and electrical storage and generation systems.

It also includes design guidance including strategies for reducing demand; plant sizing for low energy buildings; and demand flexibility in order to respond to respond to the needs of the electricity grid.

Julie Godefroy, Head of Sustainability at CIBSE said: "The electrification of buildings is a key step on the road to a zero-carbon future. CIBSE TM67 provides timely guidance for all engineers involved in the design and operation of building electrical services". She added: “This is only the start of our guidance in this area, do get in touch if you would like to contribute to further guidance on the topic”.

The guide is available to download and buy from the CIBSE website.

Picture: a photograph of some light bulbs

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 03 December 2021

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