Report: Appraisal of the Bristol heat network
This report compares the costs of installing a standalone heating system in a new build development versus connecting to the Bristol heat network.
In April 2024, we produced a report: An appraisal between connecting to the Bristol heat network and an alternative building-level solution.
The report provides an assessment that is specific to Bristol in the absence of an industry-wide methodology for comparing a connection to the Bristol heat network with the applicable building-level solution. Using real case studies, this report provides the most accurate comparison to date for buildings in Bristol.
The results of the report demonstrate that the heat network is a cost-effective solution for new buildings, whether viewed from a capital, operational, or whole-life perspective.
For an overview of the report and its key findings, please see the Report FAQs below. To access the full report please fill out the form.
Report FAQs
Why have we produced this report?
We produced this report following feedback from property developers on assumptions that are used to compare the costs and benefits of connecting to the Bristol heat network compared to an alternative low carbon heating solution for their building.
It provides an assessment that is specific to Bristol in the absence of an industry-wide methodology. The report compares an individual building solution with a connection to a heat network using data from a representative sample of buildings in Bristol. This information has then been used to revise our connection charges for 2025.
What does the report find?
The report demonstrates that connecting to the Bristol heat network is competitively priced relative to the upfront costs of other building-level low carbon solutions. Additionally, the heat network offers energy system benefits and security of supply as part of an all-inclusive service.
How was the data complied?
Bristol based mechanical, engineering and plumbing consultancies, Hoare Lea and Hydrock now Stantec were appointed to review buildings they have designed or are designing and to provide designs for a) connecting to the Bristol Heat Network and b) being heated by an alternative building level solution. The consultants provided these technical inputs to Gleeds (quantity surveyor) who then provided cost estimates for these solutions.
From these costs, we assess the total ongoing cost of heat from the heat network and building-level solution including using a levelised cost of energy (a total cost comparison over a 40 year period), whilst also recognising the wider future benefit to Bristol that construction of the city-wide heat network will bring. Finally, with this information we have set a revised range for connection charges for buildings connecting to the Bristol heat network.
How should this report be used?
This information aims to assist property developers and Bristol City Council officers in benchmarking the costs of alternative heating solutions against the Bristol heat network, which is supported by the Councils’ planning policy.
We believe the results demonstrate that the heat network is a cost effective solution for new buildings, whether viewed from a capital, operational, or whole-life perspective. We have used this more granular information using actual buildings in Bristol to inform the setting of the charges for connecting to the Bristol heat network.
What was Bristol City Council’s involvement in the report?
Vattenfall is an essential subcontractor of Bristol City Leap, a joint partnership between Bristol City Council, Ameresco and Vattenfall.
Vattenfall has commissioned and produced the report. Bristol City Council was kept informed of the report and was provided with a draft and final version. The Council has also provided a foreword for the report.