Effective commissioning ensures that heat networks operate efficiently, safely, and as designed from day one. FairHeat supports both new-build developments and operational network upgrades, providing technical oversight, performance validation, and compliance assurance.
New Build Development
A well-executed commissioning process is crucial to ensuring that new build heat networks operate as designed from day one. FairHeat provides structured commissioning oversight, helping developers avoid performance issues, inefficiencies, and costly post-handover interventions.
Our services ensure that plant equipment, distribution networks, consumer connections, and consumer heat systems are all tested, validated, and optimised alongside the verification of water treatment activities. We conduct comprehensive load testing, witness commissioning activities, and verify system performance, ensuring compliance with technical & regulatory standards, and KPIs, whilst ensuring resident comfort and expectations are met. FairHeat will implement systems to sufficiently monitor and report on Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) KPIs, ensuring ongoing compliance.
By integrating detailed commissioning processes and independent verification, we help developers de-risk projects, improve long-term network performance, and enhance resident satisfaction.
Prior to confirming system performance, plant equipment needs to be commissioned correctly and to the required system parameters. It has been found that commissioning engineers have typically not been provided with the correct site-specific parameters, which historically has only been picked up in proof of performance tests. FairHeat’s equipment commissioning support aims to catch this earlier by reviewing equipment commissioning methodologies, carrying out onsite witnessing and reviewing certification of commissioning activities. This early capture of issues has been pivotal to delay issues on site, and ensures that full commissioning information is provided for O&M records.
Clarity on expected content of method statements and review timeframes are provided to commissioning engineers in order to aid in the process, promote collaborative working and ensure that design intent and proposed KPIs are met during this process.
Water treatment management
The industry has experienced significant issues with poor pre-commissioning cleaning and ongoing water quality maintenance and monitoring activities on heat network systems. These issues have primarily been associated with:
- Inappropriate filling processes and a lack of attention paid to avoiding system stagnation. This has led to corrosion taking place prior to handover and major intervention measures to arrest the corrosion, causing programme delays and permanent corrosion damage.
- Insufficient levels of sampling in accordance with BG 29 2021 or monitoring in accordance with VDI 2035. This has led to issues not being detected before they escalate. This had led to undetected corrosion and significant remedial measures (e.g. installation of additional side stream filtration, system water exchange, shock dosing).
- A lack of record keeping and trend analysis. Corrosion management and prevention should focus on analysing trends in KPIs (inhibitor levels, dissolved iron etc.). Without regular samples and graphical trend analysis, corrosion issues are difficult to diagnose.
FairHeat’s involvement and expertise throughout the pre-commissioning cleaning procedure as well as tracking results throughout the rest of the commissioning process is integral to ensure a system with long life and remedial actions are picked up and actioned quickly.
The industry has experienced significant issues with poor pre-commissioning cleaning and ongoing water quality maintenance and monitoring activities on heat network systems. These issues have primarily been associated with:
- Inappropriate filling processes and a lack of attention paid to avoiding system stagnation. This has led to corrosion taking place prior to handover and major intervention measures to arrest the corrosion, causing programme delays and permanent corrosion damage.
- Insufficient levels of sampling in accordance with BG 29 (2021) or monitoring in accordance with VDI 2035. This has led to issues not being detected before they escalate, resulting in to undetected corrosion and significant remedial measures (e.g. installation of additional side stream filtration, system water exchange, shock dosing).
- A lack of record keeping and trend analysis. Corrosion management and prevention should focus on analysing trends in KPIs (inhibitor levels, dissolved iron etc.). Without regular samples and graphical trend analysis, corrosion issues are difficult to diagnose.
FairHeat’s involvement and expertise throughout the pre-commissioning cleaning procedure as well as tracking results throughout the rest of the commissioning process is integral to ensure a system with long life and remedial actions are picked up and actioned quickly.
Ensuring a heat network operates efficiently from day one is critical for long-term performance, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Our Acceptance Testing provides a structured approach to verifying that a heat network has been designed, installed, and commissioned to meet optimal performance standards before handover. This process also supports compliance with existing and evolving regulations, including the Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) and CP1 (2020).
FairHeat coined the term and practice of Acceptance Testing heat networks, establishing it as a fundamental step in heat network quality assurance. As the leading force behind its adoption, we have played a pivotal role in integrating Acceptance Testing into major industry standards and guidance, shaping best practices across the sector.
With the most extensive practical and technical experience in Acceptance Testing heat networks, FairHeat has successfully Acceptance Tested 100,000 dwellings. Our expertise has helped developers, operators, and stakeholders de-risk their projects, improve system performance, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Energy Centre/Substation and Network (i.e. Load Testing)
Many schemes have had significant issues with poor system control, unstable temperatures and heat generation equipment sequencing post-handover. FairHeat have developed a process for acceptance testing the central plant and any substations, which has proven successful at diagnosing such issues and ensuring remedial measures are carried out prior to the system being handed over.
During these tests FairHeat undertake witnessing of 100% of all BMS points, and then heating and hot water demand is induced on the system to simulate in-operation load. All plant equipment is monitored to ensure stability of key plant operating parameters (temperatures, pressures, flow rates) and equipment sequencing through varying loads, from minimum to peak loads and flow rates and then back down again. Faults are also induced to confirm successful operation. Often tweaks to the DesOps need to be made to improve and optimise control which wouldn’t be picked up had the tests not been carried out.
These tests are a key proponent of demonstrating correct (i.e. stable, reliable, and efficient) system operation prior to handover and FairHeat’s experience in undertaking these tests with proven results is required in order to meet the system’s design intent and the requirements of future regulations.
Consumer Connection and Heat System
Historically, heat network commissioning has had a primary focus on the centralised plant room with the dwelling commissioning not given the attention it requires, often left until the end of a project and rushed to meet handover deadlines.
Witnessing of dwelling level commissioning has typically only been required on a small number of end points, or only very high-level inspections/tests. This has resulted in installation and commissioning issues being missed, and not picked up until the resident has moved in, when it is often much more costly and time intensive to rectify. Poor performance of end points is often associated with elevated flow rates and return temperatures, where a few poorly performing units can have a detrimental effect on the heat network’s performance and efficiency.
Consumer connection Acceptance Testing allows FairHeat to independently validate installation, commissioning and operation of all end points through a rigorous testing procedure, as per CP1 (2020) minimum requirements and best practice, ensuring that the client and end user are delivered an efficient and reliable service. This process can be applied across all development end points, including dwellings, commercial connections and communal areas.
This rigorous process is one that FairHeat have developed over the last ten years and, has resulted in greatly improved heat network performance and reduced resident complaints in operation, when compared to systems that don’t undertake dwelling level acceptance testing.
FairHeat recommend that 100% of all dwellings/consumer connections are Acceptance Tested to ensure the highest quality network and protect system performance, as per the Best Practice requirements of CP1 (2020). However remote acceptance testing can be utilised using heat meter data to identify and infer high level performance issues.
It is only with a detailed and rigorous acceptance testing process that heat network developers can ensure that risk of callbacks is minimised and system KPIs can be met prior to handover.
Operational Network
For Operational heat networks, the commissioning stage is critical in ensuring that retrofit projects and system upgrades transition smoothly into full operation. FairHeat provides structured commissioning planning, technical oversight, and compliance management, ensuring that networks operate efficiently, safely, and in full regulatory compliance.
FairHeat helps clients achieve a smooth transition to operation while ensuring performance targets, compliance obligations, and long-term system reliability are met.
The commissioning stage of a heat network is critical to ensuring safe operation, regulatory compliance, and design integrity. As Principal Designer, FairHeat oversees health & safety, risk management, and regulatory adherence throughout commissioning, ensuring that all activities align with CDM 2015, the Building Safety Act (BSA), and project performance objectives.
Our Principal Designer services provide expert oversight to manage compliance, risk, and stakeholder coordination during the final project phase:
Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring
- Ensuring CDM 2015 and BSA requirements are met throughout commissioning.
- Reviewing health & safety measures, ensuring all necessary controls are in place.
Risk Assessments & Design Compliance
- Identifying and mitigating risks related to system performance, installation, and safety.
- Ensuring that all commissioning activities align with the approved design intent.
Health & Safety Oversight
- Producing and maintaining the Health & Safety File, ensuring all relevant documentation is complete and compliant.
- Managing residual risk assessments, ensuring any risks identified during commissioning are documented and mitigated.
Design Change Management
- Reviewing any design modifications identified during commissioning, ensuring they do not compromise safety, efficiency, or regulatory compliance.
Stakeholder Coordination & Handover
- Acting as a central point of contact between designers, contractors, and operators to ensure commissioning is carried out safely and effectively.
- Supporting a structured handover, ensuring all compliance documentation is in place for operation.
Our Principal Designer support during commissioning ensures that heat networks are safe, compliant, and fully documented before transitioning into operation, helping clients mitigate risks and achieve a smooth, regulatory-compliant handover.
FairHeat’s Planning & Management of Commissioning Activities service ensures that operational heat networks are properly tested, validated, and optimised before transitioning into full operation. By overseeing all aspects of commissioning, we ensure that systems function as intended, meet performance targets, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Our structured commissioning process ensures a seamless transition to operation, covering:
Comprehensive Commissioning Planning
Developing a detailed commissioning plan tailored to the project’s requirement, defining timelines, stakeholder coordination, and testing procedures.
End-to-End Management
Overseeing the entire commissioning process, ensuring activities align with the design intent and performance objectives.
Execution of Commissioning Activities
Managing system balancing, control calibration, and performance testing to verify efficiency and compliance.
Data Collation & Reporting
Collecting, organising, and analysing commissioning data to provide a clear overview of system performance. Documenting test results, identifying deficiencies, and recommending corrective actions.
Stakeholder Coordination
Acting as the central point of contact, ensuring contractors, suppliers, and project teams work together effectively.
Adoption Witnessing & Handover
Liaising with FairHeat’s Asset Management team on behalf of the heat network operator to ensure a smooth transition into operation.
FairHeat’s commissioning planning and management services provide clients with structured oversight, expert validation, and detailed reporting, ensuring that heat networks are fully optimised and ready for long-term reliability and efficiency.
As Principal Contractor, FairHeat oversees the final commissioning phase, ensuring compliance, safety, and performance verification before the network transitions to full operation. Our structured approach guarantees that all commissioning activities meet project specifications, regulatory requirements, and client expectations. This includes:
Witnessing & Performance Verification
Ensuring all systems and components meet specified requirements and operate efficiently. Our Project Delivery team works closely with the Quality Assurance team throughout the project to maintain the highest commissioning standards.
Health & Safety (H&S) File Compilation
Preparing a detailed H&S file, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. We use a standardised H&S template issued upon project completion, with the flexibility to adopt client-specific formats if required.
O&M Manuals & Operator Training
Providing comprehensive Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals with operational procedures and maintenance requirements. We ensure a smooth project handover by delivering detailed training sessions to the existing O&M provider, maintaining system performance and efficiency.
Formal Handover & Sign-Off
Conducting a structured handover process, verifying that all deliverables meet client expectations. Our collaborative approach between QA, commissioning, and O&M teams ensures no gaps in project completion.
Lessons Learnt & Supply Chain Feedback
Conducting post-project reviews to capture lessons learnt and provide feedback to the supply chain. We actively engages all stakeholders—including clients, contractors, designers, and QA teams—to refine best practices for future projects.
Post-Project Reviews
Delivering comprehensive evaluations of project performance, identifying successes and areas for improvement. We actively engages all stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement through knowledge-sharing across projects.
At the commissioning stage we support clients in ensuring heat networks are commissioned safely, efficiently, and compliantly brought into operation. Our structured approach, strong QA integration, and detailed handover process guarantee a successful transition into full operation.
District Heating
The commissioning stage of a district heating project is critical to the long-term reliability and performance of the energy centre and buried network. Due to the size, scale, unique project challenges and constraints, commissioning needs to be considered through the design and installation project phases. There are two key phases to get right; Pre-Commissioning & Commissioning.
Pre-Commissioning focusses on how the system is filled, flushed, pressure tested and treated to ensure that the system is clean, the water quality is inert to limit corrosion, and the joints are integral for the operational pressures it will experience, all prior to putting heat into the system. Corrosion can happen the day following the first system fill, and so ensuring the right process and the executing that process, is critical to avoiding system damage occurring prior to operation, that cannot be recovered. Leaks in operation are expensive and challenging to find and fix, and so establishing a sealed system is essential. Our services ensure the right activities are being executed during pre-commissioning to protect the long-term integrity of the district heating asset.
Commissioning focusses on how the system operates under load, ensuring generation and distribution plant varies its output quickly and stably in response to demand. It should also ensure plant is operated in a way that achieves the key performance metrics of the original specification and commercial model, such as generation efficiency, low carbon plant prioritisation and heat losses. Our extensive experience in support contractors in executing complex operational strategies, as well as our expertise in both testing and fault-finding control issues, makes us an industry leader in commissioning support.
Whilst all projects require a unique approaches and support, FairHeat typically provide:
- Process & Strategy: Development and review of Commissioning Management Strategies and Plans, for pre-commissioning cleaning and water treatment, and Energy Centre Acceptance Testing.
- Pre-Commissioning Support: Buried network pre-commissioning cleaning onsite witnessing, water quality results tracking and remedial measure advice.
- Phasing: Buried network new phase integration support
- Performance Testing: Energy Centre Acceptance Testing to demonstrate correct execution of the Description of Operations, seasonal testing and ongoing monitoring
- Documentation: General commissioning management and documentation collating, including leak detection, water quality and equipment commissioning records.
Heat networks in the UK have been subject to issues such as over sizing, poor control, high heat losses, overheating and poor resident experiences. These issues result in both excessive CAPEX and OPEX for the heat network asset.
In contrast to this, high performance heat networks are achievable, sustainable, and proven to work. To do this requires an appropriate design that has its foundations based on a set of defined and measurable performance targets, which is the primary aim of FairHeat’s industry leading Heat Networks Design Supplement.
FairHeat’s Design Supplement is used by over 20 housing developers and influences the design and specification of over 20,000 homes on heat networks every year. It works alongside, rather than supersede or replace, the ADE CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice, CP1 (2020). Implementation of the document has demonstrated a proven track record of resulting in improved resident outcomes and network performance.
