UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 42
CIBSE launches new Domestic
Heating Design Guide
CIBSE is pleased to launch the Domestic Heating Design Guide 2026 (11th edition), providing the
latest guidance for designers, installers, and learners working with domestic space heating and hot
water systems. Produced by the CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel (DBSP), the guide reflects
modern design practices, alignment with current regulations, and the evolving climate context for
domestic heating and hot water systems.
This updated edition improves technical accuracy, strengthens
accountability and introduces clearer guidance on system
design, controls, and documentation—while remaining
practical and easy to use. A key addition is the System Criteria
Document, which allows designers to record and audit all
decisions, ensuring professional responsibility and alignment
with the Building Safety Act.
The guide incorporates the latest CIBSE weather data
across 28 zones, updated heat loss and domestic hot water
calculations, improved U-value tables, and guidance on
low-temperature system design. It also expands coverage
of modern hydraulic layouts, fluid dynamics and control
strategies, supporting both traditional and low-carbon
domestic heating solutions.
“
“
The new edition of the Domestic Heating Design Guide
updates heating design to reflect current regulations,
improved technical accuracy, and greater accountability,
including alignment with the Building Safety Act. It
introduces the System Criteria Document to clearly
capture design intent and responsibility, updates heat
loss and domestic hot water calculations to current
standards, adds guidance on controls, and expands
coverage of modern system and hydraulic arrangements.
Together, these updates support more accurate, efficient,
and transparent domestic heating design across the full
system lifecycle.”
The new edition of the Domestic Heating Design Guide
responds to a rapidly evolving heating landscape
by strengthening technical accuracy, accountability,
and system performance, while aligning with current
regulatory expectations, including the Building Safety
Act. It introduces the System Criteria Document to
provide a clear, auditable record of design intent and
professional responsibility. Updates include revised heat
loss calculations using the latest CIBSE weather data,
closer alignment with BS EN 12831-1 and BS EN 128313, expanded guidance on control strategies, and wider
coverage of modern hydraulic and system configurations.”
– Andy Mathews, Chair,
CIBSE Domestic Building Services Panel
– Adam Tyler, Lead Author,
Domestic Heating Design Guide 2026
UK CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL
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